Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1840-08-22
SPEECH OF THE
Hon. Henry Clay, Of Kentucky,


Delivered June 81, $780, on Tie occasion Of Pub
lie Dinner, giren in compliment to him, al Tay-
iorSriAe, IN his nalire county Of Hanorsr, IN the
State Of Virginia.
The sentiment in compliment to Mr. CLAY
was received with long-continued applause
That gentleman rose and addressed the company
substantially as follows:
think, friends and fellow-citizens, that, avail
ing myself Of the privilege Of my long service in
the public councils, just adverted 10, the resolu-
ton, which have adopted, is not unreasonable,
Of leaving to younger men, generally, the pellor-
nance Of the duty, and the enjoyment Of the
pleasure, Of addressing the people in their prima
ny assemblies After the event which occurred
last winter at the capital Of Pennsylvania be-
leved it due to myself, to the Wing cause and to
the country, to announce to the public, with per-
feet truth and sincerity, and without any reserve
my fixed determination heartily TO support the
nomination of William Henry Harrison, there
made. To put down all misrepresentation,
have on all suitable occasions repeated this an
nunciation; and now declare my solemn convic
ton, that the purity and security of our free in
stitutions and the prosperity Of our country mper,
atively demand the election Of that citizen to
the Office of Chief Magistrate Of the United
States.
But this occasion forms an exception from the
rule which have prescribed to myself. have
come here to the county of my nativity in the
spirit OF pilgrim, to meet, perhaps for the last
time, the companions and the descendants Of the
companions Of my youth. Wherever we roam,
in whatever climate or land we are cast by the
accidents Of human life, beyond the mountains OF
or beyond the ocean, in the legislative halls of the
capitol, or in the retreats and shades Of private
life hearts turn with an Irresistible instinct TO
the cherished spot which uShered us into oxis
tence. And we dwell with delightful associa,
tons on the recollection Of the streams in which,
during our boyish days, we bathed, the fountains
at which we drunk, the piney fields, the hills and
valleys where we sported, and the friends who
shared these enjoyments with us. Alas! too many
of these friends Of mine have gone viii her we
must all shortly go, and the presence here Of the
small remnant left behind attests both our loss
and our early attachment. | would greatly pre-,
fer, my friends, to employ the time which this
visit offords, in friendly and familiar conversation
on the virtues Of our departed companions, and
on the scenes and adventures of our younger days;
but the expectation which prevails, the awful
state Of our beloved country, and the opportuni,
ties which have enjoyed in its public councils,
impose on me the obligation Of touolng on topics
less congenial with the feelings Of my heart, but
posse, sing higher public interest. | assure you,
lellow-citizens, however, that | present my
self before you for no purpose of exciting pre-.
JUDGES, or inhaming passions, but to speak to you
in all soberness and truth, and to testify to the
things which know, or the convictions which
entertain as an ancient friend, who has lived long
and whose career is rapidly drawing to close
leo II / houa apIa pd
TO make truth and the good Of our country the
guides of my public conduct but in Hanover
county, for which cherish sentiments of respect
gratitude, and veneration, above all other places,
would avoid saying any thing that did not sin
cerely and truly believe.
Why is the plough deserted, the tools Of The
mechanic laid aside, and all are seen rushing tc
gatherings of the people? What occasions those
vast and unusual assemblages which we behold
in every State and in almost every neighborhood
Why those conventions Of the people, at com
mon centre, from all The exrentes Of this vas
Union, to consult together upon the suaernSs o
the community, and to deliberate on the means
of deliverance? Why this rapid appetite for plb
lie discussions? What is the solution o! the phe
nomenon which we observe, Of great natIoI
agitated upon its whole surface, and at its loves
depths, like the ocean when convulsed by SOM
terrible storm? There must be a cause, and NJ
ordinary cause.
1t has been truly said. in the most memorable
document that ever issued from the pen of man
that call experience hath shown that mankind ar
more disposed to suffer, while evils are suAerable
than to right themselves by abolishing the forms
to which they are accustomed The recent his
tory of our people furnishes confirmation OF tina
truth. They are active, enterprising and intelli
gent; but are not prone to make groundess com
plants against public servants. five now every
, where behold them in motion, it is because they
feel that the grievances under which they ar
writhng can be no longer tolerated. They fec
the absolute necessity Of change, that no chang
can render their condition worse, and that an
change must better it. This is the judgment t
which they have Gomez this the brief and comper
dious logic which we daily hear. They knor
that, in all the dispensations Of Providence, the
have reason TO be thankful and grateful; and
they had not, they would be borne with lortud
and resignation. But there is pervading cor
viction and persuasion that, in the Adminstratio
of government there has been something wron!
radically wrong, and that the vessel of state hi
been in the hands Of selfish, fathless and unSki
I'll pilots, who have onducted il admidst the brea
eIs.
In my deliberate opinion, the present distressG
state of the country may be traced to the sing
cause of the action, the encroachments and Il
usurpations of the Executive branch OF the go
eminent. have not time here TO exhibit and
dwell upon all the instances Of these, as thu
hays occurred in succession, during the last twel
wears. They have been again and again expos
on other more fit occasions But have thong
,b;s n nroner annnrtunitV IN nOiut ont the enOru