Holly Springs gazette., 1844-03-09


soon forget his name.
Mr. Clay was one ofthe leaders of the
Republican party until 1924. and his bold
est enemy, up TO that time, dared not dispute
his Republicanism. AT the very outset Of
his political career, he opposed the Alien
and Sediton laws, with all the powers of his
eloqueEce lie was warm supporter OF
MIR. Jefferson's adminIstr alton, and introdu-
ced into the Kentucky Legislature. resolu-
tions highly approving thai administration.
He was the friend Of Mr. Madison, and en-
joyed his special confidence. 1t was chiefly
owing TO his exeriions and influence that the
State of Kentucky cast her vote for the Re.
publican candidate, Mr.. Madison. against
De Witt Clinton the Federal anti-war can
didate. He was the very pillar ofthe last
war, and maintained its pro2riety and neces-
slty, against Mr.. Quincy, MIR. Randolph,
and other eminent orators. 1t is not our de-
sign 10 enumerate the great services MIR
Clay has rendered his country, and for
which she will ever be grateful. What we
have chiefly in view is to vindicate his
claims to true Republicanism. Previous to
1924, the old Federal party had become al
most extinct, and so completely had the Re-
publican party tr:umphed, that there renal
ned not even the semblance Of party pro
Tossing what was formerly termed Federal
principles, the most prominent of which was
concentrated government and strong exec
utive. Mr.. Clay gave his vote for John
Quincy Adams, against Jackson and CTaw-
ford, the regular caucus candidate. and 10
exercising this right OF free choice, he in
Cured the resentment of Gen. Jackson and
his friends, who have waged unceasing war
fare against him from that day to this at
one time attempting to crush him by open
assaults, at another trying to undermine his
by the Infamous tongue of SLAM
der. But all to no purpose. 1t is true that
once, he was left unsupported by any but
his Ke ntucky neighbors, who knew him,
and who never deserted him; but now from
Maine to Louisiana, from cape Sable 10 the
Rocky mountains, the echo is returned to
Zentucky's appreciation Of her noblest son.
Compare the administration of the last Ad-
ans, with It's economy, regularity, modera-
ion an& derornm with the succeeding years
Of extravaganza, experiment, executive ag
gressions, cabinet explosions. seizure OF pub
lie monies, corruption of public officers,
union and discipline of parties. humilations
Of the peoples representatives at the foot of
he executive, unheard of exercise of the We
o power, threatened disruption Of the Union.
increase of banking capital, consequent de-
of speculation. depravity of public
morals, to say nothing of later manifestations
# public corruption in repudiating State debts
md nullifying laws o. Congress, which may
De traced 20 preceding political movements;
md. perhaps, reason for Mr.. Clay's vote
n 1924 may be found in his foresight and |
agacity, without resorting to the far-fetched |
,retence of federalism.
But we are told tha; Mr. Clay is in favor
IF National Bank. Very true; bu: what
has that to do with Federalism This was
lot a strict party measure at the outset. As
Early as 1909, MIR. Crawford and other lead
NO Republicans were in favor of National
Bank, and it was not then, nor has it since
,een regarded as a federal measure. It is true
Mr. Clay was opposed to it in 1911 and so
vas Mr. Madison. In 1916, Immediately
lfter the war, Mr. Madison recommended
he charter OF National Bank as absolute
" essential to the salvation of the country.
The public debt was Sll9,635.556. the
oanks had all suspended specie payments.
We had " purchase abroad all the comforts
If life, and specie was exported until it was
imposed there was only fifteen millions of
pecie in the country. Exchange on Eng
and arose to 20 and 25 per cent. above par.
n this disastrous state of things, President
Madison recommended a National Bank
md a Protective Tariff, and it was supported
rap0rt of A. D-It--