Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-08-21
SPEECH OF HENRY CLAY.
OF KENTUCKY,

ne sentiment in conplimen; to Mr.
LAY was received with long continued an
plhnse Tha, gentleman rose and uddresse,
the company substantially as follows.
think, friends and felow-citizens. that
awaiting myself of the privilege of NV lone
service In the public councils, lust adyer,eS
TO, the resolution. which have adopted !.
not unreasonable. of leaving 10 Younger men
generally, the performance OF the duty and
'ne enjoyment OF the pleasure Of addressing
the PEOPLE IN their primary assemblies. AZ
Ter me event which occurred last winter n,
Inc Capital Of Pennsylvania, believe /, dne
to myself, TO the Wing cause. and 10 the
country, 10 announce 10 the Pubic w;,h
perfect truth aud sincerity, and without any
reserve my liked determination heartily 10
support the nomination of William Henry
harrison there made. 10 put down all mis-.
representations, have, on suitable occas.
IONS, repeated this announciation: and nov.
declare my solemn conviction that the puri.
ty and security OF our free institutions and
The prosperity Of the country imperativelv
demand the election OF thai citizen TO the
Office Of Chief Magistrate Of the United
States.
But this occasion forms an exception from
the rule which have prescribed 10 myself
have sOne here 10 The country of my nafivi.
~ IN the spirit of pilgrim, 10 meet, perhaps
Tor the last time, the companions and decen.
danis oi the companions of my youth
Wherever we roam, in whatever climate o.
lard we are cast BY the accidents of human
lie. beyond the mountains or beyond the
ocean. IN the Legislative halls of the Capitol.
or in the retreats and shades of private life,
our hearts turn with an irresistible instinct
10 the cherished spot which ushereG US in.
to existence. And we dwell with delightful
associations 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 the valleys
where we spored, and the friends, who
shared these e-joyments with US. Alas
too many ofthese friends of mine have gone
whittier we must all shortly 70, and the
presence here ofthe small remnant left be-
hind atiests both our loss and our early nj.
Iachmrnt. | would greatly prefer, nv
friends, TO employ the time which this visit
affords, in friendly and familiar conyersa-
ZION on the virtues of our departed compan-
ions. aud On tho aOanss ard Adventures Of
our younger days: hnt the exnectation
which prevails, the awful state OF our be-
loved country. and the opportunities which
have enjoyed in its public councils, i'm
pose on me the obligation of touching on
topics less congenial with the feelings Of my
heart. but possessing higher pulic interest |
assure you. felow-citizens, however that
present myself before you for no purpose of
exciting prejudice, or inaaming passions,
but 10 speak 10 YOU n all soberness and
truth, and TO testify 10 the things which
know, of the convictions which entertain,
as an ancient friend, who has lived long,
and whose career is rapidly drawing to a
close. Throughout an arduous life, | have
endeavored TO make truth and the good of
our country The guides OF my public con
duct but in Hanover county, for which
cherish sentiments OF respect. gratitude, and
veneration, above all other places, would |
avoid saying any thing that l did not sin
cerely and truly believe.
Why is the plough deserted. the tools of
the mechanic laid aside. and all are seen
rushing 10 gatherings OF the People What
occasions those vast and unusual assemble
ges which we behold iE every State, and in
almost every neighboi hood7 Why those
conventions ofthe People, at common cen
ire. from all the extremites Of this vast I'm
ion. TO consult together upon the sufferIn9s
of The community, and TO deliberate on the
means Of deliverance2 Why this rapid APP
petite for public discussions What is The
solution OF the phenomenon, which we OBJ
serve, of great nation agitated upon lis
whole surface, and at its lowest depths, like
the ocean when convulsed by some terrible
storm2 There must be cause, and no or
binary cause.
1t has been truly said. in the most memo
rabIe document that ever issued from the
men of men, that "all experience hath shown
that mankind are more disposed TO suffer
while evils are sufl.rabe, than 10 right them
selves by abolishing the forms 10 which
tbev are accustomed" The recent history
Of our People furnishes confirmation OF thai
truth. They are active, enterpFislng' ana
intelligent; but are not prone 10 MAKE
oronndless complaints agains. public ser
wants. If we now every where behold lhem
| in motion, il is because they feel that the
GRIEVANCES under which they are writing
can be no longer tolerated. They feel the
absolute necessity OF a change, that no
change can render their condition worse
and that any change must better it. THIS is
The Judgment to which they have come; this
The brief and compendious logic which we
daily hear. They know that, IN all the DIS
pensations of Providence, they have reason
10 be thankful and grateful land iiihey had
not. they would be borne with fortituds and
RESIGNATION. But there is pervadng CON
v;c,ion and persuasion that. in. the admins