The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-04-09
MR.. cLAY's MANIFESTO.

Whether such practical innovation upon
wise whether il would not be likely to create
more evils than it would cure whether il would
not dangerously enfeebe the Executive for the
time being; whether it would not multiply can
didates for the Presidency, geometrcally, 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 il a 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 a superstructure. 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 ac-
complish, this whole session, for the relief of
the country2 not one, not one. He has kept
himself within generalities, plausibilltes, 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 relieved for three years to come.
But, returning to the subject of the one term
principle is certainly true, that although not
its early advocate, Mr.. Clay did become greatly
attached to it, after the result ofMe Harrisburg
| Contention. He then became satisfied from
his long experience, that the one term prnci-
pie was essential to the salvation of the Repub
lie. He wondered 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.
II 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 il 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 gulsi statement Of his own
age, which he put forth in his last speech in the
Senate. He went to Kentucky torty-fve years
ago, 1t seems, not exactly san 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
after his inauguration, and was succeeded
by Mr. Tyler. Now arose the inquiry,
"Did Mr.. Tyler come within the one
tern, principle ?" He had almost one
whole term to serve, but not quite. If Cen
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 90 for term
1t lacks but 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 Pres-
dency2 Is it satisfied, by 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 cell, at our
chancery courts, by pos-but is it one term 2"
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 q leading
riew TO his future eleration. This is the true
solution of the conduct adopted by him at the
extra session, and steadily pursued to the pre-
sent moment. He would not have quarrelled
with the President about a 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 a great point of difference
with the President, that in the plan of a Bank
the States should have voice about branches?