The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-10-26
MR.. CLAY,s PROSPECTS.

wv
them, have always been noted for their propen-
sity to draw largely on the future, and 10 erect
gigantic superstructures on pigmy foundations.
Whether in politics, or currency, their govern
ing maxim is to do large business on a small cap
ital, and to issue twelve or fifteen in promises,
to one in means of redemption.
The recent elections have lifted them again,
for while, from the abyss ofdespair TO the pin
nacle of hope Forgetting that the Wing party
is not Mr.. Clay's party, and forgetting the
" fixed fact" already placed beyond doubt, Of a
decided and Overwhelming Republican MAJOR
ity throughout the country, and in the popular
branch Of Congress, they seem TO think that
casual victory in Georgia, Maryand,& puts the
issue of the approaching Presidential contest be-
You'd doubt.
1t seems churlish 10 endeavor TO hold up
blanket before these occasional glimpses of sun
shine lew and far between''- visit the
prospects of the Clay party. But we cannot
help expressing doubt whether any sensible
and clear-headed friend Of Mr.. Clay Of, indeed,
he has any such friends, thinks any more high
ly Of his chances of the Presidency now, than
he did a year, or two years. or even quarter OF
a century ago, when his chace after the ignis
fatuus-the mirage of the desert-hrst com
menced.
In truth, every man acquainted with the ma
ture Of our Government and the character OF
our People, and knowing any thing of Mr.. Clay's
individual character and history must perceive
that there is barrier between him and the Pre-
sidency which cannot be overthrow until our
frame of Government is ready to fall with il.
When Mr. Clay commenced public life his
principles were sound and correct. He was a
disciple of the Jefferson school Of politics: and
his native talent enabled him 10 descInt elo-
quently upon the doctrines Of that school, and
to apply them correctly-as witness his first adj
mirabe speech on the Bank of the United States.
But as his principles were the result Of lucky
choice of model, rather than of sober and judi
cious reflection, and were not confirmed by time
and experience, they soon gave way before
the seductons Of more brilliant and attractive
school of politics.
He visited Europe al time when the divine
right OF kings and the doctrines of legitimacy
had just acquired a signal triumph, aud when
every thing which savored Of Democracy and
public liberty was banished from polite society.
He was struck and dazzled with the splendor
and power of the Governments OF Europe APP
pearing in an exalted public capacity, he became
personally acquainted with, aud was treated
with distinction by, their greatest living states
men and the renown of their llustriuus dead
was brought forcibly TO his mind. He returned
from this visit a changed man-not, perhaps,
with diminished patriotism, but with increased
ambidon-wth views and principles wholly un-
suited 10 the character and government Of our
People and BETTING only one who aspired TO
wield the energies of monarchicil Govern
ment, and who envied the fame OF Richelieu
or a Chatham.
What these views and principles are, the
whole country now well undersands-too well,
fortunately to leave much room for apprehen-
sion that they are likely soon 10 be carried into
execution. His American System-his stupen-
dous plans of internal improvement-his project
of welding the taxing power of the General
Government so as TO interfere with and regulate
every branch of domestic industry, and subject
every mans property indirectly, but most eff
fectually, to the arbitrary control of Govern
ment-his mammoth National Bank, and stub
born advocacy of paper currency, not subject
even to the checks which experience has shown
TO be absolutely necessary--the more recent
project Of his friends, for subjecling the people
of the whole Union TO an assessment of two hun
dred millions Of dollars, in payment of debts con
tracted with foreigners by spectators and pro
iectors in certain States--the realization ofthes,
and other magnificent schemes, which would
not leave .vestge of State rights, nor 10 tn,
end, Of popular liberty, is now well known L
the People to be the inevitable result of Mr.
Clay's accession to the Presidency. We lool