Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1829-08-20
From the Political Arena.
HENRY CLAY.


SCedant anna taSa, c0acedas tatgea iingue."
CICERO.
Proud is the eminence which this great man
4, present occupies. After Sustaining, for
Sur years, the uBceasing torrents of Islander
nd ribsidry of his personal and political enc.
mes, and suffering al! that their most vindio.
live passions could inflict, be now retires into
the bosom Of privacy-consoled by the refec
ton of q faithful discharge of his public duties,
and a practical co nmentary upon his own
patriotic sentiment, tswhat is q public man
worth who will not sacrifice himself, for the
good OF his country"
A sacrifice indeed he has been-offered up
living sacrifice, to the merciless vengeance Of
his enemies; bleeding, but not boHnd-and laid
uDon q political bed Of torture, which their
malice and inc enui,y invented, more excrucia-
line, even, than the tabled one of Procrustes-
hot to tor ment its victim only, but to extermi.
rge. A heart, less resoiute, would have
hrunk from the conflict, or sunk beneath its
Mans. His however was endured with a forti-
hide and self possession, that was never sppali-
d at danger, or that quaked with apprehen-
nan. and was always rendered vigorous, in
~pOportion TO the difficulties he had to surmoun
nd the benefit he was likely to confer by the
euggle upon bis country. The effort OF his
kemles 20 crush him, was as vain and inpotent,
i i was incessant and malignant; and his
auscter like the besutifui and elastic palm.
kf,which springs from the tread ofoppression,
knh its life renovated and its beauty refreshed,
Ee6es their utmost powers OF csIumny to des.
boy it.
Love of countryis the ruling passion of Mr..
Claws soul, and his whole life has been one of
unhring devotion to her, and to the cause of
baman liberty. For her he has endured every
t~ivation, and with more than Spartan-constan
{ would endure more. To render her pros
porous and peaceful and happy, to fortify her
Republican institutions, and to elevate her name
Beyond The example of any former nation, bis
kslents and energies have been indefatigably
k~rerted-talents and energies that have fallen
10 the lot OF but few men to possess in SO high
y degree, whose lives it has been the part of
history 20 record. He seems to have been
formed by nature for the achievement of signal
civil deeds, and pre- emiuently to designate
|the aye in which he lives. Not distinguished
for any one quality of mind alone, which more
than The rest hss made him efficient. and gain.
&c him celebrity, as is remarkable in the char.
ac,er OF mos, of the illustrions men of the
world, Mr.. Clay unites the rarest combination
Of talents with the highest possible superiority
tn all, of any man that this country has ever
produced. To q mind rapid in its PERCEPTIONS,
%vvacious in its imagery, cspacicus sud expan-
sive in its conceptions-Is added a judgment
profound, sagacious and discriminative HIS
comprehension is almost intu'tIve, and when
a subject is presen ed for his consideration, no
mstter how intricate, The ligttning Of his mind
~pervades it and raveis its compile kitty at u glance.
And whether writing or speaking. his style IS
PIKE remarkable for a method and arrange
|nent both perspicuous and elegant. Though
Ultimately skilled in the human character, he
Possesses a frankoess OF manner and holiness
ct spirit that disdains the caution and circum
tpecuon, which that knowledge is apt TO
houce. 1t is this feeling that prompts him 10
slearless and bold declaration of his political
Entiments, without any attempt to disguise
Nconcea them-tbe opposite of that intrigue
md Snsvery which mark the course and char
ster OF some Of the political asplrsnts OF the
Gay. In the bosom OF this man nothing IKE
guile or deceit is ENTERTAINERS; what he thinks
ne speaks-and what he speaks ~ done openly
nthe world, having confidence that his fellow
tnzens will Judge fairly and Impartlally. and
60 justice TO his words and actions trait, as
rare AS i, is valuable. and which in him seems
Dot to be observed, or appreciated by the
American public.
Notwithstanding Mr.. Clay has figured upon
20 many different theatres. he has not only
been distinguished but has held the first rank
IN oil. At the Bar, 10 the Senste-int the corp
ahamat9pe and in the Cabinet, be has occu
pied the first station, and manifested q genus
sl talents whose proioundness and versatility
YIN ease and sptness, accommodated tnedn
%lYes to The varied and complicated duties o
each. Nor was he less OF a lawyer than o.
Ita'or, a politician than statesman, or diploma
tst than either. The fame he acquired as al
eloquent speaker while on the floor OF Congress
where he SO abb, maintained every messur'
" public interest and she'd such glory on I'M
Parliamentary history Of our country-does no
probably so fairly illustrate the vIger OF al
Uand and The extent OF his requirements, a
me mastery production of the Panama lnslruc
ions, whilst Secre AIRY OF State. But in wha'
syef situation placed, he has ever eyinced III
sane ori'iisncy Of understanding and eapaet
IOs business.
near him debate of Commonwealth affairs
rToud say, II hath been all.in- all his stndy'
1GFn him TO any cause of policy,
nne Gordian knot Of il he will unloose
.rSu'ilar as his garter, that when he speaks
tne sir-a chartered hhertine-is still,
-A"at ne mute wonder lurketh in mems ears
'Eos'eal hs sweet and honeyed sentences
kRsvs ssid, that country 10 Mr. Clsy's ld'