The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-09-19
Letter from the Hon, Henry Clay,

The ChnunbcrsburS Clay Clup, thT"uSUa |o''"N-
the Of their body, have recently addressed letter to
tho Hon. HENRY CLAY in which they depict, in
very strong aud eloquent language, the great evils
and caamities under which our Country has been
suffering, for now fteeD years-und usk that dStin'
auished statesman tote them why it is that Coun-
try upon which Heaven has showered its choicest
blessings which possesses such glorious Constitu-
ton such inexhaustibe resources, and such multi
Piled means Of happiness, should have continued, for
such succession of years, in crippled and unlor-
nate condition.
10 this letter of inquiry, the enlightened aud pat
rotic Statesman Of the West replies, in his usual spr
tied, bold ingenious, and putriotc style. lie por-
trays the wicked and reckless policy by which our
'pubc councils have been disgraced and the onward
tendency orour country -impeded, with the strong
hand of n master. We earnestly recommend 10 the
serious attention of every American voter this letter
of Mr.. CLAY II is the candid and honest expression
of the promptings of warm and noble American
heart We ask every American voter, into whose
hands it may fall, preserve for frequent refer
once from the present time 10 the day when lac will
be called upon to give his for Chief Magistrate
of the Nation. If he will do this lahrnlly-ond sur
fer himself to be guided by the lights of political wis
will then be prepared 10 exercise his elective fran
chise in such TO disenthrnl his Country
from the selfish and destructive men aud measures,
under the influence of which she has been long
suffering.
The letter of tho Chnmbersburg Committee to Mr.
CLAY is long onc-and we regret that we are not
able 10 publish the whole of it. The ma-admnis-
tration of our public affairs is forciby skechedand
the following inquiry addressed to MIR. Clay:
"Why is it, sir, that with Constitution of Gov
eminent so admirably adapted to human welfare
with resources multiplied and cxuberant-encr-
prise vgorous-means Of intercourse 20 rapid and
commodlous, and literature cheap and abundant,
are not now, as formerly, prosperous and happy
naton-proud Of our retrospect and exulting in the
promise Of the future? Why is it that all the great
branches of our national industry in state of
prostration ruin? Our soil and climate have un-
dergone change for The worse; machinery for
nbrdgng labor and eriectng its products has not de-
Perforated; active population has lost nothing in
point of energy and skill Whence Is 1t then that
our prosperity has been thrown into allegiance that
the capitalist finds outlet for his means, and the
.laborer remains without employment"
MIR. CLAWS REPLY.
ASHLAND, 25,h July, ls43
Gentlemen:
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt Of the
communication which in behalf Of the Clay Club OF
Chambersb burg, you addressed to me, informing ME
of the organization Of that association, and OF its de
termination operate with similar institutions,
and our Wing fellow citizens generally, in dissemn-
atng and establishing sound principles of Govern
ncnt in the United States. You also pleased,
gentlemen ut the instance of the Club, TO request my
acquesence in the various nominations which have
been made Of me for the office of Chief Magistrate Of
the United Suites, hope the success Of the exer-
tons of the Club, in the propagation and establish
ment of correct principles, may be commensurate
with its laudable and patriotic aims And tender it
my cordial thanks and grateful acknowledgements for
the friendly sentiments and wishes which it entertans
towards myself am infinitely obliged to my fell
low citizens for the numerous testimonies oftheir con
fdence and attachment, in manilessing their desire
that should ill the highest Office in their gift and
whatever may be the final result, my heart will
be animated by feelings of the vlcst gratitude. The
time has not yet arrived think, when ought to de-
eide whether shall give my consent, not to the
use of my name. as IA candidate for the office of
President of the United States. When it does shall
give 10 all the considerations which should lnRu-
my Judgment full weight, and among them, the
friendly wishes Of the Clay Club of Chaulbersburg.
concur, WIN you gentlemen, genera'Iy, IN Inc
retrospect which you have presented of the admins
traon of public affairs, during late years. and in the
measures of policy which ought to guide it. IF we
not utterly deceived in the theory of free govern
mont, the people of the United States ought all along
TO have been and should be, the happiest and
most prosperous people upon the earth but our con-
diton has been, ard continues to be far otherwise.
1t is impossible to contemplate the Administration of
the Government, during nearly the last fifteen years,
without feelings Of the deepest regret and btterest
modification. That long period has been marked by
relentless prescription, similar in spirit, if not attend
cd with the effusion of blood, ms that which is
recorded in Roman history to have been perpetraed
by Niarius and Syla by reckless experiments and the
overthrow Of valuable Institutions; by the destruc-
ton Of the best currency in the world and consequent
arrangement in all the business of society; by axten-
sve and scandalous pecnation the part of public
functonares; by exravagant and prohigate expendi-
ture of the public money; BY attempts subvet the
long cherished policy the country, under which it
had emneny fourished and prospered ;by relaxation
in the respect and authority due the law and Con-
stituon: by wide spread and ALARMING dom n 1oton.