Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1838-07-14

Prtslteucut On .l19tttoAiei - VINE w.
The Araus has made a himsy attempt 10 prove
,ba, sIr. Clay is not an aboliuonist. We THl
introduce for the benefit Of this newly hedged
champion Of the great federal abolItionlsi' sundry
extracts, which will be convenient to show up the
bank humbugger in his proper Light. The first
extract is from the " Life Of Henry Clay" By Mr..
Prentice, the editor Of the Louisville Journals the
leading whg organ in the United States. II is
represented that in the year l79s, when Mr.. Clay
was but 81 years old, he greatly distinguished
hmselfin Kentucky, as the champion Of the Alb
clifton party. A State Constitution was about to
be iormed-a small party was in favor Of exclu-
ding slavery in the State. Mr.. Clay headed this
party-mads many stump speeches, wrote many
publications, and used his utmost exertions 10
elect men to the Convention friendly to his OBJ
ject. We read this biography of Mr. Clay many
years ago, and speak from recollection only.
This book was written by his devoted friend, and
underwent Mr.. Clay's correction.
But there are three other biographical Sketches
of Mr.. Clay's life before us We will copy such
passages US relates TO this subject. Miss Mar
tineau, the celebrated English traveller in the
United States, who has written history Of her
travels. and has inserted in it the biography OF
Van Buren,, Webster, Calhoun and Clay, upon
limited scale; Mr.. Clay seems to be the favor
tie. She begins thus with him: He is the
son of a Virginia Clergyman, and born in l777.
After studying law, he settled in Lexington Ken.
lucky, and strOrs IN rain for The AbOliion Of sla-
rery IN that Stale" See the American edition
of the London and Westminster Review; for jan
uary, 1888, page 259. This book has had an
extensive circulation in Europe and Amerlca-it
is noticed in the reviews Of both countries; Mr..
Clay or his friends have never denied this charge.
In Alexander's Philadelphia Messenger, Of the
18th Of April, 1888, an excellent biography Of
Mr.. Clay is giver. Upon the subject Of Adolf
ton, the author says Of Mr. Clay, that d" in 1898,
he took prominent part in the discussions rela-
tive to the formation of Constitution for his
adopted State. His main object was to prevent
slavery. In this he failed, although his speeches
at public meetings on the occasion, done much TO
raise him in public estimation as promising and
talented statesman"
In the National Portrait Gallery for 1894, there
is an extended biography of Mr.. Clay. The au-
thor says "In 1898, when the people Of Ken
lucky were preparing to frame Constitution for
the State, plan was proposed for the gradual
emancipation of slaves. Mr.. Clay zealously ex-
erted his talents in favor of it. He wrote for the
Journals, and deoaimed at The public meetings,
but his efforts failed ofsuccess
These four several biographical accounts all
agreeing as to the facts stated, we suppose
will be disputed by nobody. He used his nigh
ty eloqucnce upon the stumps, to abolish slavery
in Kentucky. The question was holly contested,
but his party got defeated right or wrong he
left no exeron untried. VIII the Argus and his
anonymous scribler still contend that Mr. Clay
Is no abotionist, after the charge has beer re-
peaedly fastened upor him
GOVERNOR OF MAINE.-The manly and splr-
tied course pursued in the House Of Representa-.
tives by Mr.. Fairfield, Of Maine, on the death o.
his colleague Cilley, appears to have given hin
great popularity in his own state.
A democratic convention assembled al Angus
ia, Maine, on the Goth Of June, for the purpose o
nominating candidate for Governor. On thu
first ballot John Fairfield was nominated. o
| 32S votes he received 3ll, the others being gyeI
for Rufus McIntire.
A letter in the Boston Morning Post states
that when the result was declared, Mr.. Jarvis
delegate who had voted for McInre, rose AM
moved that the convention do unanimously re
commend Mr.. Fairfield as the democratic can
didate for Governor of Maine at the ensuing cleo
ton. The motion was adopted by acclamaticr
The feeling which led 10 this nomination is honor
able to the people Of Maine. Mr.. Fairfield,
man of worth, talents and modest but immovabl
resolution, deserves their sufiragcs."
estate Rights" is the motto Of our ieder'
neighbor. Wonder if he wont take down hi
flag, now that he has insuted that party by tsllin
although they are lost, they will not be missed
We shall see.
| Modesty Of the .1rgus.--Tn speaking of tn
irresistible "power" and influence which III
the modest Editor of the Argus fancies his pa
per possesses, and the terror which all the demo
Gratis have for him, he breaks out in the follow
ing strain of selfpraise: "They know and fet
its power and influence, and they also know tht
the pure Republican doctrines il inculcatcs wi
ever be the choice Of the honest and chivareu