Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-04-27
LETTER or THE WING MEMBERS OF
THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE nc
THE HON. HENRY CLAY.
To "a. Hsn0,ssl. n.snr Cav, Senator in Cor

To hs HOEo'sNs HrsRr CLAr, Senator In Con
srsss from ths State Of kentucky.
SIs-The undersigned, members of the Senate
and Assembly ofthe State Of New York, have heard
with deep concern that you have resolved to retire
on this day from the Councils OF the Nation.
From The ye,r 1906 when YOU first entered the
Senate OF the United States until this time, more
than half the period allotted to human life, you
have, with one or two short intervals, been con-
stRntly engaged in the service of your country.
During that long period Of our eventfu history,
no important measure which has contributed to the
prosperity or TO the honor OF the Nation, recol
lected, which II not originated by you, has not at
least received your cordial and eloquent support.
The course OF your policy has in all things been
eminentlv American. In Peace and War, as Sena
tor, an Embassador, the head of the Department Of
State, you have secured for your country abroad.
the respect OF her sister nations while home you
have protected our seamen and our ships and eS-
tended our commerce. fostercd our home industry
and sustained domestic manufactures. and compile
ted our emancipation from colonial dependence.
True TO your principles, true TO your friends, and
above all. true 10 your country, It has been your
rare felicity to he cherished leader among your
political friends and the foremost champion OF their
principles. and nj the same time TO enjoy the
peci and possess the generous confidence Of all your
fellow citizen, every political denomination.
IL is Tot within the compass OF our design. to
dwell upon the numerous monuments Of your wis.
dom and your ra,riotism-hey live in the History
Of the Republic. The evidences. too. Of your ex
panded philanthropy and devotion 10 human liber-
~, part OF the records of grateful nations But
there IS one great measure VIII CHI more than any
other, has occupied your care, ard VIII ch me- Y
I've permitted particularly to alludc drrus ndng
IN m ESPECIAL manner the thanks of yonr fellow.
c,uze"s-we mean THE PROTECTION OF
HOME INDUSTRY.
THIS vital policy was adopted by You al the com.
mencemenl % your political life IN tho legislative
halls Of Ken'ucky. IL the subject OF your hrst
effort, and constituted your FIRST trunnh en- entering
tho Senate OF the Uni'ed States in 1902 YOU 70 es-
thbi'shed II aztec rho return OF peace in IS TO- and
was its successful defender in the great debates OF
1890, 1874 and 1892.
A. no period Of your l.fe have YOU wavered or
taiered IN the support OF this policy, and Your Sd.
emn farewell coun'els have nov sanctioned with
the weight Of thirty five wears experience the Great
measure which your ardent patriotism embraced 1t
The commencement OF your career. II the pto,ec-
ton given has not ceen always adequate to the oh
jeet Il IS because has not been such you ptopo.
posed and advocated.
We owe II 20 you. sir, 20 bear our testimony
that While on the che hand the deficiency in the
eNis'inc laws on the subject attributable 10 no
iauf or remiSsnesS on your part. thc o'her, the
imr eriee; degree OF protection we have received
AND which Is in great measure owing 10 your
eN'y, continued and constant Efforts, has add,d
many millions 10 thu wealth, ard many hundred
thousands 10 the population Of our country has
Stiipp-d w'r al its greatest dangers and sorsSt
iA'u 'iCNs ~ teou'rns us independent OF foreign
supplies, either OF food ar rament, or the weapons
OF our defence, and h,sEiven new charms to peace
by bringing the corn 'ofts and convenences Of life
within the enjoyment OF oil.
IL IS for these great national services that We dc.
sire TO tender you orr thanks. We sneak in our
own names but We believe VIC spea the sentiments
/ OF those whom in other things ~e have the honor
| to represent, when We acknowledge the vas: debt
| OF gratitude which owe you; when we declare
! our solemn conviction that through your ~hoI, %
| hay "a h,.t frf
patriotism and The most unsu,lied integrity. And
when, finally, wc assure you that we follow YOU in
your retirement with our prayers to Him who has
hitherto heer the guardian Of our Republic, that
I health and strength may be prolonged to you Tor
many years 20 witness the success ut the srcs,
measures you have labored to establish, AMI 10 en-
10y the proud consciousness of having been the
beneiactor OF your beloved country.