Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-11-29
ALEXANDRIA. ID. C.
TUESDAY MORNING. nor. %. 81

S0MM EdPosdtoHS " NNf' 10y
We, along with Mr. Clay's friends generally
feel obliged to the Editor Of the Rchmond Wing
for the very able manner in which he is develop
ing the real views and sentiments of MIR. Clay
stripped Of the false coloring put upon them oy
his enemies, to the people Of the South, and the
citizens of Virginia in particular. That these
expositions must benefit MIR. Clay in his native
state, we are thoroughly convinced; and 1t Is
there, above every other place, that as lar as
personal feeling is concerned, we would wish TO
see his, character duly estimated, his opinions
correctly known. and his conduct candidly Jndg-
ed. 1t has long been the policy of the +" Rich
mond junto," as it used to be cailed-but, IN
fact, as it SHOULD be termed, the State Regency
to prejudice the minds of the people of Virginia
against Mr. Clay, BY the most unfounded repre-
sensations of his political doctril'es-represena-
tons which originated in something worse than
mieconception-and are continued with motives
no way honorable to their contrivers. He is &C
cused, in Virginia, Of being the greatest latitude
marian in the county, Of being anxious To stretch
all the powers Of the General Government beyond
bounds-of constituting the Constitution accord
ing to his own views of cxpediency-of con-
siderIng it, in fact, a nose of wax, to be moulded
as occasion may require; and thousand other
absurdities, used as bug-bears to brighten the
plain, honest Virginia farmers, who revolt at the
idea of splendid and overshadowing government
administered on such broad. and apparently wild,
principles. The changes have been rung SO often
on these accusations, that they have had. IL a
great measure. the desired effect. And yet, ne.
yer was more injustice, more gross injustice.
done to a public man! Never were republican
sentiments more outraseously distorted! Mr..
Clay, so far from being such political monster
as the Ritchie-Virginia politicians would make
him, has sacred regard Tor the Constitution OF
his country, and warm attachment to the rights
of the states. It's true he is liberal politician.
He does not profess to act manacIed as well as
hoodwinked. But, liberal as he is, he is not
half so loose in his construction of the Constltu.
ton as some other favorte public men-yes, as
the immaculate" Jackson himself! The ex.
tent of Mr.. Clay's sin Is, that he is in favor OF
Tariff, and friendly to Internal Improvements.
And even here we have seen how he would regu-
late the Tariff, having reference to the present ST.
tuaion Of the country, aud of consequence how
materially the fund for Internal Improvement
would he lessened by the reduction OF The duties
on the proposed plan. Further than this has he
gone-has he ever proposed to go: And how men
will strain at snats and swallow camels. For
following IN the footsteps of Monroe, Adams,
Lowndes and Calhoun, on these questions, Mr..
Clay is denounced: and yet Gen. Jackson, who
avows himself equally as friendly both to the
Tariff & Internal Improvements, is laudod to the
skies.-But we do not stop here. Gen. Jackson
can recommend the unconstitutional measure Of
distributing to the states the surplus revenue: a
scheme which, Mr.. Clay declares, is g without
the slightest authority in the Constitution" and
it is WE'LL Tie can originate missions to foreign
courts without the advice or consent Of the Sc.
nate-and it is we'll He can, after his Homina-
tons being rejected by the Senate, appoint the
| nominees to the same or similar offices-and il
is well. All these, and similar violations-con-
tumelious violations of the Constitution. are per-
mitted to pass unnotced BY these stickIers for
strict constructions" or, if noticed, are de-
Tended or apoloszed for. Here is political con-
sistency-he,e the beauty Of party feeling-here
the express image" of JacksOnism.
We have referred to this matter to direct pub.
lie attention to a candid examination of Mr..
Clays real opinions. 1t is not fair to Judge him
through the distorted medium Of others compre.
tensions. But take his whole public life; look
at all his political conduct; read his speeches;
examine his votes and see if he is not at heart
a true American Republican; displaying proper
regard for the Constitution of his country. and
far from being the wild and visionary politician
which his enemies would fain make the world be-
lieve him to be.
Our neighbors, in Washington. have determin-
ed upon instituting Lyceum in their city. John
Quincy Adams presided at the meeting held for
that ,nrpnsa and oxpreased himself vy.rnIv IN