The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1842-11-12
. From the National Forum.
ERR. CLAY'S OPPOSITION TO THE
ALIEN AND SEDSTION LAWS.

MR. CLAY's OPPOSITION TO THE
ALIEN AND SEDsTION LAWS.
The following from the "Lile of Henry
Clay" in the New World gives an &C
count Of the eloquent opposition of Henry
Clay to the Alien and Sediuon Laws OF
John Adams. Mr. Clay, in the days OF
tie Democratic Administration Of Jeficr-
son aud Madison, was regarded as the at
las OF the Democratic cause.-The great
chamion of its principles He to this day
advocates lhe same principles, and yet he
is charged by Buc hanan, Wall, and other
blue liyhtF ederalisls, with beinga Fedora
list,
During the ADM nistration of John
Adams, in 1883 the famous Alien and
Sediiion laws were passed. The proper
opposition with witch these eXtraerdina-
ry measures were received, is still wildly
remembered in the United States. By the
ALLEN Law The President was authorized
10 order any alien, whom he should
Judge dangerous to the peace and safety
OF the country ito depart out of the terri
tory within such time as he should judge
proper, upon penalty of being 'implison-
ed Tor term not exceeding three years,
SC.
The 'Scdit;on Law was designed to
punish the abuse of speech and of the
press. 1t imposed a heavy pecuniary
fine, and Imprisonment for term Of years
upon such as should combine or conspire
together to oppose any measure ofgovern
meat upon such as should write, print,
ml,er. publish, &c, any false, sea ndalous,
and malicious writing against the govern.
ment Of The United States or the Presi-
dent &c.
Mr.. Clay stood forth one Of the ea:ies,
champions of popular rights in opposi-
ton 10 those memorable laws. Ken,uc-
Ky was one Of the first States that launch
ed their thundsrs against them; and tho
many speakers came forward to give ex-
preston to the indignation which was
swelling in the public heart, none sue
ceeJed we'll IN striking the responsive
chord as our young lawyer. He was
soon regarded as the leading spirit Of the
opposition party; and it was about this
time that the title Of the great commone r
was bestowed upon him.
A gentleman, who was present at
meeting where these obnoxious laws were
discussed, described the effect produced
by Mr.. Clay's eIosuence as difficult adj
qualely 10 describe The populace had
assembled in the fields in The vicinity of
Lexington, and were first addr essed by Mr.
George Nicholas, distinguished man and
powerful speaker. The speech of Mr..
Nicholas was long and eloquent, and he
was greeted by the most enthusiastic
cheers as he concluded. Clay being
called for, promptly appeared, and made
one of the most extraordinary and mpres
sive harangues ever addressed to a popu-
lar assembly. A striking evidence of its
thrilling and effective character may be
found in the fact. that when he ceased,
there was no shout-no applause. So
eloquenlly had he interpreted the deep
feelings Of the multitude, that they forgot
the orator in the absorbing emotions he
had produced. A higher compliment
can hardly be conceived. The theme
was glorious one for yourg and gene
rous mind, filled with ardor in behalf of
human llber.y-and he did it justice. The
people took CLAY and Nicholas upon
their shoulders, and forcing them into a
carriage, drew them through the streets,
amid shouts Of applause. What an inci>
dent for an orator, who had not yet COM
pleled his .wenty-second year!