The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-09
MR.. CLAY'S MANIFESTO.


the actual working of the Constitution would be
wise; whether it would not be likely to create
more evils than it would cure whether 1t would
not dangerously enfeeble the Executive Tor the
time being; whether it would not multiply can
ddates for the Presidency, geometrlcally, as
chances should be increased, automatically
whether. in short, the success of such an OPT
MON would not tend TO keep the country always
unsettled and uncertain, in its administration OF
affairs, are questions too great and important to
be now discussed. Mr.. Clay did not enter
early, into this notion. He did come into It,
however and made it part Of his Wing plat
form, at the Hanover dinner. Mr.. Clay by
the way, is always laying down platforms; and
recently his political carpentry seems to con-
tent itself with platforms, without any attempt
to raise snperstructure. He seems now to
think that good plan, large and comprehen-
sive theory, is not only something, but every
thing. What measure has he attempted to &C
complsh, this whole session, for the relief OF
the country? not one, not one. He has kept
himself within generalities, Probabilities, small
economies, and other popular topics of practical
discussion and defamation. AS to measures,
he has essayed nothing. AS to acts, he has
done nothing. These things have not been
within the scope of his present policy; which
policy is, clearly and evidently, that the country
is not to be reLieued for three years to come.
But, returning to the subject of the "onc term
prnciple"-it is certainly true, that although not
its early advocate, Mr. Clay did become greatly
attached to it, after heresuH ofthe Harrisburg
Convention. He then became satisfied from
his long experience, that the one term princi-
pie was essential to the salvation of the Repub-
lie. He Swondered how such an suspicious
change in the practice of the Government had
not struck his clear and comprehensive mind in
the times of Mr. Adams He could not account
for the observation of his sagacity, at that day.
1t is true, that he is older now than in the days
of Mr.. Adams. 1t is true, he may not feel
that he has strength enough remaining to graft
fly his patriotism by laboring for his country for
more than four years, beginning at the point,
which even now, looms amidst the mists of
future time, till it seems already to be just at
hand, the first of March, 1915. 1t is true, that
when that glorious day shall arrive he will be
somewhat advanced in life, and none the young
er for that curious qu,1si statement OF his own
age, which he put forth in his last speech in the
Senate He went to Kentucky forty-fve years
ago, it seems, not exactly can orphan not come
to his majority" but "as an orphan, not come
to his majority" Really, Mr.. Clay's years have
been so fortunate and happy, that it would APP
pear no more than common gratitude to Provi-
dence to acknowledge the whole of them.
But we stray from our intended path. Gen.
Harrison's death raised a new question, under
the one term principle. He died one month
after his Inauguration, and was succeeded
by Mr.. Tyler. Now arose the inquiry,
g Did Mr.. Tyler come aoit1tim the one
term principle 2" He had almost one
whole term to serve, but not quite. If Gen
eral Harrison had lived three years, or two
years, or even one year, the matter might have
been clear The remainder, in that case,
could hardly be regarded as a term. But, as if
the fates designed to perplex Mr. Clay, and
keep him on the torture of uncertainty and sus-
pense, General Harrison's early death left Mr.
Tyler three years and eleven months-three
whole years and eleven whole months! Why,
in all conscience, should not that go for term
1t lacks but a month. Mr. Clay, who is fond of
compromises, would gladly compromise for
three years and eleven months. But then,
again, does not the one term principle require
the honor of popular election to the Presi-
dency? Is it satisfied, by a mere succession
| from the Vice Presidency, whether for shorter
| or longer time? These were knotty points
and surely the meditations Of Ashland were
| never more perplexed than with the uncertain
ties which hung about these "three years and
eleven months this is what we call, at our
chancery courts, by pos-but is it one term q"
| In this state of things Mr.. Clay came to
Washington, in May of last year; and he had
not been here ten days, before seed was sown,
| the bitter fruits of which the country now
tastes. Mr.. Clay could get no satisfaction up
ON the subject Of the one term principle-still
less could he see any certainty that this Admin
istraton would be conducted Nth a leading
viep to his future elevation. This is the true
| solution of the conduct adopted by him at the
extra session, and steadily pursued 10 the pre-
sent moment. He would not have quarrelled
| with the President about Bank, if all had
been well in regard to the prospects of the
succession. No, not for an instant. If he had
been assured that the present incumbent would
not have been in his way four years hence,
and that, in the mean time, the path would
become smoothed for his ascent to the Pre-
sidency, is there any man who supposes he
would have made it great point of difference
with the President, that in the plan of a Bank
the States should have voice about branches2
No man can believe any such thing. Mr.. Clay,