Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-03-15
Mr.. CLAY rose and addressed the Sen
ate substantially as follows:-

~|b
Mr.. CLAY rose and addressed the SEN
ate substantially as follows:-
In one sentiment, Mr.. President, ex-
pressed by the honorable gentleman from
South Carolina, Gen. HAYNE) though,
perhaps, not in the sense intended by him,
entirely concur. agree with him, that
the decision on the system of policy en-
braced in this debate, involves the future
destiny of this growing country. One
way, verify believe, it would lead to
deep and general distress; general bank
ruptcy and national ruin, without benefit
to any part Of the union: The other, the
existing prosperity will be preserved and
augmented, and the nation will continue
rapidly to advance in wealth, and power,
greatness, without prejudice to any Sec
ton of the conicderacy.
Thus viewing the question, i stand here
as the humble but jealous advocate, not
Ofthe interests of one state or seven states
only, but, of the whole union. And new
er before have felt, more intensely, the
overpowcring weight of that share of re-
sponsibility which belongs to me in these
deliberations. Never before have | had
more occasion, than now have, to Ia
ment my want of those intellectual pow
ers, the possession of which might enable
me to unfold to this senate, and to illus
trate to this people, great truths intimate
Iy connected with the lasting welfare of
my country. | should indeed, sink, over
whelmed and subducd beneath the APP
palling magnitude of the task which lies
before me, il did not feel myself sus-
tained& fortified by thorough conscious
ness of the justness of the cause which
have espouscd, and by persuasion, i
hope not presumptuous, that it has the
appreciation of that Providence who has
so often smiled upon these United States.
Eight years ago, it was my painful du-
ty to present to the other house of Con-
grcss, an uncxaggeratcd picture of the
general distress pervading the whole
land. We must all yet remember some
Of its fightful features. We all know
that the people were then oppressed and
borne down by an enormous load of debt;
that the value ofproperty was at the low
est point of depression; that ruinous sales
and sacrifices were every where made OF
real estate; that stop laws and relieflaws
and paper money were adopted to save
the people from impending destruction
that deficit in the public revenue exist
ed, which compelled government to seize
upon, and to divert from its Legitimate
object, the appropriation to the sinking
fund, to redeem the national debt; and
that our commerce and navigation were
threatened with complete paralys Sis
In short, sir, if were to select any term
Of seven years since the adoption Of the
present constitution, which exhibited q
scene Of the most wide spread dismay
and dcsolation, it would be exactly that
term of seven years which Immediately
preceded the establishment of the tariff
of 1924.
have now to perform the more pleas.
ing task ofexhibiting an imperfect sketch
of the existing state of the unparalleled
prosperity of the country. On genera
survey, we behold cultivation extended
the arts hourishing, the face ofthe coun.
try improved, our people fully and prof
tably employed, and the public counte-
nance exhibiting tranquility ,contentment
and happiness. And, ifw descend in
to particulars, we have the agreeable
contemplation of people out of debt
land rising slowly in value, but in Sc
cure and salutary degree; ready though
not extravagant market for all the sur
plus productions of our industry; innu
mcrablc nocks and herds browsing ant
pambolling on ten thousand hills ant
plains, covered with rich and vordan
grasses; our cities expanded, and whole
villages springing up, as ii were, by en-
chantmcnt; our exports and imports in
creased and increasing; our tonnage
foreign and coastwisc, swelling and ful
ly occupied; the rivers of our interior an
imatcd by the perpetual thunder y light
ming of countless steamboats,; the cur
rency sound and abundant; the public
debt of two wars nearly redeemed; and
TO crown all, the public treasury over
flowing, embarrassing congress, not t.
find subjects Of taxation, but to select TIN