The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-10-24
MR.. CLAY,S PROSPECTS.
Secretary.

The Wings, or rather the Clay portion OF
them, have always been noted for their propen-
sity to draw largely on the future. and TO erect
gig mic supers,ructures on pigmy foundations.
Whether in politics, or currency, their govern
ing maxim is to do large business on 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 despair to the pin
nacle of hope. Forgetting that the Wing party
is not Mr.. Clay's party, and forgetting the
= fixed fact" already placed hey ord doubt, of a
decided and overwhelming Republican major
ily Throughout, the country, and in the popular
branch OF Congress, they seem TO think that a
casual victory in Georgia, Maryland &c. puts the
issue Of the approaching Presidential contest be-
You'd doubt.
Ii seems churlish to endeavor TO hold up a
blanket before these occasional glimpses of sun
shine" few and far between"-which visit the
prospects Of the Clay party. But we cannot
help expressing doubt whether any sensible
and clear-headed friend of Mr.. Clay (if indeed
he Las any such friends,) thinks any more high
ly Of his chances OF the Presidency now, than
he did year, or two years. or even a quarter Of
a century ago, when his chace after the igHis
fdtuus-the mirage Of the deser,-frst com
menced.
In truth, every man acquainted with the ns-
ture Of our Government and the character Of
our People, and knowing any thing Of Mr. Clsy's
individual character and history, must perceive
that there is barrier between him and the Pre-
sidency which cannot be oveuhrown until our
frame Of Government is ready TO fall with il.
When Mr.. Clay commenced public life his
principles were sound and correct. lie was a
disciple Of the Jefferson school Of politics and
his native talent enabled him 10 descant elo-
quenty upon the doctrin,s Of that school, and
10 apply them corecty-as witness his first ad-
mrable 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 seductions Of more brilliant and attractive
school Of politics.
He visited Europe at time when the divine
right Of king. and the doctrines Of Legitimacy
had just acquired a signal triumph, aud when
every thing which savored of Democracy and
public liberty was banisbed from polite society
He was struck and dazzled with the speDdoi
and power of the Governments OF Europe ap
pesrng in an exalted public capacity, he became
personally acquainted with, and was treated
with distinction by, their greatest living states
men and the renown of their illustrious deac
was brought forcibly TO his mind. He returned
from this visit a changed man-nor, perhaps
with diminished patriotism, but with increased
ambition-with views and principles wholly I'M
suited to the character and government Of ou
People and BETTING only one who aspired tc
WELD the energies Of a monarchic, Govern
ment, and who envied the fame Of a Rcheliet
orr Chatham.
What these views and principles are, tn,
whole country now well derslauds-too well
fortunately, to leave much room for apprehen
sion that they are hkly soon 10 be carried int
execution. His American System--hs stupen
dous plans Of internal improvement--his projcc
Of welding the taxing power of the Genera
Government so as to interfere with aud regulate
every branch Of domestic industry, and subjec
every mans property indirectly, but most Of
fectually, to the arbitrary control Of Govern
ment-his mammoth National Bank, and stub
born advocacy of paper currency, not subjpc
even TO the checks which experience has showr
TO be absolutely necessary-the more recen
project of his friends, for subjecting the peopl,
of the whole Union to an assessment of two hun
bred millions Of dollars, in payment OF debts con
tracled with foreigners by spectators and pro
jeotors in certain States-the realization of thes,
aud other magnificent schemes, which would