The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-08-12
The Man and his Sentiments,

HC muH hnu HIS CcHIlmtlllS,
The sentiments developed in the following des-
crbed transactions are noble, and If they had been
uttered by WILBERFoRcE, they would have added
to his fame. They came from HENRY CLAY, and
were expressed under these circumstances
In s32,while the cholera raging with fatal
y truly alarming TO the communicating and des-
olntng whole towns and cities, and battling the skill
of the most eminent Mr. Clay introduced resolution
in tho Senate Of the United States, for the appoint
ment ola Committee to wait upon the President and
to "requea thai he recommend day TO be designated
by him, Of public humiliation, prayer" SC. The
following were the proceedings in the Senate
"June %, 1882. The following resolution offered
by Mr. CLAY, was taken up for consideration.
"Resolrel,by the Senate and House Of Representa-
Tires Of the United States Of America, in Congress
assembled, That joint Committee OF both Houses
wait the President Of the United States and request
that he recommend day to he designated by him. of
public humiliation, prayer and fasting, 10 he observed
by the people of the United States it'll religious
lemnrty, and with fervent supplications Almighty
God, that lie will I've grnciously pleased to continue
Ills blessings upon our country and that lie will avert
from II the Asinic scourge which has reached
borders-or IT, in the dispeusation OF His Providence,
we are not to be exempted from the calamity that
through Ills bountful mercy, Its severity may be nit
igated and its duration shouened''
MIR Tazwel asked for the ayes and noes, on the
resolution, which were ordered
After Mr. T. had called for the ayes and noes, and
had remarked tina, he would not say word,
Mr. CLAY rose and observed that he had only
word TO express The resolution had not been sub
United without consultation with the members Of the
Senate, whose opinion entitled TO respect
than his own. 1t was indeed first suggested TO him
by reverend member Of the clergy, and, after DELHI
crate consideration, he, (Mr c. thought the occasion
fit for the recommendation of the religious ceremony
which the resolution contemplated 1t was the rrac-
tice ofall christian nations in of general and
great calamity, to impore Divine mercy. or all the
Presidential scourges which had afflicted race, the
Asatic cholera, in OF its characteristics was the
most remarkable Its range of operation had been
more extensive than perhaps any ether known
corded the small pox excepted. 1t had broken out
in Asia, and, after desoating some OF its fures por-
tons, penetrated the northern part Of Europe, and
sweeping over great part of that continent reached
the British Channel 1t passed the British Isles,
where it ragged, but with mtgated severity. We
had hoped-vainly it seem hoped-that the wide
panse Of the Atlantic would have been n protective
barrier against its ravages in far distant land
But has been introduced into America, and if it has
not actually entered out terhoryH now hangs on our
borders in its most frightful form.
The progress Of the extraordinary scourge is some
times marked by apparent caprice. II will approach
city district Of country, accommodating il
were, with military eye, suddenly fly off TO a dis
lance, leaving the inhabitants rejoicing in their
cape, and it will then unexpectedly return and pursue
its work death. 1t attacks its victims in vnri
Gus ways, despatching some in few hours, whilst
in regard to others their excrutiang pro-
longod much greater length of time. Hitherto the
skill of medical science liberal and enlightened it
now is has been altogether incompetent to provide
sure and effective remedy.
Should the resolution be adopted, said Mr. c. the
act Of the President, in conformity to its request, will
be merely recommendatory. Voluntary as to all, 1t
would be obligatory upon none. There seems to be
peculiar proprieiy, on the ground of uniformity, in
the proposed measure. Already, in different parta of
the Union the clergy Of several denominations have,
il is believed had the attention turned 20 the subject
Different days of prayer and humiliation will be prob
ably recommended. 1t is desirable that the whole
Nation on the same day ,shaII present its united pray
ers and suppiontons to the throne of mercy. And
there can be but little doubt, that although there will
be nothing coercive in the recommendation Of the
President, there will be general acqesoence in it,
The measure will be grateful to all pous and all NOR
al men, whether members Of religious communities