Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-04-04
UNITED srArss .nSArn.
wAssrxeros. March 81, tsfa.
MR. CLAWS vALEDICTORY.

Nc CLAY rose and sad, before offering the mo.
uoo which II was his intention to submit to the
Senate, he desired to make a single observation
with regard To subject which he was about leave
unhnished-he meant the resolutions which he had
submitted, proposing certain amendments TO the
Constitution OF the United States. |, had been his
wish, prior to his retirement, to have obtained a
vote upon these resolutions and also to have replied
to the arguments which had been advanced by their
opponsnts. but owing to the feeble state Of his
health, he had been unable enter upon a reply,
and owing to the absence OF several OF his friends
he had 10 the conclusion that Il would be bet
to eommi, the subject into the HAMS OF the Sc
nate. to be disposed OF according TO their judgment,
and discretion whenever il might come up; and he
would dismiss this subject with n simple remark in
reference to the conviction which he entertained OF
the propriety Of the different amendments which he
had suggested; those convictions he still deliberate
ly entertained, Notwithstanding all that he had heard
upon the subject.
And, now, continued MIR Clay, allow me to
nounce formally and officially, my retirement from
the Senate of the United States and TO present the
last motion which shall make within this body
but before making that motion, | trust | shall I've
pardoncd Tor awaiting myself OF this occasion to make
n few observations. At the time OF my entry into
this body, which took place in December, 1906, |
regarded IT, and still regard IL, body, which may
he compared, without disadvantage, TO any OF sim
liar character which has existed IN ancient or mod
ern times; whether look at in reference to its
dignity, its powers the mode OF its constitution;
and will also add, whether it be regarded in re
ference to the amount OF ability which, shall leave
behind me when | retire from this chamber. In
,nstituting comparison between the Senate OF the
United States and similar political institutions, OF
other countries of Fra nee and England for example,
he was sure the comparison might be mo5e wthou,
disadvantage to the American Senate. In respect
TO the constitution OF these bodies: England with
only the exception Of the peers from Ireland and
Scotland, and in France with exception, the
component parts, the members OF these bodice, hold
their places by virtue OF delegated authority, but
derive their powers from the crown, either by an
Gent creation Of nobility transmitted by force o.
hereditary descent or by new patents as occasion
required an increase OF their numbers. But here
MIR President, we have the proud title Of being the
representatives OF sovereign States or Common
wealths. IL we look at the powers OF these boiie.
m France and England ard the powers Of this Sen.
ate, we shall find that the latter far greater than
the former. In both those countries they have the
legislative power in both the judicial with seine
notifications. and IN both perhaps more extensive
prejudcia power than is possessed 10y this Senate;
but then the vast and underlined and undehna BILE
power, the treaty making power, AT least patii.
cpation IN the conclusions OF treaties with foreign
powers, IS possessed by this Senate, and is
SD by neither Of the others. Another power, too
and one OF infinite magnitude, that OF distributing
the patronage of great nation, which is shared 10y
this Senate with the Executive magistrate. In both
these respects we stand upon ground different from
that occupied by the Houses Of Peers OF Eng gland
and OF France And repeat that with respect 10
the dignity which ordinarily prevails in this body,
and with respect TO the ability OF its members du-
ring the long period of my acquaintance with il,
without rrcgauce or presumption, we may say, in
proportion TO ITS numbers, the comparison wound not
be disadvanlAseous TO compared with any Senate
either oil ancient or modem times Sir have long
full OF attraction public service IN the Senate
OF the United States Is-a service which might I'll
the aspirations OF the most ambitious heart-l have
nevertheless long desired TO seek that repose which
Is only 10 be found in the bosom OF ones famiy-in
private lie-in ones home. Ii was my purpose 10
have terminated my Senatorial career in November
IsiO alter the conclusion of the political struggle
which characterized that year. But learned very
soon, what my own reflections indeed prompted me
10 suppose would take place, that there would be
an extra session; and being desirous, prior TO nv
retirement, TO Co operate with my friends in the
senate IN restoring by the adoption of measures
oest calculated 10 accomplish that purpose, that de-
gree OF prosperity 10 the country, which had been
Tor time, destroyed, determined upon attending
the extra session, which was called as was well
known, by the lsmented Harrison. His death, and
The succession which took place in consequence of
H. produced new aspect IN the affairs OF the eoun-
try Had he lieved, do not entertain a particle of
uouot mat those measures which il was hoped
might be accomplished at that session. would haze
been consummated by a candid Cooperation be-
tween the Executive branch Of the Government and
congress; and sir, allow say, land II is only
with respect to the extra SESSION. that believe
there he any one Tree from party feelings and free
from bias and from prejudice who will look at il,
transactions IN spirit OF candor and Of justice but
must come 10 the conclusion to which think tbs
country generally will come, that If there he anv
,hng 10 complain OF in connection with that session
II IS not as TO what done and concluded but a.
10 mat which was left unfinished and unaccom nlisb
co. Alter the termination of that session. had H,r
rsoh iived, and had the measures which IL appeatef
To me II was desirable TO have accomplished beer
carried, II was my intention 10 have retired: hut
reconstructed that determination with the vain hon
tha', al the regular session OF Congress- what ha,
oeen unaccomplIshed at the extra session. might the
be effected, either upon the terms proposed or 4
some manner which would be equivalent Bu
events were announced after the extra session
events resulting, believe, in the failure 10 accom-
push certain objects at the extra session-even,
which seemed TO throw upon our friends ever
where present defeat-this hope, and the occurrenc
OF these events, induced me to attend the resula
session, and whether In adversely or in prosperitv
70 snare IN the fortunes Of my friends. But cam
mere with the purpose, which | am now about 4
enectuate, oil retiring as soon as thought | couL
councils. P1'''
From the year 1906, the period of nv enterin,
upon this noble theatre OF my public service. viii
~ Suott intervals, down 10 the present time hav
been engaged IN the SERVES OF my country. Oftb
nature and value of those services which ma,
nave rendered during my long career Of public life
d does not become me to speak. History. # an,
deigns 10 notice me, and postery-if r.colieetior
o. any humble service which may hive rendered
shaI be transmitted TO posterity-will be the lest
uuest, and most impartial judges, and TO them
deier Tor decision upon their value
but, upon one subject, | may be allowed 10 snsak
rs 10 my public acts and public conduct, they are
subjects for The judgment Of nv fellow c,7.ns.
but my private motives Of action-tbat Which
prompted me to take the part which I NAV have
uone' upon great measures during their proeress in
me national councils, can be known onlv tn the
GREAT SeaIeher Of the human heart and mvssIf
ana trust shall be pardoned for Tepeatinp Sooio
declaration which ] made thirty wears 400. Iba,
Whatever error may have committeeman donL,
Iess nave committed many during my public ser
riee-i may appeal TO the Divine Searcher Of hearts
iot the truth OF the declaration which now mak.
WIN prIoe and confidence that have bee n aetuated
ny no personal motiVos-that have sought no per
sohaI agerandzement-no promotion from the adj
Vocacy OF those various measures on which have
been called 10 aet-that have had an eve. n singIs
eye, heart, single heart, ever devoted TO what
appeared TO be the best interests OF the coun,rv
ct, err during this long period, have not ESCAPED
he Iete OF other public men, in this and other conn
Tres. have been often, Mr. President. the object
OF oltter aud unmeasured delraction and ealpnnnv.
nave borne II, will not say always with COMM
sure but have torne Il without creating anv dis
lu'Sahce' have borne u, waiting in mistaken
ma undoubting confidence, that the triuuphs ~
u'h nnd Justice would ultimately prevail. and tbat
u'S "3eu settle all things as they ought TO be set