Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-12-28

eminent, the distribution among the states
Of the proceeds of the public lands, further
constitutional restrictions upon Executive
power and patronage. and limitation upon
the eligibility of the President for second
term, were measures which, under your
administration, we hoped to mature and
bring into practical operation. By your
defeat they have been endangered, if not
forever lost.
But we will not speculate on coming
events. If things work well, we shall find
consolation in the general prosperity. If
apprehended evils come, we are not re-
sponsible; and retaining our principles,
we shall enjoy the reflection of having done
our duty.
In the shades of Ashland may you long
continue to enjoy peace, quiet, and the pos
session of those great faculties which have
rendered you the admiration of your
| friends and the benefactor of your coun-
| try. And when, at last death shall demand
| its victim, while Kentucky will contain
your ashes, rest assured that old and faith.
full frends--those who knowing you long
est loved you best-will cherish your mem.
DRY and defend your reputation.
Mr.. Clay replied: am greatly obliged,
gentlemen, by the kindness towards me,
which has prompted this visit from the
Governor, the Presidential electors Of Ken
lucky, and some of my fellow.c citizens, in
private life. And l thank you sir, (Mr.
Underwood) their organ on this occasion,
for the feeling and eloquent address which
you have just done me the honor to deliver.
| am under the greatest obligations to the
people of Kentucky. During more than
forty years of my life, they have demon
strated their confidence and affections
towards me in every variety of form. This
last and GROWING evidence of their long
and faithful attachment, exhibited in the
vote which in their behalf, you gave yes
terday, at the seat of the State govern
ment, as the electoral college of Kentucky,
fills me with overlooking gratitude. But
should fail to express the feelings of my
heart, if did not also offer my profound
and grateful Acknowledgements to the other
States, which have united with Kentucky
in the endeavor TO select me to the Chief
Magistracy of the Union, and to the mil
lion and quarter of freemen, embracing
so much virtue, intelligence, and patriotism,
who, wherever residing, have directed
strenuous and enthusiastic exertons TO the
same object.
Their effort has been unavaling, and the
issue of the election has not correspondent
with their anxious hopes and confident ex-
pectations. You have, sir, assigned some
Of the causes which you suppose have occa-
stoned the result l will not trust myself
to speak of them. My duty is that of
perfect submission to an event which is now
irrevocable.
l will not affect indifference TO the per-
sonal concern which had in the political
contest, just terminated; but, unless | am
greatly self-deceived, the principal attrac-
ton to me Of the office Of President Of
the United States, arose out of the cher.
ished hope that | might be an humble in
strument, in the hands of Providence, to
accomplish public good. / desired to see
the former purity of the general govern
ment restored, and to see dangers and
evils, which l sincerely believed encom-
passed it, averted and remedied. | was
anxious that the policy of the country,
especially in the great department of its
domestic labor and industry, should be fixed
and stable, that all might know how to
regulate and accommodate their conduct.
And, fully convinced of the wisdom of the
public measures which you have enumer-
ated, hoped to live to witness, and to con-
tribute TO, their adoption and establish.
ment.
SO far as respects any official agency of
mine, it has been otherwise decreed. and |
bow respectfully to the decree. The fu-
ture course Of the government is altogether
unknown, and wrapt in painful uncertainty.
| shall not do the new Administration the
injustice of condemning it in advance. On
the contrary, earnestly desire that, enlight.
ened by its own reflections, and by de.
iberate review of all the great interests of
the country. or promoted by public opinion,
the benefit may be yet secured of the prac.
tlcal execution of those principles and
measures for which we have honestly con-
tended; that peace and honor may be pre-
served, and that this young but great ma.
ton may be rendered harmonious, prosper
Gus and powerful.
We are not without consultations under
The event which has happened. The Wing
party has fully and fairly exhibited to the
country the principles and measures which
1t believed best adapted to secure our lib.
critics and promote the common welfare. 1t
has made, in their support, constant and
urgent appeals to the reason and Judgment
OF the people. For myself, have the high
satisfaction to know that / have escaped a
great and fearful responsibility; and that,
during the whole canvass, | have done
nothing inconsistent with the dictates of
the purest honor. No mortal man is an.
thorlzed to say that held ont In him tho