The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-09-13
ITO be continued
From the Nashville Union.
GEN. M'CALLA'S SPEECH.
Kentucky.

To-day We insert Gen. M'Cailas speech, made
at the democratic meeting in this ity on the
18th instant. We have heretofore laid before our
readers the imperious reasons which compelled
General M'Calla, in self defense, in the exercise
of his judgment, to speak plainly, directly, and
distinctly of Mr. CIay's public and private charac.
ter, SO far as he believed it necessary and proper
in his own Justification and for the information. Of
the public. Gen. NJ Gala is gentleman of high
and distinguished standing in Kentucky-of mature
years-loDg an elder in respectable church-and
the neghbor and fellow citizen of Mr.. Clay, both
living in the same county. AS man of honoy
and gentleman of responsibility in every sense.
Gen. M'Cala is the equal OF Mr.. Clay or OF any
man. Again. as authorized by Gen. MIC, who
corrected his speech with his own hands, we ask
that any person who may be disposed to doubt his
truth, or who may wish to ascertain the facts with
greater certainty, to tcr1te to Mr.. Clay himself
Gen. NC. asks for no other witness to be exlm-
ined as to Il the material points in question. We
hope his speech will be carefully read
Speech Of Gen. John M M Gala, of Lea ingten,
Ky. delivered at the democratic mass meeting
at NashviUe, Tennessee, on the 18th IF .august,
1874.
The present contest, fellow citizens, is one
which involves, in an eminent degree, the destiny
of our free institutions. Every man who possess
ses the right of suffrage should exercise it with
view to the responsibility which he owes TO his
country, to his posterity and his Maker.
The character and principles of the candidates
for Office should undergo strict scrutiny, especially
where they calculated to impress themselves
so deeply on the fortunes of our country. Tho
only point In the eloquent address Of the gentleman
from New York, (Mr Melville from which
differ, is the nutility impropriety Of examining
their private character, as well their political
opinions. Men in office exercise great influence
on the conduct of society, in all its relations as
well social and moral as political.
Christians have often avowed the opinion that
moral department, if not religious opinions and
professions should be considered essential to the
character of candidate for political Office. Their
reasons are strong, and with me conclusive. Our
whig friends always act upon that belief, where
democratic candidate is supposed to fall below the
standard of excellence. Let us see If they viii
abide it now. l presume, that there are many
professors of religion, of different denominations,
both whig aud democratic, who are now present.
Perhaps there ministers Of the gospel as well
Is private members. To you, fellow citizens.
appeal, in view of that account which you and
,ave to render to tribunal far above any popular
,r earthly responsibility if YOU shall hereafter cast
,our sufages for the great leader of our opponents
Who is now again stretching forth his eager grasp
oward the long desired object Of his ambition.
intend to speak plainly, so that may be under
TODD, and to let the consequences, 50 far IS your
are concerned, rest upon yourselves
1ou shall not hereafter, when reproached for sup
orting for that high office an unworthy and i'm