The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-07-17
From the Kentucky Observers reporter.
June 25,
MR.. CLAY AND HIS REVILERS.

fractions calumny of such perseveringran-
corous, and malignant attacks, as those
which have been constantly directed
towards Mr.. Clay during the last twenty
years. They arose out Oft facts that
he Gid not deem it his duty, acting either
upon his own judgement or IN confor-
mity with the wishes of his constituents,
whom he represented in the House of
Representatives, TO cast vote for Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States.
His assaiants, including the General
himself, seem resolved TO persist in these
attacks during the Generals life. Nor
are they confined to his public character
and conduct but, with fiendish spirit,
watching and pursuing wherever he goes
in retirement, and in private and social
intercourse, his unguarded expressions,
his habits, and all his movements are
seized for purposes of Misrepresentation
and malevolent abuse. 1t is not now
our intention TO deal with the revived
calumny of bargain, &C., SO often denied,
disproved, and triumphantly refuted. We
would as soon handle putrid carcass. Du-
ring the canvass IN Tennessee, last year,
Dir. Polk, on several occasions, attempted
to use that stale charge but it was met
and repealed with such indignant spirit
by bis able, eloquent, and intrepid CON-
petiior (Gov. Jones) that he was entirely
sienced, and we hardly imagine viii ey-
or again attempt 10 propagate such
calumny in the gallant and patriotic
State OF Tennessee.
But our present object relates TO Mr..
Clay's private conduct and character, so
indecenlly attempted by bis enemies 10
be exposed TO the gaze of the world
Being his ncighbor. having known him all
our lives, and having received from those
who are older than we are, full inloTma-
ton about him prior to the commence
ment of our own knowledge Of him, we
can speak of him as Witnesses who know
and believe the truth of that to which
they testify. ForIy-one years ago, Mr.
Clay, without his knowledge, was brought
by his friends and elected 10 the General
Assembly Of Kentucky. From that day
TO this, there is no Office OF trust or honor
within the giil of the people of Lexing'
ton or Fayette county, that they would
not have readily bestowed on him if he
desired it. And after he became known,
as he did 10 the whole State by his pro-
fessional fame, and his services in the
Legislature. there is no Office al the dis
posaI of either the people of the Legisla-
ture Of Kentucky which he might have
sought that would not have been readily
. l. los
election in the State when he was can
didate. The attachment Of the people of
kentucky TO Mr.. Clay has not been one
Of cold, personal respect, or mere ADM
ration Of his talents, but j; has been
warm, constant, and enthusiastic They
1 have borne towards him the affection ola
/ friend and brother and father.
There is not a more moral and enighl>
ened community in the world, TO the ex-
tent Of the population than that Of the
city Of Lexington and Fayetie coupy.
Is il possible 10 believe that Mr.. Clay. If
be were The immoral, dissoluie, and de-
bauchcd character which his bitter and
malignant enemies represent him. could
have lived IN the midst of such com.
munity for nearly fifty years, and enjoyed
throughout that whole time, in an unex
ampled degree, its constant friendship
and confidence? This confidence has
been displayed in every variety of form.
No man has ever been more attentive
and punctual 10 his private engagements
than Mr.. Clay. He has suffered some
times, as others have suffered, by re-
sponsibilities for his friends. He is not
rich-his public service has prevented
his becoming wealthy but no man
any pecuniary obligation or promise.
Accordingly his credit has always stood,
as it stands, at the highest point of ele-
walton. And by the way. we may re-
mark, that millions of dollars passed
through his hands as Speaker of the
House of Representatives and as Secre-
tary of State, ard the tongue of malice
has never dared TO charge him with the
misapplication of a single dollar. On
one occasion, after settling his account
as Speaker at the Treasury, which he
invariably did upon the termination Of
every session. it appeared that there stood
to Lis credit in the bank where he trans
acted his business a sum of fifty thous-
and dollars. He stated TO the Secretary
of the Treasury that there must be some
mistake. but he was confidently assured
that there was none. He said that he
was equally confident that he had no
such amount Of money, and requested a
I further and more careful examination,
! upon which the fact was discovered that
the Treasury had neglected to charge
him with warrant of fifty thousand
dollars. How admirably does this hon.
orable course contrast with the pecula-
| ton, frauds, and delinquency which
have characterized the conduct of so
many public servants during The last
| fifteen years Perhaps 10 man ever
I lived who has been SO often appointed
an executor of DECEASED persons as Mr..
Clay has been, and that by persons in va
rious conditions of life; and such has
been the confidence, reposed in his judge
ment, honor, probity ard capacity for