Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-10-06

thy for the struggling Colonies Of S"utl AN erica;
or that, acting on the maxim that revolutions 10
not go backward, he had the sasac'ty TO see,
earlier than Others, the successful terminationof
those struggles; IT, thus feeling and thus perceiv-
ing, it fell to him to lead the willing or unwll-
ling councils OF his country in her manifestations
of Kindness to the new government, and IN her
&. .asonabe recognition Of her independence; IL II
be this, which the Honorable Member im-
putes to him,-if il be by this course of puDiic
conduct that he has identified his own name win
the cause Of South American Liberty,he ought 10
be esteemed one of the most fortunate men OF the
age II all this be as is now represented, he
has acquired fame enough. 1t is enough Tor any
man thus to nave connected himself WIN the
greatest events of the aye IN which he 'iVes'
and to have been foremost in measures when re-
fleet high honors on his country IN the Judgment
of mankind. Sir, il is always with great re'uc'
lance, that am drawn to speak, IN my place mere,
of individuals; but could not forbcar what
have now said, when hear in the House OF Re
representatives., and in the aId OF free spirits, that
il is made matter of imputation and reProach, TO
have been first tvreach forth the hand OF welcome
and of succor to newborn nations, struggling to
obtain and eujoy the blessings OF liberty
We have noticed few Of the leading parts
only of this article, the whole OF which is worthy
of the attentive perusal Of every American citI'
zen, for though Mr.. GAYS public services are
we'll know to the people, it is by looking over
sketch of his life, that one becomes fully sensible
of the extent and importance OF those services
and what is not less worthy of notice, OF the per-
feet consistency and harmony ofhis political Prln-
ciples and conduct at different periods, from the
beginning of his career to the present time. The
latter part of this article dwels particularly upon
the part Mr.. CLAY has taken in relation to the
American System, and gives mastery outline
of that subject.
The L" Free Trade Convention" will this week,
we presume, proceed to active business. On
Saturday, on motion Of Mr.. Gallatin. it was re.
solved. that committee, to consist Of two mem
bers from each State, be appointed, whose duty
it shall be to report as to the objects generally OF
the Convention, and to suggest the best mode OF
accomplishing the same. This committee was
appointed. The whole number OF delegates in
attendance, is 2Ol. The following is copy OF
Judge Barbour's address, upon taking the chair
as President of the Convention:
Gentlemen Of the Conventions
The occasion which has brought us together,
is certainly an important one, whether we have
reference To the subject committed to our care,
or to the results which may flow from our delibe-
rations
In almost every other country upon the face
of the earth, when the people feel themselves
to be assreved, they have before them, the pain
uI alternative either Of unconditional submission,
without the hope Of redress, or of an attempt to
right themselves BY force, and thus breaking up
the very foundations Of their government. Hap
piy for US, our lot is otherwise cast. Here, the
principle is held so sacred, that it is not permit
ted to be drawn into question; nay, as il to make
assurance doubly sure. it is explicitly guaranteed
by the Consttulion-That the people have right
peaceably to assemble, and demand redress OF
their grievances. Its in the exercise OF tins ua-
questioned and unQuestunable right, that we
have now met together-not to indulge in cap
tious or trivial complaints. not to give utterance
to the voice of faction. but for higher, for no
bier purpnse.-As the representatives ct large
portion Of the people Of this Union, in their name
and on their BEHALF to expostulate with our cOun-
trymcn, III loHe, Nidhiy yet 'eopeCuu'' III ,h,
yet temperatc-To declare IN the .tare of the
whole community, that those who sent US here,
believe themselves to bc burdcncd, by an unjust
unequal aud wrongful system of taxation; and
to appeal to the sense of justice of those who are
a large majority for tue correction of so great an
evil.
To be called to preside over such an assem-
bly, is an honor which any man might appreciate;
for myself. | tender you my acknowledgements
for such an evidence of your confidence in all
vance. | am aware that it devoves upon me
high responsibility. But | shall meet it with
firmness, promising the best exertlons of such
ability as | have. with the assurance Of zeal,
and determine impartiality. And gentlemen,
if by any thing which we shall do here, we can
contribute in any degree to the attainment Of the
great object which we have IN view, we shall GER.
tainly have rendered some service to the State.
To this end, let us, beseech you. conduct all
our proceedings in spirit of Cancellation and
harmony. Letus, by our example, shew to the
world. that whilst we know our rights, and know
inc dare maintain them; we at the same time,
know how to respect the rights and feelings Of
L