Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1843-09-15
Interesting Correspondence
LETTER FROM MR.. CLAY.

LIZ L LIN l. lSN(" Ah AZ 80
In the Chambersburg Wing of Thurs,
day we fud letter, eloquent and strong
from the "ChAmbsrs rsburg Clay Club" TO
the Hon. HENRY CLAY, with his letter
in reply. The committee Introduce
with the following passage a graphic
sketch of the progress of misFule in the
country for long period past:
"Why is it, sir, that with Constitu-
ton OF government so admirably adapted
10 human welfare with resources 80
multiplied and xuberaEt-enterprlse so
vigorous-meau of intercourse so rapid
and commodious, and literature so cheap
and abundant, we are not now Os Tor
merly prosperous and happy nation
proud of our retrospect and eXuItIng 10
the promise Of the tulure2 Why is it
that all the great branches of our nation
al industry are in state OF proslrallon
or ruln2 Our soil and climate have un.
dergone no change for the worse; our
machinery for abridging labor and per-
fecting it's product has not deteroraled,
our ac,ive population has lost nothing IN
point Of energy and skill. Whence is it
then that our prosperity has been thrown
into abeyance, that the capitalist finds
no outlet for his means, and the aborer
remains without employment"
The length Of the Committees letter
Gorbds its insertion entire. ltis written
with great force and spirit. Mr.. CLAY
replies as follows:
ASHLAND, July 25, lS43.
Gentlemen:- have the honor to ac-
knowledge the receipt of the communi
cation which, in behalf Of tho Clay Club
OF Chambersburg. you addressed to me,
informing me of the organization Of that
association, and OF its determination TO
co operate with similar institutions and
our Whig fellow cirizeps generally in
disseminating and establishing sound
principles OF government in the United
States. You are also pleased, gentle
men, al the instance Of the Club, to re.
Quest my acquiescence in the various
nominations which have been made Of
me for the office OF Chief Magistrate Of
the United States. hops the success of
the exertons OF the Club in the propa
pation and establishment Of correct prIn
ciples may be commensurate with its
laudabe and patriotic aims And ten
der nv cordial thanks and grateful ac-
acknowledgements for the friendly ssnt-
meuts and wishes which it entertaini
towards myself am infinitely obi
Csd TO my feIlow,citize for tho numer
Gus testimonies Of their confidence ant
attachment in manfestlng their desire
that | should fill the highest office II
their gift; and whatever may be the Il
nal result, my heart will ever be ANNA
ted BY feelings Of the iveliest gratitude
The time has not yet arrived, | think
when | ought to decide whether ! shaI
give my consent or not to the use OF my
name as a candidate for the office o.
President oft United States. Whol
it does, shall give oil the consideration
which should influence my judgment lul
weight, and, among them, The IIlendI.
wishes Of the Clay Club al Chambers
burg
concur with you, gentlemen, gsner
ally, in the retrospect which YOU hav
presented Of the administration OF publ
affairs during late years, and 10 III,
measures of policy which ought to gud
il. If WE are not utterly deceived il
the theory Of free government, the peo
pie Of the United States ought all alon
TO have been and should now be the hap
piest and most prosperous people upo
the earth; but our condition has beer
and continues to be, far otherwise. 1t
Impossible to contemplate the admins
tralion of the Government during near
the last fifteen years without feelings {
the deepest regret and bilterest morlf
cation. That Iong period has bson maj
ked by relentless prescription, similar
spirit, il not attended with the same ei
fusion OF blood, as that which is reCorde
in Roman history to have been perpe
trated by Marius and Sylla; bv reck les
exeperlmenls and tho overthrow of va
usble institutions; by the destruction
the bss, currency in the world, and col
seqOent derange menl in all tho bn'inct
of society; by extensive and scandaIol
psculation on the part Of public function
aries; By extravagant and profllgate o.
penduure Of the public money; by al
Temps to subVert the long cherishc
policy Of the country under which 1t ha
eminenlly nourished and prospered; b
RELAXATION 10 the respect and aurhorit
due TO the law and Constitutions; by wd
spread and alarming demoraization; b
fearful growth and corrupt use Of tn
Executive pranch Of Government; an,
finally, by a degree oC p'ridy in tn
head Of that branch, Of which no oquJ