The Arkansas banner., 1844-04-03
HENRY CHATS INDEPENDENCE!

ms Badependence Even HIS ciohelts nave ueeinGu him bold and manly adversary; and admitted that however worthy of oppositon--on account Of his dangerous political doctrines, he was at least, also worthy of respect as man. But this is no longer the case. Both friend and foe, if they be candid must now admit that according 10 his otcn ~rit len declaration, he has sacrificed his 'persona inde pendence, with the obvious, and sole purpose of purchasing votes. The proud plume of independ- ence has been shorn from his dishonored casque- the knightly spur has been hacked from his unwor thy heel By some, this degradation is ascribed to his old age-it Is said that the weight of years has bowed him down. from the high estate of manly dignity. Be the cause of the fall what it may, 1t is certain that he aoc stoops to that which, twelve short years ago, he scorned as became freeman.- We are warranted in saying this for the following reasons:
 In 1s8I the qrti-A Aasoas called upon him, for his opinion of Masonry. He then said to them:
 < 4 compliance on my part with your de- mand, would amount to all implied admis- sion that individual sentiments on the subject of masonry formed a proper consideration Tn regulating the exercise of the elective fran chise in respect to offices of the Federal Go- vernment can make no such admlsslon.- If. indeed, you, gentlemen, will point to the provision in the Federal Constitution which can be leglt- imately made to operate upon the subject in question, I would not hesitate promptly to comply with your request. In the mean time, in declining it, l hope you will con- sider me as mol wanting Tn proper respect to you, or to those whom you represent, but as acting from conviction of the improprlety of blending an alien ingredient with ques- ton already sufficiently complex, and also from sense of personal independence"
 This was language which it became an honorable man to use and which every man, whether parti- gan or opponent, was bound to admire Itw the language of an American freeman, evincing prop CT sefrespect an honorable degree of personal in- dependence,'' and just view of social relations, which he scorned to compromise for the sake of political advantage. Mir. Clay's friends boasted of this at the time, and have done sosince as evidence of the manly iadependeace of his character.
 But was he justly untitled to this applause--was his soul high and his spirit as independent as his language indicated Let subsequent events respond.
 In ls40, the Anti Mosons were strongly represent ed in the Harrisburg Convention. And, there, they were mainly instrumental in preventing MT. Clay's nomination for the Presidency. Why? Because they remembered the repulse they had received from him in 1881 and because they had found General Harrison more considerate of their similar applica- ton to him, and more compliant with their wishes This seems to have made a very deep and lasting impression upon the mind and memory of Mir Clay This body of individuals-these Anti -Masons (whe-
 her rogues fanatics. 1t is not purpose to in quire) )--he had despised for their weakness, and spurned for their impertinenee Yet they prevented his nomination; and thus stood, an impossible wa between him and the darling object of all his high fond hopes, and towering ambition! This ar row, from a bow which he had flung aside in scorn, as the fit plaything of child, was heard to hurtle through the air--was felt 10 reach the proud Eagle in his sun-ward flight to penetrate to his very vi- tals and bring him down--down-down, even be- low the base level of 'sthe housing owl.' to foun- derin the foul slough ol disappointed ambition.
 That this result, so disastrous to his political for tunes--so killing to his towering aspirations was alike mortifyng to his feelings, and unexpected to his hopes, is most certain. But though vanquished, he would not despair. Though he had failed, by advancing with bold and manly front, to gain ad- mission into the citadel of popular confidence he still hoped, by stratagem, to creep in at the postern gate, when, perchance he might have drugged the sentinel into forgetfulness. He pondered upon the pregnant lessons of the past, and learned cunning, al least, if not wisdom, from experience. Conse- quently, he next essays philosophy; and doubtless refecting how ssweet are the of diversity, he is found practising his first lesson in humility Of sp rit He-the proud, the bold, the independent, He who, but yesterday, as mighty Colossus, bestrode the continent, held his high head above the clouds and outstared the Sun,--He is, oday, so meek, so humble as to veil his modest vsage in the dust ay- to drag his abject form along the foul earth, and crouch and fawn, like very spaniel, for the 'smost sweet voices !" of the once despised Anti -Masons!
 Is this rue' Human dignity, manly self-reseect, common decancy, all cry out-ssoh tell it not in Gath publish it not in the streets of Askelon !''-- Nevertheless t is most true.
 Here arc the .facts As is well known, the WHrGs are to hold another Convention, in ls44, to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. Mir Clay, although repudated time and again, is, as ever, a standing aspirant to the highest office in the gift of the people. And he knows, very well, that this is to be his lust chaace to draw appropriate figure from his own favorite games he is well aware that this is to be his last cast of the dicehis last trick with the cards If he fail this time, he fails forev- CT; and sinks down into the cold grave of political annihilation, ruined political hack. His couat,y- men wH have repudiated him for the ffih and last time; and to assure themselves of his final rddanee will then fashion the ase patriotism, which he has e long sought to palm upon them, into plate for his political coffin, and there nail it fast as an hon est merchant nails base coin to the counter
 But the Anti Hasons are, again. to be represented in the Whig National Conreatioa. And, again, af-
 ter interval of twelve years they have called up- on MT. Clay for his opinion of Masonry. What is Rooe his answer? Does he now frankly and boldly tell them, as becomes man. and as he told them be- fore, that he will not entertain even "an implied admission that individual sentiments on the subject of Masonry forms proper consideration in regua- ting the elective franchise in respect to officers of