Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-08-22
MIR. CLAY AND THE CATHOLICS

The most systematic and unjustfable attempts
are being made all over the country by the Locos
TO prejudice the Catholics, and especially the
Irish Catholics, against Mr.. Clay. by represent
ing him to be unfriendy to them and their Reli-
gion. What especial claims the Locos have TO
set themselves up as the peculiar friends and
guardians of the lrish,i might be well for that
people to enquire before they give themselves up
to their care and guidance.-Perhaps, indeed, it
may be found that, instead of having any just IT,
tie 10 their confidence, the zeal and apparent
friendship which they display in their be-
half, are all as selfish as they are new, and only
intended to wheedle them out of their votes.-
This is the view taken of their conduct GER
tainly, by some OF the most intelligent Irish Ca
tholcs in Maryland. They are indignant at the
attempt thus openly made to enlist their Church.
as Church, in the party contests of the country,
and are doing all in their power to counteract it.
The following letter from one of them, Mr..
SEMMEs, of Cumberland, brings a circumstance
to light which is calculated to show our Catholic
fellow.citZens, who have been imposed upon by
these misrepresentation, how wretchediy they
have been deceived; and if it does not fire them
with honest Indignation against those who have
ed them against one of their truest and nobest
friends, they will assuredly be wanting in all the
generous qualities which belong to the true Irish
character. For ourselves, we have been loath to
enter upon the defence of Mr.. CLAY against i'm
putations unworthy Of him-so totally irrecon-
ciable with his whole nature-and so emphat-
cally contradicted by his whole life for where,
we may ask, has there been people struggling
for liberty and equal rights on the face of the
globe, during the last thirty years, that has not
been cheeIed by the warm sympathy and encour-
aging voice of HENRY CLAY! How, then,
couldhe be the enemy of those wEo have sought
refuge from oppression in his own land
MIR. CLAY AND THE CATHOLICS.
To the Editor OF the Cumberland Civilian
CUMBERLAND, July I'd, 1874.
Dear Sir,-I received on Saturday evening last
through the hands of my friend William Price
Esq. an account OF the proceedings of public
meeting held at flagerstown, in March, 1899, in
honor OF MIR. CLAY when on his return home
from Washington after the termination of Mr..
Adams administration; and regret exceedingly
that the proceedings were not i'm nv possession
In time TO have enabled me TO introduce them in
my address delivered on Friday evening last, as
| should not now have to trouble you by this re-
ference to them. At this meeting speech wac
maze by MT. Clay, and Toast given. The
Irish Catholic Emancipation Bill happened to be
then pending before the British Parliament and
was one of the great political topics of the day
In the speech made by Mr.. Clay. he alluded TO
the subject, and spoke out with his characteristic
eloquence and force in favor Of the measure, as
one which greatly interested him friend Of
ireland and Of mankind; and when he concluded
he gave the following toast:-
''Success to tho Irish Catholic in his noble
struggle for Irish Liberty
Very respectfully, yours,
SAMUEL NJ. SEMMES