Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-09-20
HENRY CLAY.

We copy from the Kentucky Commentator
the subjoned estimate of the character of Henry
Clay. His public services are most eIoquently
aud justly enumerated, and stand in strong con.
trast with those OF the men that are now the idols
of the day.
At last, in the grand review through which
each successive generation passes, the question
will be, what has man done for bis country,
and not what the country has done for the man.
And who can stand that ordeal in which passion
and prejudice have no part, better than HENRY
CLAy5 Could man but look beyond the misty
aud obscure horizon by which his vision is at pre.
| sent limited, into the clear and uncouded light
with which posterity eliminates the past, and
view IN succession the candidates for worlds
applause, his heart would bound within him az
he heard the herald procIaining the approach of
Henry Clay. When the demand Is made what
has he done to enti,ie him to distinc tion!-a
voice from the great continent Of South Ameri
ca would be heard to exclaim, he pointed to us
the road to freedom-he waved aloft, as a fam.
ing brand, the eternal rights of man, and the
thunders of his eIoquence embroidered as to dare
to be free. From the countless sails which viii
ten the ocean, the mariner would excaim, he was
the advocate Of sailors rights, and urged his
country to break down the despo,ism of the seas.
In union with these, the soldiers of freedom
would send forth shout from their ranks, hail.
ing the Orator who had cheered them in the dark
est hour OF their struggle, and forced his reIuc.
tant country to remember the 'DoOr old soldier
There would the friends Of Peace be seen adj
vanclng with their olive and laurel crown to re-
ward the man WHO had twice shielded his native
land from civil war. They would point to Hen.
~ Clay as the bright example of self devotion for
the good for his kind. Added to ihis, would he
the successful hum OF busy industry Fastening
to speak the praises Of the great encnuraeer Of
the arts and pursuits Of civil life, while from
every quarter Of the Globe, the Statesman
would hail him as the able protector of those
grand designs which constitute a state. And
when the question is asked, why such man
was not raised to the most exalted station amony
his countrymen? All that will be necessary to
answer the enquiry will be, to point to Faction,
valnly endeavOring to hide its diminished head
and escape from odium. II Mr.. CLAY is destined
never to reach the Presidency. the loss will be
his counry's, not his own. He has already
"'ived down caIumny," even if gratitude Is
withheld. In the walks of private life he will
md gathering around him, the heartfelt wishes
Tor his happiness, and without the trappnes of
power, he will have much of its substance-I
MS opinions will be sought after, 10 times of
d'ihcuIty and trouble, and to the groves Of
Ashland, politicians will repair, that they NAV
learn wisdom. The retirement of such a man
will attract more Of public regard than the high.
est exatation OF an inferior man. Mr.. Van Blu.
rem as President-Henry Clay as the retired
c'uzen!! Is there man in this wide spread
republic who would not rather be the latter.
hunted down as be has been, BY the arts of the
detractor and the demasosue. than the former,
elevated as be must be- if he is to be president,
oy ways and means. and articles which the noble
minded disdain to employ
The name Of VIM NJ. McCAsrY, Esq, of
Fairfax, now State Senator, has been mention. |
ed not only in his own district, but in other parts
OF the State, on the list Of those in nomination