Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-12-17

would a abandon The long cherlshed principles oil
themselves and their ancestors; for, woful disap
pointment will certainly he their portion, andthcir
brightest hopes will be blasted by The voice of an
indignant people. Who can contemplate the result
OF the late Presidential contest without being
proud of a people, who, being once deceived by
frauds, humbugs and mummcries, have arisen in
the majesty of their strength and overwhelmed
with shame and confusion those who would
again impose on their good sense and under
standing? And yet, this verdict ofihe Ameri
can people has been attributed, By the leading
Wing organ Of Virginia 10 spirit ''not merely
hateful for its meanness, but fearful for its
omen" What all exalted opinion must the Edi-
tors Of that paper have entertained oil the indc-
pendcncc and political consistency oil free and
Intelligent people, as TO have believed, that by
repeating the ridiculous scenes OF 1910, Henry
CLAY, even with his Federal heFcsies, could lie ex-
allied 10 the Presidential Chair And 50 deeply
impressed was the Richmond Wing with the
gullibilty and ickeness OF the people. that it
absolutely, but short Time before the election
stated that he who really doubted il or, which
is synonymous, that he who really doubted the
election Of Mr. Clay, was 4 fool or potroon."
ooh, Guantam est IN rc6as humans name" Gen.
Harrison, it is true, was elected in 1910 by an
overwhelming majority but, il should not
have been inferred hence, that Henry Clay
would be elected in II because Harrison was
elected, pledged 10 maintain the Compromise,
and the Bank was not distinctly made an issue
before the peope-wtile Mr.. Clay, on the other
hand advocated Bank with capital Of fifty
millions, and also even avowcd himself opposed
10 any modification Of the Tariff ol'l2 With
what Justice then can the Wing assert, that
Henry Clay was voted against lot for his
opinions-not for his princip!cs-but because
Ia, tb,t first IN nd tha
first in renown Z" What grounds had the Wing
for the belief that the anti-Bani and anti-Tarii
Republicans who supported Harrison in 1910,
would vote for Clay in A, The advocate of those
measures Could il be expected that they would
abandon their States Rights principles, 10 adopt
the ultra Federal doctrines of Mr.. Clay? None
could have expected it, bat those who, being to-
tally destitute Of political independence and firm
ness, can mould and shape their opinions ac-
coring 10 circumstances, and suppose every one
else subject 10 The same frailiy. But while we
most warmly approve, and highly commend, the
firm and DISTINGUISHED conduct of that devoted
band OF Republicans who, although lhcy sup
ported Harrison in 10, believing mat he enter
tanned Identical principles with themselves, did
not yield their opinions in Al at the will Of the
Federal Dictator, the almost slayish Difference
with which many supported Mr. Clay, without
y :
the country, merits the utmost dcestation otevcry
honest man. The most prominent supporters OF
Mr.. Clay at The South, we're those very gentle
men who voted against the Tariff of 'i2, because
they believed it oppressively protective in lis
character and grossly volatve OF The Compr0-
mise. They had then, every possible reason TO
believe that Mr.. Clay would not sanction that act:
because he had, not more than four months pre-
vous, offered in the Senate Of the United S.acsa
set Of resolutions in which he made "Socmn
aud unasked renewal of his pledge OF adherence
10 the principles OF the Compromise" But Ill
the combined efforts OF the Wings and Demo-
Gratis OF the South were truitlcsS the present
Tariff was enacted over their heads by the North
ern and Western Wings, aided by 4 portion of
the Democrats from the same quarters. In that
bill are embraced minimum and specific duties
which trample down the al ralofcm principle of
the Compromise. The 20 per cent. which il
stipulated is entirely disregarded, and duties range
from 30 per cent. to 100, anil even 10 $50 per
cent. and upwards, Yet, when Mr.. Clay was
written 10 in relation to this Tariff, notwilhstand
ing his resolutions ana his speeches in favor OF
adhering 10 the principles Of the Compromise,
he replied, that he not only approved the bill,
but was opposed even 10 any modification OF il !!
lie expected that mis- ambitious ends would bc
hest achieved by sanclioning that bill But alas !!
how vain are all human expectations! How
profaby could he have needed the advice Of
Cardinal Woolsey 10 Cromwell:
'sMark hui my fall and that which ruined me.
Cromwell, charge thee ding away ambition:
ny that SIN fell the angels how can man. then,
The image al his Maker hope 10 win by inv
Henry Clay having deserted The South on the
Tariff OF IL, a great many oil The most prominent
Wings followed him. but all invain-The sun Of
Federalism has SET for ever. GILES.
ANrtJI Dec 1871