Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-04-14

MIR. CLAY'S LETTER.

Az. Z.
We publish below the reply of Mr.. Clay to an
invitation given him by the Wings of Wake
County, North Carolina, to attend the Conven-
ton which assembled at Raleigh on Monday last
WAsnINeToN, 2lst March, 1912.
GENTLEMEN: IL have the honor to acknowl
edge the receipt of your obliging letter. transmit
ting Resolution adopted by the Wings of Wake
County, IN Conformity to which you have invited
me TO attend the Convention of the Wings, which
is to be held on the 18th Of April, at Raleigh.
Having long entertained an anxious desire to
visit North Carolina, have DELAYED answering
your letter, under the hope that should find no
circumstances or considerations opposed to nv
enjoying the qualification which such visit. at
this time, would afford. But regret to be com
PEELED to say, without adverting to other reasons
that the pressure Of occupations, incident to the f.
nal termination OF my service in the Senate of the
United States, deprives ME of the satisfaction or
accepting your invitation, and obliges me to post-
pone visit which hope God will spare Inc to
make, hereafter. ~
Ireioice to hearof the fine spirit which prevails
In North Carolina, and that the great Wing party
Of that State is about TO assemble i'm CoDyention
for tie purpose of celebrating the present diff
cult and delicate position of public affairs. Our
Country, brought to the verge of ruin, by lonu
ma-administration of its General Government.
the sad effects of which pervade every section of
the Union, and are painfully visible in every lea.
ding interest," had reason to hope, after the glori-
ons Issue of the ever memorable struggle of 1870
mat misrnle would cease, and measiires Iounnru
In wisdom and experience, would be adopted, Ia
restore the prosperity of the Nation. / need moi
say how cruelty, in some important respects all
have been disappointed. Our actual condition
may be described in few words. Instead OF
mutual confidence between the actno Pres.
| ident and Congress, there is mutual dis.
trust. Instead of his throwing himself upon
! the principles and the party that elevated
/ him, he makes war upon both Instead of harmo.
ny and cooperation, there is dscord and opposi.
/ ton. President without party, and parties
withou. President! President, denouncinr
his friends. and counting his political Opponents
who, In their turn, without entertaining for him
the least respect or confidence, give him hattery
and praise enough, just to deceive and delude him.
"A President, who, affecting to soar in an atmos-
phere above that of all parties and to place him.
self upon the broad and patriotic foundation of the
whole nation, is vainy seeking, by culpable
administration of the patronage of the Govern.
ment, to create third party!
This, gentlemen, is faithful picture of the pre-
sent posture of our National Councils. There
may be those who will think that il wouM he
most prudent not to exhibit it to the gaze of the
world. But believe that public virtue, and the
pubic interests, are always better subserved Nv
promulgng rather !han concealing the truth
And, accustomed as have been to its LANGUAGE.
throughout my wholelife, trust that the precious
privilege, oil ieaIlessly uttering it, will abide with
me, during the short remnant of my DAYS
The existing state of things is anomalous and
embarrassing. But genuine patriotism takes
counsel only from its duty and its devotion, In
appalled, by difficulties, whatever NAV be their
magnitude, it redoubles its resolution and it's
courage, as they increase and multiply, and final
~ trIumphs over all obstacles which lie in the
way OF the honor, the prosperity, or the happi-
ness of the country.
The Wing party. by faithful adherence TO its
principles, ct the hazard of being prescribed by
those whom it advanced TO high power; and the
members of the late Cabinet, by a voluntary
surrender iexalted stations, which they beler-
ed they could no longer hold without dishonor and
disgrace, have demonstrated to the whole world
That with them the love OF country is paramount
to the love of office. l am sure that. in the good
Old North State, in which the first Declaration of
American independence was made, there will be
a cordial response TO this sentiment
Gentlemen, let us persevere in this upright
course. L go into retirement, but | shall not be
there an idle or Indifferent spectator without SYM
pathy, or interest in the welfare of the Union. !
only pass from one sphere of action, where il is
doubtful whether in the actual condition of the
public councils, could render any public service
to the private sacrifices should GER
tainly make. to another, although more circum-
scribed sphere, in which shall still find duties to
perform towards common country.
request you, Gentlemen, and the Whios of
Wake County, to accept my profound and CRATE
full acknowledgements for the honor done me, by
the Invitation to attend your Convention, and by
the friendly sentiments with which its transmits
sion was accompanied.
am, with great respect,
Your friend and obedient ser'vt.
III. CLAY.
To NSSrs. Riehard Hines dc.