Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-09-01
Iron the .Natiosol TaeIigcuecr.)
INTERESTING Observation-Disclosures FROM


INTERESTING OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES FROM
MR.. CLAY.
In the Chambersbnrg Wing of Thursday, we find a
letter, eloquent and strong from the "Chambersbu
Clay Club" TO the Hon. Henry Clay, with his letter
IN reply. The committee introduce with the following
passage graphic sketch Of the progress Of msrule in
the country for long period past,
"Why is it, Sir, that with Constitution of Co.
vernmeDt so admirably adapted TO human welfare
with resources multiplied and exuberant-enterprIse
so ACCOMPLISHMENTS of intercourse rapid and COM
modious, and literature cheap and abundant, we are
not now as formerly prosperous ond happy nation
proud of nur respect and exutng thu promise of
The tutnrc Why IL, that all the great branches OF
our national industry are in u state of prostrauon or
ruin: Our soil and climate have undergo change
Tor line worse; machinery for ahridg,ng labor and
periectng its product has not drterioraeG active
population has lost nothing in point of energy and
skill Whence is il then, that prosperity has been
thrown into allegiance, that the capitalist finds out
let for his MEANS and the aborer remains without en-
p,oymenG"
The length of the Committees letter forbids its in
serton entire IL rs written with great force and spirit
Mr. Clay replies as follows:
ASHLAND, July %, 1S43
Gentlemen have the honor 10 acknowledge The
receipt of the communication which, behalf Of The
Clay Club OF Cbambersburg, you addressed to ME, in
forming me OF the organization OF that association
and of lis determination 10 cooperate with similar
institutions, and Wing fellow citizens generally in
disseminating and establishing sound prncip pies of Go.
vernment in the U. States. You are also pleased
gentlemen, at the instance Of the Club TO request my
acQuescence in the various nominations which have
been made of for the office of Chief Magistrate OF
the u States. | hope the success of the exerons
of the Club, in the propagation and establishment
of correct principles, may be commensurate with its
laudable and par,otc aims. And tender il my cor.
dial thanks and grateful acknowledgements for the
friendly sentiments and wishes which it enerains
towards myself. | infinitely obliged 10 my fell
low-ctzens Tor the numerous testimonies of their
confidence and attachment IN maniiesling their de
sire that | should fill the hinhes. Office in their
gilt; and whatever may he'the final result, my heart
Will ever be animated by feelings of the velrest gra.
tltude. The time has not yet arrived, think when
ought TO decide whether shall give my consent
or not to the use of my name candidate for the
Office of President OF the United States. When il
does shall give 10 all The considerations which should
influence my Judgment full weight, and, among them,
the friendly wishes of he Clay Club of Chambers.
burg.
concur with you, gentlemen, generally, in the re-
Prospect which you have presented Of The ADMINISTERS
of public affairs during late years, and in the
sures Of policy which ought guide it, If we are not
utterly deceived in the theory of free Government the
people Of the United States ought all along 10 have
been and should now be the happiest and pros
porous people upon the earth; but our condition has
been, and continues to be- far otherwise 1t is lmpos
sibe contemplate The administration Of the Govern
uent during nearly the last fifteen years. without fee
lngs Of the deepest regret and btterest modification
That long period has been marked by relentless pro
scripton, simar IN spirit, 1t no. attended with the
same efison of blood, as that which is recorded in
Roman history to have been perpeiaied by Marus and
Sylla; by reckless experiments and the overthrow OF
valuable institutions; by the destruction OF The best
currency in the world. and consequent dean gemen in
all the business of socley by extensive and scandaous
pecuation on the part Of public functionares; by ex
travan, and profeat expenditure of the public money;
by attempts to subvert The long chershed policy OF