Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-07-09
tunGE eLAY,s SPEECH.


 The following speech was delivered by Judge Clay at public dinner near Courtland, given as a testimony of regard to Col Mckinley and himself.
 Mr President and FeliOtc- Citizens--It would be vain, to attempt to give utterance to the grate ful emotions inspired by the atterng expression of approbation with which you have just honored me, in conjunction with my late honorable colleague. To one who engages in the service of hIs country, not metely to fill place and receive its emoluments- not merely for the sake of being distinguished by naTne-but from the higher and more laudable mo- tive of extending the sphere of his usefulness to his felbw-men whose lots have been cast with his; what (next to the appreciation ofhs own conscence) can be more acceptable than the approval of his public conduct, coming spontaneously and cordially from the hearts of those by whose confidence he has been distinguished? Nothing can be more accepta- ble-nothing suitable-indeed, it is the only re- watd which ought to be desired or expected by an individual who has sought, and entered upon pub lie trust, with proper views of its importance, and his own responsibility. Impressed with these senti- ments the least and yet the most do in return is to tender to you MT President, and to this ous and respectable assembage of my fellow-citi- zens, the sincere assurance of my humble thanks.
 As one setting much higher value upon the con sistency of his character, and his reputation for up rightness, than the mere triumph of the moment, may I not be permitted on this occasion. to allude to some d the grounds of the opposition had to counter, when I presented myself candidate for your suffages two years agol It will be recolected that had served in the preceding Legislature of the State, as one of the representatives from the county of Madison-and that, during that session, itbecame my duty to act upon the grant of 400 900 acres ofre linqushed land, made by Congress, to improve the navigation of the Tennessee, Coosa, Cahawba, and Black Warrior rivers. It had been my fortune to believe, and to act upon the principle, that itwas not intended by Congress that Alabama should have or exercise the power of extending any favor, pre- ference, to those who occupied the lands embraced by the grant. In my construction of this act of Con gress, according to legitimate rule kept steadily in view the accomplishment of the important object which it contemplated felt assured and still do. that this munificent grant was not intended, exclu- si,ely, to benefit own State-that the im- pavement of the Tennessee, particularly was na- tima in its character involving the immediate inter- ess of our sister State, ofthe same name, and more remotely those of all the other Western and South err States. But, 1.-the views which had intimated hid been entirely erroneous, it must be admitted on al hands, that the mode of selling those lands was prrrelya question cf ezpediency,in reference to which, representative, bound by the instructions OrknOtcn aoiu of ny constituents On this principle I commenced my political career, some fourteen or fifeen years ago. and time and reflection have only fixed me more firmly in the opinion, that it can never bes safely, or properly dispensed with in a represen- tatve government Indeed, true representation can no exist without its observance-and hold it to be tht indispensable duty of one clothed with such a trust, whether he Is expressly instructed or is other ,reH assured of the aoM of hs constituents, to oby implicitly, or resign. I knew it to be the almost unanimous sentiment and ,oiU ofmy then constituents tlat should pursue the course did hence, what erer had been my own opinion upon the expediency oithe course to be pursued the line of my condnct WIS marked out and was bound to follow it, or be recreant to the essential principle which have nam- d. Under all these views, 1 felt my duty to op- pose any, and every plan, in my opinion, tending to diminish the product of this liberal and important grant-and, am free to admit, as have done on all occasions when speaking of my conduct in this view, did honestly and faithfully oppose every pro- position, in my judgement, having that tendency.
 Although my course, in relation to this matter had ,othing to do with my ability or freedom to serve ,Ou, in relation to your landed interest, within the bower and discretion of Congress, yet my conduct was so much misconcepcd by sonue and so egregious
 misrepresented by others, that was charged upon ne as conclusive evidence, that my sentiments and prnciples at with this most vital interest o the country. Yes, was charged with being opposed Ito all measures of relief to the purchasers of the pub lc lands, who had forfeited, or relinquished them was charged with being the devoted friend and [euPPo.to. Of tho aucton sysenl-wh not only being the enemy of all classes of occupants of the public lands, but, as having disqualified myself by m, course in the Legislature, to be their friend, or fl instrument to solicit obtain relief or favor in the
 behalf With many, it was in vain that then urged the proofs furnished by my whole course of conduct during my residence in the country that had, my self deep interest involved that had lost no op portunity of participating in exhibiting to the genera government, by memorials and remonstrances, the ruinous consequences which had resulted to the peo pie of Alabama from the auction system, and the cooperating system of nefarious speculation tha my course in the Legislature had been the result o obligation to my immediate constituents regard fol fhp nf fn ,6oar Jo, and my sense of responsibility to posterity; for whom j we were trustees n~the management of the grant for the accomplishment of the allimportant object view. Yet all this was then true. Fortunately fol me, however, did satisfy and unite the confidence of majority of the freemen of the District. With the perfect consciousness of the recude of my nten tions, the earnestness of my zeal, and unremttine assiduity throughout the terms of my service, now take pleasure in referring you to more authentic anG satisfactory evidence of my principles and sincerity lfmy ac.s do not furnish sufficient evidence of my claim to confidence ought to be, and am, ready tc submit to condemnation. do not mean to be under stood, as affirming that have been always right that have never erred. Far from it-I am too con scious of my full particpancy in the universal falib
 lity of man. All that intend to be understood as saying, ls that am unconscious Ofintentional error have assiduously endeavored to discharge my duty -and, therefore, am willing to abide the impartial judgement ofmy constituents, and my country.
 l trust l shall be pardoned for advertng, on this occasion of festvty and graduation, to our late em barrassing situation, and the prospect before us.- Two years ago we owed an immense debt to the ge neral government. In the opinion of many, the last act of indulgence and relief had been extended to us Many of us had already relinqushed the farest DOT ton of our posssssionsand almost all were reduced to the perplexng and fearful alternative of redeem ing the remainder, by the payment of fourfold the value, by day rapidly approaching, or incurring forfeiture, which would reduce us to the humiliatine character of mere tenants at sufferance. Looking beyond that period, all was most painful and distress
 ing uncertainty. No man could say, with conf dence, whether any thing short of a speedy sale o our homes at auction awaited us. Unsuccessful at