The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-09-13

Old you not INFORM me OF II.
Idid not seek to make Mr.. Cay's gaming
matter OF discussion in this canvass. In speech
which made in March last | referred to deca-
ration IN one Of the Junius tracts, that Mr. Clay
hadiong since abandoned that practice, which had
strongly marked his early life-not to attack
MIR. Clay, but to dscredt the author remarked
that the assertion was utterly untrue. and that he
had very lately been engaged in playing cards for
money Some indiscreet friend of his assaed me
by letter in one of the whig presses, as being
guilty Of slander. That brought on variety of
public notices, of the subject, and an inquiry on
the part Of many religious wings into the truth of
the charge. My position becomes, therefore, ma
terially changed by these circumstances, and shall
nothestate TO discharge the duty which it devoves
upon me.
lam told By some of Mr.. Clay's friends that he
doubtless has in early life, or in years past by, in
dulged himselfin that most dangerous and seduc-
tive vice, but that now he is reformed man. II
hebe reformed man in that particular, his refor-
nation must have occurred aoithm the last four
Deeks. had occasion to ride to Maysville in the
latter part oflast month. and stopped at the Blue
Lcks to drink some OF its fine water, Mr.. Clay
had lett thesprings day or two previously, haS
ing there spent the proceeding week. The first
thing which was remarked about him was, his
having been engaged, as usual at the card table
playing for money. viii! not name his associates.
On my arrival at Maysvle, the same details were
gwen there, aud some additional ones
MIR. Clay does not, aud will not, deny this charge.
Ifany ofhs whig friends choose to deny it for him,
advise them, nay urge them, to write to himself
on this subject, and they will soon besatisfied He
pursues this practice without concealment Mr..
Clay is bold man, and acts upon his impulses with
fankncss ard fearlGssncss My own opinion is,
hatif the alternative of the presidency without his
flvorite pursuit, or the pursuit without the presi
dency were presented to him, he would choose the
latter. Thismay appear strange AID eXtiavagant to
sme; but they will not think so when they shall
learn the power which long-adu!ged practice,
grown to apassiol, acquires over the human mind.
Such, conceive, is the condition OF Mr. Clay
do not impeach Mr.. Cay's right to act as he
may think most conductive to his own happiness in
this matter, where he does not infringe the laws of
his country. With his conscience have nothing
to do He has to make up and answer for his own
account; but when the people are again called upon
after having twice before rejected his solicitations
to elevate him to the highest office in the nation il
is proper that they should act adyisedy. In the
Philadelphia Baptist Record, a strolg and even
eloquent appeal is made to the Christian public in
favor of Mr.. Frelinghuyse1, upon the ground that
lie is the Bible candidate. 1t says:
Gas Christians, our country has claims upon our
services; and in exercising those duties which be-
long to us citizens, let have lively regard for
the religious and moIa bearing Of our conduct up
on the community i'll which we live, in the vote
we poll. Lei US remember, that il we are to have
wise, virtuous, and pious rulers, the charge must
be mainly accomplished through the religious COM
muniiy. 7Hotorc, in the matter ot'Ale rice pres
'dcncy, let act upon principle, and rot be sway
ed by party; let our ons-ience5 and our religious
feelings Influence us, rather than expedency and
sel6shness. Let us act as Christians should act,
both uprishtly and independently, and with firm
mss ofpurpose, through we should sacrifice the
political party with whl2h we have been connect,
ed"
In the whole article, neither the presidency, nor
his candidate for that Office, is once mentioned -
We have riehtto infer, then, that the pious edi-
tor ot the Baptist Record intended to hold pious
democrats bound to vote for his Bible candidate,
even at the sacrifice Of their 'political party"
while he and his pious whig friends are to pursue
different course as to the presidency. THEY are
not to "act upo1 principle" but 10 be "swayed by
party" their ''conscence and religious feelings"
are not 10 influence them, but "eXpediency and
solfishness;" they are not to "act as Christians
should act, both upright and independently" in the
selection ofhe higher office. Verify, all this must
o;cur if they select Mr.. Clay.
But there is another charge against Mr. Clay
which consider as involving deeper stain and
heavier guilt than the offence already specified 1t
is the death of,he amiabe, the lamented Cilley.
summon Mr. Clay 10 answer before you, fellow
citizens, for that melancholy catastrophe. He ac-
tually wrote the challenge; he counseI!ed with the
man who slew him, and permitted the duel to pro-
coed TO its final termination when one acord from
him would have arrested it. For NoT preventing
1t. hold him responsible TO the community But
if il be true as is confidently asserted, and be-
leve, without his contradiction, that, when Cey
fell, he remarked that it would be ga nine days
bubble" he betrayed hard, stony heart!
Oh you Of this great assemblage, who are wives,
feel for the widow and the orphans of the slain-
He was estimabe in all the qualities which make
Loving husband, an affectonate father, and true
L ,Jo1 1I,,t;o
hero, whose name is recorded Oh bright page of
his couutry's history. Hewas talented, last rising
in public estimation, and bade fair TO reach the
highest honors Of his country. His wife. who
loved him dearly, was anxiously awaiting his re-
turn from the halls of Congress. But letter
Oh IL ic SirLlck h.n Lln,Lllnr-