The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-05


rus Lowell.
MR.. CLAY'S I.ETTER-THE TIME AT HAND
FOR MEN TO SHOW THEIR HANDS.
Extract of letter from Mr. Clay to Mr.. Badger
and others, in North Carolina dated at Washington
March 2lst We copy from the Baltimore Patriot:
81 rejoice to hear of the fine spirit which pre-
walls in North Carolina, and that the great Wing
party Of that State is about to assemble in conven
ton for the purpose of celebrating on the present
difficult and delicate position Of public affairs. Our
country, brought to the verge of ruin by long NAL
administration of its general government, the sad
effects of which pervade every section of the Union,
and are painfully visible in every leading interest,
had to hope, after the glorious issue of the
memorable struggle of 1910, that misrue would
cease, and measures founded in wisdom and expert
ence would be adopted to restore the prosperity of
the nation. need not say how cruelty in some i'm
portant respects, all have been disappointed. Our
actual condition may be described in few words.
Instead of mutual confidence between the acting
President and Congress- there is mutual disrust. In
stead of his throwing himself upon the principles
and the party that elevated him, he makes war upon
both Instead of harmony and cooperation, there
is discord and opposition. President without
party, and parties without President. A President
denouncng his friends and counting his political OPP
ponents who in their turn without entertaining for
and praise enough Just to deceive and deude him.
President who, affecting to in an atmosphere
above that of all parties, and to place himself upon
the broad and patriotic foundation of the whole ma
ton, is vainly seeking, by culpable administration
of the patronage of the Government, to create a
third party
This, gentlemen, is faithful picture of the present
posture of national councils There may be
those who will think that it would be most prudent
not to exhibit it to the gaze of the world.
The Wing party by faithful adherence to its
principles, at the hazard of being prescribed by
| those whom it advanced to high power and the
members of the late Cabinet by voluntary surren-
der of exalted stations, which they believed they
could 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 Of
flee.
After six months war of abuse on the Ad-
ministration by Mr.. Clay's presses and Con-
gressional champions, Mr.. c.. has at last taken
the field himself, armed to the teeth with the
usual bitter weapons of sweeping denuncia-
ton and hackneyed abuse. We are glad of it.
Political rancor scan do no more" and we would
have it do its worst at once.
We doubt not that divers presses and pro-
fessed politicians that have been profuse in their
professions Of friendship to the Administration
and the measures submitted to the country for
the purpose of allevating the suferings of the
people, and correcting the evils that exist
throughout the land-and in the mean time have
secured the patronage themselves which Mr..
Clay asserts to have been given only to the Pre-
sident's partisans-will now be whipped into
the ranks, albeit they may feel no other repug
nance than the surrender Of their prey.
That there will be instances of this nature
both among the presses and the politicians, we
cannot doubt, after witnessing the signal in
stances of vacillation and dupciy exhibited
| in several Of the large cities. But, we repeat,
we are glad of it. 1t is always best to know
who are the real friends of the country. That
the Presidents course has been approved by the
people, we have sufficient evidence in the very
general condemnation of his enemies.
Mr. Clay has entered the field in earnest.
This cannot be longer doubted, after the publ
cation of the choice epithets contained in his
letter. Nor can any one longer doubt that the
wholesale vilifcation heaped upon the Presi-
dent by the ultra Wing presses throughout the
Union, met the entire appreciation of the "grave
Senator" But this very abuse, whether printed
in the ultra Wing journals, or indted by Mr..
Clay himselfand published in the form of letters
to conventions, will only contribute in the Sc
quel to gid the triumph of John Tyler. 1t has
already done him incalculable service, and is
destined to do him more. The recent attempt
in New York to bully the friends of the Presi-
dent will result neither in benefit to Mr.. Clay
nor injury to the Chief Magistrate.
But Mr. Clay will be mistaken in his calcula-
tons respecting the immediate and tremendous
effect of this in-future-to-be famous episte to
North Carolina. Notwithstanding number of
the presses and politicians hitherto processing
to be friendly to the Administration will run up
his colors, yet there others which he held
to be secure, will not respond to his behest.
Even the cautious and prudent Intelligencer has
hesitated to publish the letter. Others will per-
emptorily refuse to join his ranks at the tap Of
the drum.
The Cincinnati Republican is out against that por
ton Of the Presidents Message which relates to the
disposition of the public lands. Other papers in that
region approve it most heartily The People will APP
prove it, and insist upon its adoption. The Philadel-