The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-05-06
TRIRuTE TO HENRY CLAY.

4
nation, and neutral as to parties. We believe
that the Republic was originally established for
the purpose of advocating Mr.. Calhoun's preten-
sons to the Presidency, the great leader of the
Free Trade party. But since the withdrawal of
Mr.. Duff Green from the concern, the paper has
taken no share in the party contests of the day.
The opinions expressed of MIR. CLAY's character
and prospects, may therefore be regarded as the
unbiased judgment Of discriminating head and
the value of the Editors testimony is enhanced
by the consideration that he entirely differs from
Mr.. CLAY upon his great leading measures Of
public policy
In order that the Republics position may be
fully "de6ued,' we present the article sntire
dissenting however, from the opinon it expresses
in regard to the numerical strength of the
called democracy:
"The town was taken by surprise yesterday at
the sudden news of the nomination of Henry Clay
for the Presidency, and Theodore Frelinghuysen
for the Vice Presidency. This expedition IN the
business for which the Convention assembled is
| striking, and little expected either by friends or
opponents. The enthusiasm that animates the
thousands who have assembled at Baltimore will
acquainted with popular movements, it must be
apparent that whoever rides the wave which has
now commenced rolling, will be borne upon its
buoyant aud swelling crest up to the lofty height
of Presidential honor and power By common
acclaim, Henry Clay stands before the country as
the Wing candidate for the Chief Magstracy
and the deliberate choice of his party. There is
no one, it may be presumed, who will deny the
ability of MIR. Clay for this proud distinction He
has for long series of years held foremost po-
sition in the country, which has been enlightened
by his councils, inspired by his eloquence, and
benefited by his services We say this cheerful
ly, and in grateful spirit, though we do not agree
at all with the various political measures to which
Mr.. Clayis more or less pledged. We do not
write, however, in partisan spirit, and we may
be allowed, therefore, to bear our patriotic tesi.
mony to the worth, the talents, and the probity
of virtuous citizen and an able statesman. We
doubt not, from the spirit of unanimity that pre-
walls among his party, that they will succeed in
electng him President of the United States and
his success is the more probable from the strange
division and uncertainty which exists in the OPP
posite party. The numerical strength is no doubt
with the democratic party, and their measures
are generally more popular, not to say more ia
vorable to the interests of the country; but for
want of an energetic leader to rouse their ener-
ges, and awake their enthusiasm, they stand idle
GUS adversaries are rushing forward to secure the
victory which already smiles upon them. In the
contests of party we take no share, however deep
our interest may be in the welfare of the noble
country whose destiny must be 80 much affected
by the conduct and Integrity of the men in pow
err We have great confidence in the patriotism
Of Mr.. Clay-for though his political career has
displayed him as warm party leader, and his ar
dent advocacy of several prominent measures,
Il e. Al.
country, has somewhat shaken our opinion of his
Judgment still there is nothing to throw doubt
on his motives, or to lower the high estimate any
impartial man must form of the purity of his
principles. What course he will pursue, should
he be elected to the Presidency, it is impossible
to foresee but it is to be hoped he will rise
above all considerations of party, and rule solely
for the true interest and honor of the country.
We have some doubt whether he will throw the
weight Of his sanction into so equIvocal scale
as that of another National Bank and, from the
tenor of his late speeches at the South, it may
be inferred that he is rather disposed to favor the
adoption of low and steady tariff, to higher
rate, with the fluctuations that must ever attend
it. 1t is novel, and somewhat painful feature
of the times, that the great masses of the coun-
try seem to have lost their faith in politicians.
The sel6shness and dishonesty of so many promi-
| nent persons, as revelation has succeeded reve-
ioeio', nav oS6os uoupI dhu Gus PiSioHy
and it will be the lot Of whoever succeeds to the
high duties of the Presidency to be obliged to
regulate his conduct by the loftiest standard of
patriotic principle, before he can secure the con-
| idence and receive the homage of grateful
country. Mr.. Clay has now reached that adj
vanced period of life when the ardor of the par
tsan is laid aside for the gravity of the venerable
statesman, and when the prosperity and happi-
ness of the country becomes greater object than
the promotion of mere party interests
"Should it be the destiny, the happy destiny of
Mr.. Clay to be elevated to the highest pinnacle
of national power should it be his enviable lot
TO wear the proud mantle that was borne with
such dignity and grace on the shoulders of the
| first President, whose memory is his country's
best legacy, let hope that he will govern in
the same lofty spirit, and with the same vigilant
anxiety for the common good"
THE MIssoURI-The New York Commercial
states that Captain Newton, commander of the