Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-07-14

the House Of Representatives the United
States. will not now dwell on the sub.
sequent eveE;s Of my political life, or emu.
merate the Offices which have filed
During my public career, have had Bit
ter, implacable, reckless enemies. Blu: if
have been the object OF misrepresenta-
ton and unmerted calumny, no man has
been beloved or honored by more devot-
ed, faithful and enthusiastic friends.
have no reproaches-none-to make to-
wards my country, which has distinguish.
ed and elevated me far beyond what had
any right to expect. forgive my enc
mics, and hope they may live to obtain
the forgiveness of their own hearts.
1t would neither be fitting nor is il my
purpose to pass judgment on all the acts
Of my public life; but hope ! shall be
excused for one or two observations, which
the occasion appears to me to authorize.
| never but once changed my opinion
on any great measure of National policy,
or on any grea, principle of construction
OF the National Constitution. In early
life, on deliberate consideration, adopted
the principles of interpreting the Federal
Constitution which had been so ably de-
veloped and enforced by Mr.. Madison,
in his memorable report to the Virginia
Legislature, and TO them, as understand
them, have constantly adhered. Upon
the question coming up in the Senate oil
the United States, to recharter the first
Bank Of the United States, thirty years
ago, opposed the recharter, upon con-
victions which honestly entertained.
The experience of the War, which short
ly followed, the condition into which the
currency Of the country was thrown,
without Bank, and. may now add, la
ter and more disastrous experience, con.
WINGED me | was wrong. publicly stat
ed to my constituents in a speech in Lex
ngton, Chat which made in the House
OF Representatives OF the United States,
not having been reported,) my reasons
for that change, and they are preserved
in the archives Of the country. appeal
to that record and am willing to be
Judged now and hereafter by their validi-
ty.
| do not advert to the fact Of this soil
tary instance Of change Of opinion, rs inn
plying any personal merit, but because il
is fact. will, however, say that think
it very perilous to the utility of any pub
lie man TO make frequent changes Of opin-
ion, or any change but upon grouds SO
sufficient and pulpable, that the public can
clearly see and approve them. If we
could look through window into the hu-
man breast, and there discover the causes
which led to changes Of opinion, they
might be made without hazard. But rs
it is impossible to penetrate the human
heart, and distinguish between the sinister
and honest motives which prompt it, any
public man that changes his opinion, once
deliberately formed and promulgated, un-
der other circumstances than those which
| have stated, draws around him distrust,
impairs the public confidence, and lessons
his capacity to serve his country.
will take this occasion now to say,
that am, and have been long satisfied,
that il would have been wiser and more
polite in me to have declined accepting
the office of Secretary of State in 1925.
Not that my motives were not as pure
and patriotic ns ever carried any man into
public office. Not that the calumny that
was applied to the fact was not as gross
and as unfounded as any that was ever
Here some body cried out
that Mr.. Carter Beverly, who had been
made the organ Of announcing it. had re-
Gently borne testimony TO its being I'M
founded. Mr.. CLAY said it was true that
he had voluntarily borne such testimony.
But, with great earnestness and empha.
sis, Mr.. CLAY said, want no testimony
ere-here-HERE, repeatedly touching
his heart, amidst tremendous cheers, here
is the best Of all witnesses Of my inno-
cence. Not that valued friends, and high
ly esteemed opponents did not unite in
urging my acceptance of the Office. Not
that the administration Of Mr.. Adams will
not, sincerely believe, advantageously
compare with that Of any Of his predeces-
sors, in economy, purity, prudence, and
wisdom. Not tina, MIR. Adams was him
self wanting in any of those high quallfi-
CdtIohs uuu uptiSuN uuu Pot'VtS ihsS"'
tons which were suited to the office. or
that extraordinary man OF rare and varied
attachments, whatever diversity Of opinion
may exist as to his recent course IN the
House Of Representatives, land candor
obliges me TO say that there are some
things in it which deeply regret, IT is
with no less truth than pleasure. declare
that during the whole period Of his admin.
istration, annoyed, assailed and assaulted
as it was, no man could have shown
more devoted attachment TO the Union,
and all its great interests /; a more ardent
desire faithfully TO discharge his whole
duty, or brought to his aid more useful
and knowledge than he did,
| never transacted business with any man,
in my life, with more ease, satisfaction and
advantage than did with that most able
and interchangeable gentleman, as President
Of the United States. And | will add,
that more harmony never prevailed in any
Cabinet than In his.
But my error, in accepting the office,
arose out of my undertaking the power Of
detraction and the force OF ignorance, and
abiding, with too sure confidence, in the
conscious integrity and uprightness OF my
own motives. OF that ignorance, | had
a remarkable and laughable example on
an occasion which will relate. was
trayel;no in 1909 throuph | heiieye il