Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-04-07
MIR. Clay's Vaiedictory.
Is sEsArE, March 81. 1912.

Mr.. CLAY rose ana Saio, before onerine
the motion which il was his intention &c
submit to the Senate, he desired TO make
single observation with regard to sub
Iiect which he was about to leave unhnish-
led--he meant the resolutions which he
had submitted, proposing certain amend.
ments 10 the Constitution Of The United
States. II had been his wish, prior 10 his
retirement, TO have obtained vote upon
these resolutions, and also to have replied
TO the arguments which had been advanc-
ed by their opponents; but owing TO the
feeble state OF his health, he had been un-
able to enter upon a reply, and owing to
the absence Of several OF his friends, be
had come to the conclusion that it would
be better to commit the subject into the
hands Of the Senate, to be disposed of ac.
cording to their judgment and discretion,
whenever it might come up and he would
dismiss this subject with a simple remark
in reference to the conviction which he
entertained ofthe propriety Of the different
amendments which be had suggested
Those convictions he still deliberately en-
tertained, notwithstanding all that he had
heard upon the subject.
And now, continued Mr.. Clay, allow
me to announce, formally and officially,
my retirement from the Senate OF the
United States, and present the last motion
which shall ever make within this body
but, before making that motion, trust
shall be pardoned for awaiting myself Of
this occasion to make few observations.
AT the time Of my entry into this body,
which took place IN December, 1906,
regarded it, and still regard it, as body
which may be compared, without disad-
vantage, to any of similar character
which has existed in ancient or modern
times whether we look at il in reference
to ITS dignity, its powers, or the mode OF
It's constitution and will also add, whe-
Their it be regarded in reference TO the
amount Of ability which | shall leave be-
hind me when retire from this chamber.
In insttuting a compa rison between the
Senate Of the United States and similar
political institutions, of other countries, Of
France and England for example, lie was
sure the comparison might be made with.
out disadvantage to the American Senate.
la respect to the constitution OF these boz
dies in England, with only the exception
Of the peers from Ireland and Scotland,
and in France with no exception, the men,
bers Of these bodies hold their places by
virtue Of no delegated authority, but de.
rive their powers from the crown, either
by ancient creation of nobility transmitted
by force Of hereditary descent, or by new
patents as occasion required an increase
Of their numbers. But here, Mr.. Presi.
deEt, we have the proud title of being the
representatives Of sovereign States or
Commonwealth. II we lock at the pow.
ers of these bodies in France and EGG.
land, and the powers Of this Senate, we
shall fnd that the latter are far greater
than the former. 10 both those countries
they have the legislative power, in both
the Judicial, with some notifications, and
in both perhaps more extensive judicial
power than is possessed by this Senate
but then the vast and underlined and I'M
de6nab!e power, the treaty making power,
or at least participation in the conclu-
sion of treaties with foreign powers, is
possesst by this Senate, and is possessed
by neither Of the others. Another pow
or, too, and one of infinite magnitude, is
that of distributing the patronage of a
great nation, which is shared by this Sen.
ate with the Executive magistrate. In
both these respects We stand upon ground
different from that occupied by the Houses
Of Peers Of England and of France. And
| repeat that with respect to the dignity
which ordinarily prevails in This body,
and with respect TO the ability of its MEM
bers during the long period of my &C.
quaintance with ii, without arrogance or
presumption, we may say, in proportion
to its numbers, the comparison would not
be disadvantageous TO US, compared with
times. Sir, have long of attrac-
ton as public service in the Senate Of the
| United States is service which might
| ill the aspirations of the most ambitious
heart-l have nevertheless long desired
to seek that repose which is only to be
found in the bosom Of ones iamly-in
private ife-in ones home. 1t was my
purpose to have terminated my Senatorial
career in November, 1910, after the con-
clusion of the political struggle which
characterised that year. But learned
very soon, what my own reflections indeed
prompted me to suppose would take place,
that there would be an extra session and
being DESTROYS, prior to my retirement, to
cooperate with my friends in the Senate
in restoring, by the adoption Of measures
best calculated to accomplish that pur.
pose, that degree of prosperity TO the
country, which had been, Tor time, de.
stroyed, | determined upon attending the
extra session, which was called, as was
well known, by the lamented Harrison.
His death, and the succession which took
place in consequence OF it, produced a new
aspect in the affairs Of the country. Had
he lived, do not entertain particle OF
doubt that those measures which, il was
hoped, might be accomplished at that ses.
sion, would have been consummated by
candid cooperation between the Execu-
tive branch OF the Government and Con.
gress; and, sir, allow me to say, land it
is only with respect to the extra session, J
that believe if there be any one free from
party feelings, and free from bias and
from prejudice who will look at its trans