The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-05-10
LETTER OF TIE WING MEMBERS OF
THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE TO THE
HON HENRY CLAY

To The Hon. HENRY CLAY, Senator in Congress
from the State Of Kentucky
Sir,--The undersigned, members of tho Senate
and Assembly Of the 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 year 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 two short intervals, been con-
stantly engaged in the service of your country.
During that long period of our eventful history
no Important measure which has contributed to
the prosperity the honor ofthe Nation, is re-
collected which if not originated by you, has not
at least received your cordial and eloquent support
The course Of your policy has in all things been
eminenily American In Peace and War, az
Senator, an Ambassador, the head OF the Depart
ment Of State you have secured for our country
abroad the respect of our sister nations, while al
home you have protected our seamen and our ships
and extended our commerce. fostered our hotne in.
dustry and sustained our manufactures, and com
peied emancipation from colonial dependence.
True TO your principles, true 10 your friends and
above all, true to your country. 1t has been your
rare felicity to be cherished lender among your
political friends, and the foremost champion OF
their principles, and at the same time 10 enjoy the
respect and possess the generous confidence Of all
your fellow citizens oil every political denomina-
ton.
Iii not within The compass of our design, to
dwell upon the numerous monuments Of your wis
dom aad patriotism they live in the history of the
republic. The evidences, too, OF your expanded
philanthropy and devotion To human liberty, are a
part OF the records of grateful nations. But there
is ono great measure which more than any other
has occupied your care, and to which we may be
permitted particularly to allnde, as demanding IN
an especial manner the thanks of your fellow citi.
zens-wc mean THE PROTECTION OF HOME
INDUSTRY.
This vital policy was adopted by you at the com
memo ement of your political life in tho Legislative
hall. Of Kentucky 1t was the subject of your first
effort, and constituted your first triumph enter
ing the Senate of the United States in i909-you
established it after the return Of peace in 1916
! and was its successful defender in the great de-
bates ofIS20, 1924, and 1882
| AT no period Of your life have you wavered Of
faltered in support of this policy, and your solemn
| farewell counsels have now sanctioned, with the
weight Of thirty five years experience the grea,
measure which your ardent patriotism embraced
! at the commencement of your career. IL the pro-
lection given has not been always adequate TO the
object, it is because it has not been such you
proposed and advocated.
We owe il to you, sir. to bear our testimony thai
while on the one hand the deficiency in the exis-
ting laws the subject attributable to no fau
or remissness on your part, on the other, the i'm
perfect degree Of protection we have received, and
which is in a great measure owing to your early
continued and constant efforts, has added many
millions TO the wealth, and many hundred thOus-
ands to the population Of the country-has stripped
war of its greatest dangers and sorest calamies by
rendering independent of foreign supplies either
of food or raiment, or the weapons of our defence
| and has given new charms TO peace by bringing
| the comforts and convcniences of life within the
enjoyment of all.
Ii is for these great national services that we de-
| sire to render you our thanks. We speak in oui
own names, but we believe speak tho senti
ments of those whom in other things we have the
| honor to represent, when we acknowledge the
| vast debt Of gratitude we owe you when we d O.
clare our solemn conviction that through YOU
whole political life, you have been governed by
the ioftiest patriotism and the most unsuled in
| tegrity. And when, 6CalY, we assure you tha
4,
TO Him who has hitherto been the guardian of oul
Republic, that health and strength may be proIong
ed to you for many years to witness the success o
the great measures you have labored to establish
and to enjoy the proud consciousness Of having
been the Senefactor of your beloved country.
rive omit The namesJ