Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-04-02
From! me Petersburg isfeU.seHcsr.
MR.. CLAIiS LETTER.
To the WmIes OF wAxr County, N. C

To THE WnGs OF WAKE COUNTY, n. G.
We publish below the reply OF MIR Clay to an in.
vitalion given him by the Wings of Wake county,
\. c.. to attend the Convention which will assem-
ble At Raleigh on Monday next.
This letter is characteristic of the writer Frank,
open and manly, he iearessly exposes the misdeeds
OF men IN high places, and particularly urges upon
his friends the duty of "perseverng in their upright
course, of showing that their Glove of country is
paramount TO their love Of Office
WASHINGTON, 2Ist March, 1919.
Gentlemen:- have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt Of your obliging letter, transmitting
Resolution adopted by the Wings of Wake Coun-
~, in conformity to which you have invited me to
attend the Convention of the Wings, which is TO lie
held on the 18th of April. at Raleigh.
Having long entertained anxious desire TO
visi: North Carolina have DELAYED nswerins your
letter, under the hope that should find no circum.
stances or considerations opposed 10 my enjoying
the qualification whch such visit, at this time
would afford. But regret TO be compelled to say
without ndvering 10 other reasons, that the pres
sure OF occupations, incident TO the final termination
OF my service IN the Senate of the United Sia;es
depuves me of the satisfaction Of accepting your in
vtation, end obliges me TO postpone visit which
hope God will spare me to make hereafter.
| teIoce to hear Of the fine spirit which, prevails
in North Carolina, and that the great Wing party
Tor the purpose OF celebrating the present diff
cult aud delicate position Of public affairs. Our
Country brought 10 the verge OF ruin by n long
mai. administration of its Genera! Government, the
sad effects OF which peIvade every section Of the
Union, and are painfully visible in every leading
interest had reason TO hope, after the glorious issue
OF the ever memorable struggle OF 1910, that mis-
rule would cease, and measures founded in wisdom
and experience, would be adopted, TO restore the
prosperity ofthe Nation. | need not say how cru
Cllv. N rpS ali 1a,
appointed. Our actual condition may he described
IN n lew words. Instead OF mutua confidence be.
tween the acting President and Congress, there is
mutual disrusi. Instead OF his throwing himself
upon the principles and the party hat elevated him
he makes war upon both. Instead Of harmony and
COO. Grafton, there is dscOrd and opposition. a
President without party, and parties without n
President! A President, denOuncing his friends
and counting his political opponents. who, in their
turn, without entertaining for him the leas, 70
spect or confidence, give him Aauery and praise
enough, Just TO deceive and deude HIM Presi-
dent who, affecting TO in an atmosphere nLoye
that Of all parties, and to place himself upon the
broad and patriotic foundation Of the whole nation
ls vainly seeking, by culpable administration of
the p't Tonnage OF the Government, TO create a third
party!
This, gentlemen, is a faithful picture Of the pr.
sent posture OF our National Councils There may
be those who will think that II would be most pru-
dent not to exhibit Il TO the gaze Of the world But
are always better served by promulging rather than
cOncoaling the truth. And nccustomed as have
been 10 its language throughout my whole life. |
trust that the precious privilege OF earlessly utter
Ing 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 coun-
sci only from is duty and its devotion. Unapp,l.
LED, Ivy difficulties, whatever may he their magni.
tude, u redOubles its resolution and its courage Ms
they increase and multiply, and finally triumphs
over all obstacles which Tic in the way Of the honor
the prosperity, or the happiness Of the country.
The Wing party, 10y a faithful adherence To IFS
principles, at the hazard Of being pro.cribed bv
those whom It advanced to high power; and the
members OF the late Cabinet, by voluntary sur
render OF exalted stations which they believed they
could no longer hold without dIshonOr and disgrace
have demonstrated 10 the whole world that will
them the love Of country IS paramount e. the love
OF Office. ! am sure that, IN the good old North
State, IN which the first Declaration Of American
lrdepcntcnce was made, there will be a cordial re-
Spouse 20 this sentiment.
Gentlemen, let Us perssvere IN this upright course
60 into retirement, but shall not he there on IDLE
or indifferent spcctotor, without sympathy, or in
tcrest N the welfare Of the Union. | only pass
from ono sphere Of action, where II Is doubtful
whether IN the actual condition Of the public coun-
cs, could ronder any public service proporiionn.e
TO the private sacrifices should certainly make. 10
another, although more circumscfibcd sphefc in
which shall still fad duties to perform towards
our common country.
] request you, gentlemen, and tie Wings Of
Wake county, TO accept my profound and groteful
acknowledgement for the honor done me, Ey The
invitation to attend your Convention, and Nv The
friendly sentiments with which rs transmission was
accompanied
am, with gfea, respect,
Your friend and oJ't servant
To Meaern Ufru.pr He.