Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-05-21
SPEECH OF MR.. CLAY,
On the Presidents Protest, IN Senate, Apr
GEXTRAcT

EXTRACT.
Mr.. CLAY rose. Never (sad he) Mr.. Presi
dent, have known or read of an Administra
ton which expires with so much agony, and sc
| little composure and resignation, as that which
now. unfortunately, has the control of public af
fairs in this country 1t exhibits state of mind
feverish fretful and fidgetty, bounding reckless
Ily from one desperate eXpedient to another
without any sober or settled purpose. Ever
since the dog-days of last summer, it has been
making a succession Of the most eXtravagant
plunges, of which the extraordinary Cabinet
paper, a sort of appeal from dissenting Cabi-
net to the People, was the first; and the Protest
direct appeal from the Senate to the People
is the last and the worst
A new Philosophy has sprung up, within a
few weeks past, called Phrenology. There is
believe, something in it, but not quite as much
as its ardent followers proclaim According to
its doctrines, the leading passion, propensity.
and characteristics of every man are developed
in his physical conformation, chiefly IN the
structure of his head. Gall and Spurzheim, its
founders or most eminent propagators, being
dead. I regret that neither of them can exa-
mine the head of our illustrious Chief Magis-
trate But if it could be surveyed by DR.. Cald-
well. of PENNSYLVANIA University, | am per-
shaded that he would find the organ of destruc-
tiyeness prominently developed. Except an
enormous fabric Of Executive power for him.
self the President has built up nothing con-
structed nothing, and will leave no enduring
monument of his Administration. He goes for
destruction. universal destruction; and it seems
TO be his greatest ambition to efface and OBJ
literate every trace of the wisdom of his prede-
cessors He has displayed this remarkable
trait throughout his whole life, whether in pri-
vate walks or in the public service. He signal
" and gloriously exhibited that peculiar organ
when contending against the enemies of his
country, in the battle of New Orleans. For
that brilliant exploit, no one has been ever more
ready than myself to award him all due honor.
At the head of our armies was his appropriate
position, and most unfortunate for his fame was
the day. when he entered on the career of ad-
ministration as the Chief Executive officer. He
lives by excitement, perpetual agitating excite
ment, and would die in a state of perfect re-
pose and tranquility. He has never been with
out some object of attack, either in individuals,
or in Masses or in institutions. | have been
myself one of his favorites, and do not know
but that | have recently recommended myself
to his special regard. During his Administra-
ton, this has been his constant course. The
Indians, and Indian policy; Internal Improve
ments; the Colonial Trade; the Supreme Court;
Congress; the Bank; have successfully eXpe-
rienced the attacks of his naughty and impe-
rious spirit. And if he tramples the Bank in
the dust, my word for it, we shall see him quick
ly IN chase of some new subject of his VEN
geance. This is the genuine spirit of Conquer
ors and of conquest. 1t is said by the biogra-
pher OF Alexander the Great, that, after he had
completed his Asiatic conquests, he seemed to
sigh because there were no more worlds for
him to subdue; and, finding without no further
employment for his valor or his arms. he mrn.
ed within himself to search the means to graft
fly his Unsuitable thirst OF glory. What sort of
conquest he achieved Of himself, the same b;o-
r.~o ~ CIV fra UicallV records
Already has the President singled out and de-
signated, in the Senate of the United States the
new object of his hostile pursuit; and the Pro
test, which am now to consider, is his declara-