The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1844-03-07
From the PhiIadelphia Forum
HENRY CLAY-HIS VALEDITORY,
AND HIS POSITION

HENRI CLAl-I1lS VALEUllOH
AND HIS POSITION.
Perhaps during the eVentful public career
Of Henry Clay, his noble character was new
er so conspicuously and impressively exhib-
tied as on the occasion of his voluntary re-
tenement from the Senate of the United
States on the 3lst day March, 1912. Ev-
cry one seemed to regard it as memorable
event in the history of this Republic-party
discussion was suspended-crowds of peot
pie thronged the avenues which led to the
Senate Chamber, 70 listen to the last speech
in his Senatorial capacity of the Great States
man of the West, who had for SO long Pc
Rod, stood as an untring Sentinel on the
watch tower of freedom. 1t was an oeca-
sion eminently calculated TO call into action
all his noble powers, and 10 stay the calum--
MES of political opponents. II was on that
morning that he before his colaborers in the
cause of the country, and IN the presence OF
an immense multitude, pronounced that re-
markabe valedictory which shall go down
TO future generations as the inspiration ola
patriotic heart. His voice alone was heard;
for all else was silent as the chamber of the
dead. For more than thirty years with short
intervals, had he occupied a seat in that
House. During that long period, notwith- :
standing the difficulties and opposition with
which he was compelled to contend had he
enjoyed, by universal consent, appallatlon
of the sgreat Pacifcaior,n and to him had
the country looked as the only man capable
of extricating her from the dangers towhich
she had been exposed. True, his acts had
drawn down upon him the censure OF por-
ton of his fellow-citizens; but few, if any,,
ever doubted the purity of his motives.
On the occasion alludedto he said:
'My acts and pbblic conduct are fair
subject for the criticism and judgement of
my felow-men; but the private motives by
which they have been prompted, are known
only 10 the Great Searcher of the human
heart and TO myself; and trust may be
pardoned for repeating a declaration made
thirteen years ago, that, whatever errors
and doubtless there have been many-may
be discovered in a review of my public ser
vice to the country can, with mistaken
confidence, appeal to that Divine AIbiter
for the truth of the declaration, that have
been influenced by no impure purposes, no
personal motive-have sought no personal
aggrandizement; but that in all my public
acts have had a sole and single eye, anda
warm and devoted heart, directed and dedi
Lcated to what, in my judgement, be-
leved TO be the true interests of my coun-
try"
This remarkable speech closed with the
following eloquent and solemn benedictions:
''May the blessings of Heaven rest upon
the whole Senate and each member of it,
and may the labors of every one rebound to
the benefit of the NATHAN, and the advance
ment of his own fame and renown. And
when you shall retire to the bosom of your
constituents, may you meet the most cheer
ing and gratifying of all human rewards, their
cordial greeting Of well done, good and
faithful servants"
Some difference had previously existed
between MIR. Clay and MIR. Calhoun, IN con-
sequence ofwhch they had not spoken to
each other for several years; but after the
above benediction was pronounced, and
while Mr.. Clay was leaving the Senate, he
was met by Mr.. Calhoun--they both stimuli
taneously extended their hands, rushed into
each others arms, and with tears in their
eyes, without uttering word their personal
friendship was renewed. The, Senate was
unable to proceed TO business, and Colonel
iournment which was carried unanimously.
This was striking epoch of the Legislative
history of this country, and the feeling ex-
perienced by those who Witnessed this scene
cannot be described 1t was then that the
noble, independent character of Henry Clay
triumphed, and it was then that the voice of
his calumniators was hushed. 1t was tri-
umph of mind and of principle, over selfish
ness and ambition. 1t was then that the
great Statesmen of the West stood HERECT"
before his countrymen, and laid his motives
before that Being who alone is capable of
searching the human heart 1t was then
| that the hopes ofthe people were fixed upon
him as the only man competent TO restore
this Republic to it's former prosperity. 1t
was then that the threatening cloud was bro
ken, and the searnest of betterd day given"
Fellow citizens, this is the man whom we
now place before you as the candidate ofthe
Wing party, for the Office of President ofthe
| United States. His services have won your
admiration, and he is entitled to your suA-
RACES. 1t the last honor you will ever been
titled TO confer upon him. Your duty TO
your country 10 yourselves, and to your pos
terity, demands your immediate action
HENRY CLAY and the Tariff is the watch
word! SHALL THE UNION BE SAY
/