Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-04-30

whatever in the publication OF, or in furnishing
these accounts. They were never, directly or
indirectly, a subject Of conversation or CORES.
pondence between u.s. Mr.. Clay is as free from
any connection with their publication as Gen.
eral Jackson himself
ask, as matter Of fairness, that the Editor
Of The Nashville Gazette insert this article in
his paper. Any reply he makes to it shall be
republished in the Cincinnati Gazette.
~ @ From the Democratic Press,
| We have hastily perused new publication
entitled SHE speeches OF HENRY CLAY, de.
"liyered in the Con- ress OF the United States:
",o which, is pre6xed, a Biographical Memoir,
with an appendix containing his speeches at
I.exinpton and Lewisburg, and before the Co.
alonization Society at Washington; toge Their
awi,h the address II his constituents on the sub.
"iect of the late Presidential election"
Though we had before read the speeches Sc
para,ely, whichare now brought together in this
work. we were never before so forcibly impress
ed With the characteristic traits of the superb.
tive mind which produced them
We were not before so distinctly aware how
entirely all his public labors were pervaded and
animated by thesane spirit as manifested in
his efforts 10 improve the condition Of every
part of the country, and to extend the light Of
liberty to every portion of the human race. 1t
is the undying warmth Of the inspiration Of
these noble Sentiments which seems TO eonsti-
tute the vital principle. Of his eloquence. It's
moral sublimity which forever sustains him
above The atmosphere OF petty vanities and
personalities. We overlook the powers Of his
mag nifcently gifted mind, and surrender our.
selves to the absorbing sympathy excited by
his generous anxieiies, and exalted anucipa.
tons of human improvement.
Another trait which is every where impress.
ed upon all he has said and done, is htrepidiiy
"a natural ono omitant Of that moral elevation
of mind hieh distinguishes him. We never
find him following tameiy in the wake Of any
party, or of any administration; nor opposing
any, unless where he found them opposing tSe
principles upon which rested the ruling passion
Of his iearl-the love Of universal liberty.
Though he yielded cordial support to he
measures in general of every administration
with which, as legislator, he has been called
upon toieo-operate, yet on signal occasion
on the question Of South American Emanci2a-
ton Gnslsls) we find him arrayed against The
force Of the then administration; and thoughhe
failed, The struggle drew from him eloquence
which he has perhaps never surpassed; and
which will be preserved and venerated as a
monument of genius and philanthropy, as long
al least as liberty exists amongst our sister re-
publics Of the south.
1t is stated in northern paper (The Cadet
that meeting was held in Kentucky to deter
mine some question relating to negro slavery.
The persons attending were all either slave
holders, or their connexions and dependants.-
One after anotherlrose tospeak on the side OF
slavery and no one dared to open his mouth in
opposition to the prevalent sentiment, until an
unknown youth jumped upon a wagon a.
midst the crowd, and poured forth his in.
dignant feelings against that cnrse OF the
.vuu-r, In style OF eloquence as no,el as il
was bold. Though it met in proud defiance
the tide Unpopular opinion, it arrested the sym.
pathies as texcited the admiration of the null
titude. The soowl Of irritation which first met
him, gave way to huzza Of rotation, which,
as he concluded, rose to pitch Of enthusiasm,
and he was carried off amidst the rap,urous ac-
clamaions Of the crowd. Some gentlemen FOL.
lowed and inquired for his name, he replied
at is Henry Clay"
The same generous principles, the same ar.
dent unconquerable and selfdevoted spirIr which
marked the commencement Of his career, have
illustrated every succeeding step Of his life. until
his fame has become inseparabIy mingled with
that of his country.
We shall only add now the concluding re.
marks Of the Biographical sketch in the work
before us.
"The admirers Of MIR. Clay may safely chal.
Ienge comparison Of that eminent orator and
statesman, with any other public man Of the
age. Powerful talents and commanding elo-
qnence, which distinguish him with many 9th
ers, are no: the features of Mr. CIay's charac-
ter, upon which posterily will dwell with the
most respect. When the factions and the ca
lumhies Of the present day are past BY, succeed
ing generations will pronounce grateful eulo.
gy upon his public services, and rank him a.
nong the most distinguished public benefactors
Posterity will then pronounce with equal truth
and justice, During the course Of long and
ardu"us public life, he made his country's in
terests the end anG aim of his exerlions. He
never sacrificed principle to secure the favor
Of party, or yielded an opinion from the fear
Of its unpopuarity. He sought first and prin
cipally the extension Of republican freedom, and
as the best means of securing it, aboured with
all the energy Of his eloquence, TO maintain un'
impaired the union Of the states. He incorpo
81 "A be