Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1832-10-18
MIR. CLAY-The life of Henry Clay ex-


hibits a continued succession of great efforts
and intellectual triumphs. Hisfame rests on
far more enduring materials than those won
by the victorious soldier His laurels have
never been dabbled in blood, nor is single
cypress entwined with the wreath which en-.
circles his brow. His pafantswere poor and
humble he inherited nothing from them but
indulgence and honesty. He has risen, bow
ever, to the "topmost roGnd" OF honor, not
withstandng the disadvantages Of his orr
gin. At the age OF 30 he was licensed TO
practise law; removed to Kentucky, and in
sort time was at the head of the bar in
the Weatern County. AT DC. he was cleo
fed TO the Legislature Of Kentucky, and dis
tinguished lmself in his labors for his con
situents. At 30, he was elected 10 the Sen
ate of the United States, and made bis first
speech in Congress by advocating measure
of Internal Improvement. At 81. be made
his first effort in favour Of encouraging Ame-
rican Mechanics and Domestic Manuiactu-
res-At SO. he was elected to the House of
Representatives, and on the first day of his
appearance was appointed its Speaker, which
honorable, dgnitied and important Office be
continued to hold as long as he was mem.
Der of that body.-Whhe he continued in
the House, he was Considered one Of the lea
ders of the Republican Party and universal
ly acknowledged to be most popular and elo
qlent orator then on the foor. At 81 he
was sent to Europe as one Of the Commis
siners for negotiating peace, and signed the
Treaty of Client At SO, he was again in
Congress, abored to restore sound curren
cy for the country, and poured forth the thun
ders of his eloquence for a recognition Of
South American Independence. AT 43, by
reconciling the difference Of party on the
Missouri question. he saved the Union from
dissolution At as, his voice was again
herd in the cause of Freedom when urging
the acknowledgement Of Grecian Liberty. At
Al, he was made Secretary OF State, and
gained fresh applause by the ability with
which he conducted the ardaous duties oil
that high and responsible office. At 81. he
was once more sent by his constituents TO
Congress as a member of the Senate, just
previous to which he had unanimous nom
Inatian, from National Convention at Bal
timore, IS candidate for the office Of Chief
Magistrate of the Union.
During this brilliant career, Mr.. Clay was
always the advocate of popular hights. He
was emphatically the friend Of the people.
But he was never their aatterer In no part
OF his public life will he be found to have
acted the denagogue An address from a
meeting in North Carolina well says, that he
has never sought favour by unworthy means.
by ministering TO popular preludices--or
by exciting or taking advantage OF popular
Jiscontents Those who are acquainted with
his earlier history, who remember the part he
acted in the councils of his adopted tate,
are from the higher station to which he al
forwards attained, he became more widely
known, still recur with just pride to the
repeated instances in which, with generous
disregard Of consequences, he opposed hun
self to the strong current OF misguided pop
uiar feeling. They still remember the occa-
sions when, with ready devotion TO the
true interest OF the people and firm fdility
to Constitution. he sacraficed his popularity
| to his principles, and preferred the good to
the iovour Of his fellow citIzens.-ln this
spirit he made his noble defence of the cou,
mon law IN the Legislature Of Kentucky -
In this spirit he arrayed himself on the wea::
ker side in the stubborn conflicts between
the old and the new.Court Parties, which at
one period so fearfully aggitated that State,
| and 1t was in the same spirit he subsequent
ly placed himself in opposition to his party,
as the advocate of our Navy.
! In thus presenting the true character and
the splendid services of Mr.. Clay, to the
public, we intend to indulge in no "odious
comparisons" To elevate the American
Statesman, il is not necessary to detract from
the merits # any Of his countrymen.-.alsr
andria Gasette.
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