Holly Springs gazette., 1844-03-02

those assurances of respect and regard
which we were able, only In part. to tender,
on the occasion of your former momentary
visit No portion of your fellow citizens
have a higher admiration for your charac-
ter or a truer appreciation OF your public
services, than those 10 whose name now
address you. We behold in your repua.
ton one of the richest Jewels of the nation,
which needs no setting of Office to exhibit
fits rare briliancy and value. Your philan
thropy has embraced in its benevolent grasp
the cause of human happiness throughout
the world your eloquent breath famed the
flame Of liberty as i. burst, simultaneously,
"Along the classic shores of Greece, the
votary of Freedom
s'Still mingles in his graceful Law.
Bozzaris with the name ofClay,
and among the mighty volcanoes ofthe new
world, even in the tops of the Andes your
fame has built for itself nest by the side Of
the Eagles.
But your philanthropy has not destroyed
your patriotism. You have never forgot
ten in your regard for other lands, tha. you
had country of your own. 1t IS your true
and patriotic devotion to that country, which
more than aught else, challenges oar esteem
and admiration Beyond any other states
man. you have discarded local preiudices
and sectional feelings Your heart is en-
trely and thoroughly American, and your
aim has ever been the advancement of the
interest and glory oil the whole republic.
at would, perhaps, be out of place. on this
occasion, to go into recital o. the eminent
public services you have rendered in the
councils of the nation, during your long and
SPLENDID career But | cannot refrain from
saying that consider one of the greatest
benefits you have conferred upon the coun-
try. to be the example you have furnished
of what may be achieved under our iEstitu-
tions by the exercise OF patriotic and hon
orabIe ambition.
young men as they read your history,
and trace you, from the poor boy leaving
his Virginia home, to seek fame and for
tune in the forests ofthe west, to the mighty
statesman upon whose words listening Sen
ates hang entranced" will feel their breasts
swell with new and strange emotions and
noble emulation will urge them thencefor
ward to initiate the example OF Henry
CLAY.
The highest reward of the Patriot is the
esteem and regard of his countrymen this
reward you are now enIoying-statlon can
not command 1t; wealth cannot purchase it.
The spontaneous tribute which has ust
been rendered 10 your character by men of
all parties, fills the measure OF public honor.
Even that hig seat which millions eager
ly desire you TO occupy, would no: and one
cubit to the statue OF your fame.
Think not this is addulation. 1t is no
less the interes. than the duty ofevery coun
try TO acknowledge public worth, and we
are proud in presenting Henry Clay 10 our
brothers and sons as an example for their
imitation, and to the world as a noble speci-
men OF an American statesman.
"A large portion of those who surround
you, trust your public services are not yet
completed and that, as the first man in their
regard you may soon occupy the first place
in their gift. They still exclaim with hope
and confidence,
Are, stand erect the cloud is broken,
Above thee bends the rain bow token.
The shadow OF thine onward way
Is Frightening into perfect day,
And thou art still, thou hast been,
The hope and lrus: of patriot men,
Permit me now, sir to conclude my plea |
SAINT duty, and in the name of that portion OF
your fello " citizens who have deputed me
TO bid you again cordial welcome, and |
know express the sentiment of this entire |
assemblage in adding our united wish, that
your days may be long in the land. and that
serene and happy old age may crown your
useful and honorable life"
-
n%Will the tiopler give the card of