Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-03-13

past history had imp esse1 my mind this solemn
apprehension, nor is il etiaced or weakened by
contemporaneous events passing upon our own
favored continent. 1t is remarkable, that at this
epoch, at the head Of eight of the nine Indepen-
dent Governments established in both Americas
military officers have been placed, or have placed
themselves. General Lavaile has, by military
force, subverted the Republic Of La Plaza Cen
Santa Cruz is the Chief Magistrate of Bolivia;
Colonel Pinto Of Chill, General La Mar Of Peru,
and General Bolivar OF Colombia. Central Amer
lea, rent in pieces, anu bleeding at every pore,
from wounds inflicted by contendng military fac
tons, is under the alternate sway OF their chiefs.
In the Government Of our nearest neighbour, an
election, conducted according 10 all the require
ments Of their Constitution. had terminated with a
majority of the States in favor of Pedraza the civil
candidate. An insurrection was raised in behalf
OF his military rival. the cry, not exactly Of bar
gain, but OF corruption was sounded; the election
was annulled, and u reform effected, by proclaim
ing General Guerrero. having only minority Of
the States, duly elected President. The thuudeis
from the surrounding forts, aud the acclamations
OF the assembled multitude on the fourth, told us
what General was at the head Of our affairs II
Is true, and in this respect happier than
not been brought about by military violence. The
forms OF the Constitution have yet remained In
violate.
In e-asserting the opinion which hold, moth
ing Is further from my purpose than to treat with
the slightest disrespect those of my fellow citizens
here, or elsewhere, who may entertain opposite
sentiments The Eact .. ciaitniug and exercising
the tree and independent expression of the die
tafes OF my own deliberate judgment, affords the
strongest guaranty of my full recognition Of the
corresponding privilege.
A majority OF my fellow citizens il would seem,
does not perceive the dangers which apprehend-
ed from the example. Believing that they are
not real, or that have some security against
their effect. which ancient and modern republics
have not found, that majority. in the exercise OF
their incon,estible right OF snf age, have chosen
Tor Chief Magistrate citizen who brings into
that high trust no qualification other than military
triumphs.
That citizen has done me much injustice-wan-
ton, nnprovoked, and unatoned injustice Ii was
inflicted, as must ever believe, for the double
purpose OF gratifying private resentment, and
promoting personal ambition.
When, during the late canvass, he came forward
IN the public prints, under his proper name, with
his charge against me, and summoned before the
public tribunal his friend and his only witness TO
establish it. the anxious attention Of the whole
American People was directed 10 the testimony
which that witness might render. He promptly
oheyed the call, and testified to what he knew
lie could say nothing, and he said nothing,
which cast the slightest shade upon nv
honor or integrity. What he did say, was the
reverse OF any implication OF Inc. Then, all lust
and impartial men, and oil who had faith in the
magnaniniiy OF my accuser, believed that he
would voluntarily make public acknowledgment,
ci his error. How far this reasonable expectation
has been fulflled,!et his pe-severng and stubborn
silence attest.
But my relations to that citizen, by a recent e.
vent are now changed. He is the Chief Magis
trate of my country, invested with large and ex
tensive powers, the administration of which NAV
conduce to its prosperity occasion i,s adversty
Patriotism ehjons, a duty, that, whilst he is in
that exalted station, he should be treated with
decorum' and his official acts be judged Of in a
spirit Of candor. SURPRISING, as far as l can.
sense OF my personal wrong, willing even to
forgive him, II his own conscience and our com
mon God can acquit him; and entertaining for the
majority which has elected him, and for the Of
lice which he fills, all the Difference which is due
from private citizen, most anxously hone that
under his guidance, the great interests of our
country foreign and domestic, may be upheld our
Tree institutions be unimpaircd, and the Happiness IS
Oh the nation be continued and increased.
Whilst am prompted by an ardent devotion n
the welfare oil my country, sincerely to express
tiliS hope, make no pledges, no promises no
threats, and, must add, have no confidence
My public life, tru.., furnishes the best euaran
~ oil my faithful adherence TO those great princ-
pies or internal aid external policy, 10 which il
has been hitherto zea!ously dedicated Whether
shall ever hereafter take any part in the public
councils or not, depends upon circumstances be-
yond my control. Holding the principle, that a
ci'izen, as long as single pusaon remains is
under an obligation to exert his utmost energies in
the service OF his country, if necessary whether
I'm private or public station, my friends here and
every where, may rest assured that, in either
quered, whilst lille endures, ready to second their
exer,ions in the cause of liberty, the Union. and
the national prosperity
Before sit down, avail myself with pleasure
OF this opportunity 70 make my grateful ackpowl
edsments for the courteses and friendly ate n,ions
which have uniformly experienced from the in
hab'iants oil this City. free and social intercourse
with them, during period of more than twenty
years, is about to terminate, without any re-
collection or my part, OF a single painful collision
and without leaving behind me, as far az know
a solitary personal enemy. If, in the sentime MT
with which am about 10 conclude do not DIV
particular expression 10 the feelings insp;reJ bv
the interchange of civiliies and friendly Offices I
hope the citizens Of Washington will be assured
'hat their individual happiness, and the growth
ana prosterl!y OF this city, will ever he on
jects OF my tervent wishes. In The sentiment,
which shall presently offer, they are indeed
comprehendea, for the welfare of this Citv il
indlssoubly associated with that OF our Union.
and tile preservation of our liberty.
request permission to propose,
:" Let us never despair Of the American Repub.
lies -''P''-
MIR. Clay appeared TO be much indisuosed by n
severe cold, and retired very soon after the deli
very oil his remarks and toast. The comnanv
nevertheless, kept together for some time longer.
and, amid the lively eDioyments of social feeIino
ana gooo hunor, unalioyed by any tincture OF
party or persona! animosIty towards any person
present or absent, many lively and innocent ie,r
desprh ard repartees, gave an agreeable ANNA
uon 10 the scene. Some of these suortive e.,I;e.
took the shape Of volunteer toasts; and of ,bese
we nave been enabled TO get together what fol-
low, without being able TO enbody the short b,,
pi'ny speeches by which some of them were pre-.
coded. pc
By Mr.. John M .lr CarfJu .f Diy g;,;o IT,
Peoples will should always be respected. va,
etimes returned. 1''