Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-09-14
INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE
TER FROM MR. CLAY

In the Chambersburg Wing Of Thursday we find
letter, eloquent and strong from tho Chambers
burg Clay Club to the Hon. HrsRY CLAY, with his
letter in reply. The committee introduce with the
following passage graphic sketch of the progress
OF misrule in the country for long period past
"Why is il, sir, that with Constitution Of govern
ment admirably adapted 10 human welfare, With
resources so multiplied and sxuberan enterprise so
vigorous, means OF intercourse rapid and commo-
dous. and literature so cheap and abundant, we are
not now a. formerly PROSPEROUS and happy nation,
proud of our retrospect and exutng in the promise
of the future? Why is il hat all the great branches
Of our National industry in a state Of prostration
or ruin, Our soil and climate have undergone no
change for the worse; our machinery for abridging
labor and perectlng its product has not deieriorat
ed our active population has lost nothing in point
Of energy and skill Whercs is it then that our
prosperity has been throw, into abeyance that the
capitalist finds outlet tr his means, and the la
borer remains without employment -
The length Of The Committees letter forbids its
insertion entire. II is written with great force and
spirit. Mr.. CLAY replies a, follows:
A,HLAND, July 25, 1888.
Genaemen,-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of the commun cation which, in behalf
Of the Clay Club of Chamlersburg, you addressed
TO me, informing me Of the organization OF that asso-
citation, and offs determination to cooperate with
similar institutions and our Wing fellow citizens
generally in disseminating and establishing sound
principles OF government IN the United States You
are also pleased, gentlemen at the instance OF the
Club, to request my acsuiescence in the various
nominations which have been made Of me for the OF.
I fee Of Chief Magistrate OF The United States
hope the OF the exeriions OF the Club in the
propaga alton and establishment OF correct principles
may be comm ensurste with iis lsudabs and patriot
| ic aims. And ! tender il my cordial thanks and
! grateful Acknowledgements for the friendly senti
men,s and wishes which il contains towards myself
| am infinitely obliged TO my fellow-citizens for ih'
numerous testimonies OF ther confidence and attach
ment in msnifesing their desire that should hl The
highes, office in their gf; and, whatever may b'
the final result. my heart viii ever be animated b,
feelings Of the lveliest gratitude. The time ha'
not yet arrived, I think, when ! ought to decide
whether shall give my consent or not TO the use
nv name as candidate for the office Of President o
the United States When it does, shall give 10 al
The considerations which should influence nv judg
rnsni full weight, and, among them. the friendly
wishes Of the Clay Club Of chambersburg.
concur with you, gentlemen, generally, in thu
retrospect which YOU have presented Of the admin
s,raton Of public affairs during late years, and il
the measures Of policy which ought TO guide il. !
are not Utterly deceived in the theory Of free gov
ernmeni, the people fthe United States ought al
along to have been and should row be the haPpiss
and mos, prosperous people Upon the earth bot Oh
condition has been, and continues 10 be- far other
~ise. !, !, impossible to contemplate the admin.
iraiion Of the Gor.rnmen, during nearly the asi 81
teen years without feeling. Of the deepest regrs
and bilierest modification. That long period ha
been marked by Ielenless prescription, similar II
,pirit. il not attended with the efTosion q
blood, As that Which !. recorded 10 Roman hisior