Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-03-12
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THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH II. 1929.

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Like all the other productions of this dis,n-
guished man, il is energetic and eloquent. Mr..
Clay is, decidedly, the creates, orator in our
country; and, although laboring under ind's-
not fail him, on this occasion. The language
which falls from him, ore rotundo, and which
has so often delighted and astonished his hear
ers, unlike that Of others, comes almost equal
ly harmonious and pleasing upon the ear OF the
reader. But i. is with the mailer Of this speech,
that we are pleased. The allusion to himself,
and the compliment 10 his friends, are happily
and beautifully expressed. When he speaks of
his own opinions, and the cause OF these OPT
nions-when he declares his dread OF blind
admiration of military glory, and when he re.
fers to the condition Of other American States,
and the fate that has overtaken Republics, in
our day, and in our hemisphere-we acknow-
ledge the rectitude Of his intentions, and the
extent Of his patriotism. But his manly re-
buke OF the President citizen, who has
done him "injustice, wanton unprovoked in
juslice"-his Triumphant remark, concerning
the witness brought to testify against him, and
the feelings, more in sorrow than in anger, ex-
pre- ssed at the conduct Of that ctizen,-all this,
we confess, appears to heigh,en him in our es>
TEEN. The perfect and cheerful acquiescence
to the will of the People, the absence OF all re-
pinipg, and the dgnified style Of the whole
speech, prove Mr.. Clay to have lost nothing Of
his ardent, patriotic, American feeling.
In consistency, friendship, and uprgh'ness
Of political conduct, Mr. Clay is at the head OF
our public characters. We admire most Of all
his high and intrepid bearing, and the moral
courage which enables him to laugh 10 scorn
the attacks of his enemies. 1t is impossible 10
crush him. The Hercules of party may dash
him for moment to the ground; but, Antsuas
like, it is only that he may rise with renewed
vigour. He may be compelled to travel over
the same ground which brought him to his late
elevation-he may be pursued into retire.
men, with vindictiveness Of purpose which
cannot rest; his privacy may be violated, and
the exuting cry Of his vic!ors pursue him long
latter the death"-but all-esery thing, will be
overcome. Rise he will, and must Are we
too enthusiastic! Do our feelings lead US too
far Move rejoice that Henry Clay yet lives
for his country-we rejoice tina, the ebulition Of
party feeling will subside-that justice will in
time be done-lhat "Truth is mighty and will
Ia. Hes L. l.
ing back upon these times, will wonder at the
infatuation which lead to the resul, we have
arrived al, but will also admire the magnanim-
ity Of a people who sensible of :heir error were
no, slow to do justice.
Mr.. Clay goes into retirement, his friends
may be assured, with no regrets to embitter
his repose. His conduct in office has been
nexceptionable-he says himself he has rot
made personal enemy since his stay in Wash.
ington. We know he has made many-many
friends; and his only regret is at parting with
them. More rue JOY Marcellus exiled fell,
than Cesar with a Senate at his heels )" and
this Distinguished stat. sman, no doubt, quits
the cares Of state happier in mind-prouder in
feelings-safer in conscience-lhan his rivals,
with all their power and triumph.
There is something noble in the spectacle Of
a grea, man, stripped Of power, and hunted
down by his enemies, fearlessly defying them !;
boarding the lion in his den and Lrocaming
his innocence in his fall He who has done
him SO much Sit Justice nprovoked and un-
atoned injustice Ought FORBIDDEN with shame
at the scene and they who would now tread
upon The worm. may cry and howl when they
see the stoop of the fiery mou,hed dragon"
A change will ye, burs, upon them. The Ro-
man general pointed to the Capitol which he
had saved-and it was enough. Mr.. Clay
pointed to the scene Of his civic triumphs-to
the ield OF his blooGless victories-to what he
had saved-but il was only 10 tell his enemies
and his country that he had A" dune the stale
some service''-servce which he cherished
even in the hour Of adversely which nothing
could take away: and which the ingratitude