Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-05-02
MIR. CLAY AND THE MECHANICS,

al Clark's Hotel on the End ult, saws the
Columbia IS. c. Southern Chronicle of the
10Th ult., during the presentation of our ci,i-
zens to Mr.. Clay. Mr.. Shepherd, a worthy
journeyman Cabinet Maker, had been select
ed by the brethren cf his craft to welcome the
distinguished sta.e,man, OH their behalf. to
Columbia, which duty he discharged in the
following appropriate address:
We, the Cabinet Makers of the city of Co
lumbia, greet you with cordial and en.husi-
astic welcome and in rendering 10 YOU, in
common with our fellow citizens, the hospi-
ftalitles of Cardinals capitol. mindful of our
dUiy, Knowing our true interests, sud desir-
Gus Of promoting the welfare of our beloved
country, we hail your arrival amongst us with
peculiar and unmingled pleasure and we
will not wait TO take our cue from any man
or set OF men, or remain neutral in a contest
involving the vital interests aud stability of
our institutions. No. as independent free
men we are ready, aye ready TO declare our
sentiments on all proper occasions, aud we
do so now firmly, fesrlessly, and emphatical-
ly. in you we recognise the constant and
unflncling friend, not only Of the mechanical
arts, but Of all the other great aud varied in
terests ot our common country. In your pa
trio!isin we have entire confidence, and for
your long and faithful public services, we owe
you debt of gratitude which we are anxious
IN some measure 10 repay, and shall glory in
the opportunity of further tes,iCyng our APP
probation of your worth We promise YOU
our undivided support, and challenge the ap-
probation of our brethren throughout the I'm
ion. As Cabinet MAKERS We know YOU 20
be master ,oorkmdn; and in electing you
Chief Boss, we confidently expect 10 see the
best Cabinet 'cork, since the days Of WASH
ington; and the people will not be obliged 10
pay or be under the least necessity TO send
to France or England, as MIR. Van Buren, did.
for furniture TO furnish the White House
In conclusion, we would merely observe,
that as glue is one of the most essential ar
Icles IN our business, we trust that you will
use the very best, 10 stick fast and bind forev-
or together all the great and varied interests
of our widespread land, and make our coun-
try in fact, as well as in name, free and indie
pendent.
To which Mr.. Clay responded Immediately
in substance, as follows:
MIR. SHEPHERD:-i request you 10 accept,
for yourself and the Cabinet Makers of CO.
lumbia, my respectful acknowledgements for
the sentiments, personal 10 myself, with an
expression of which, as their organ, YOU have
just honorcd me.
Your friendly address is not the less grail
flying, because it was wholly unexpected, and
has taken me entirely by surprise You have
pronounced it in fearless, and manly tone,
worthy of an American freeman. You are
not, probably, aware of the connection exist
ing between me and the mechanical class to
which you belong. Besides ENJOYING, in
common with others, the pleasure OF using
the beautiful articles of taste and convenience
constructed by their labor and skill, my only
surviving full brother was once a very excel
lent Cabinet Maker, and ! think | have re-
naming az Ashland, some articles wrought by
his hands. But have always felt, in the
success of the Arts and Manufactures of our
own country, lively interest, much higher
and independent Of any which could arise out
of my personal connections.
have ever thought it desirable 10 see our
country enjoying real and practical inGe-
pendence of the rest of the world. AS con-
duciye TO that object, have believed that our
artizans ought to be protected, and still think
they should be protected, against the rival
productions of foreign africans, by system
of policy moderate, reasonable, certain and
stable. And, to the support of such encour.
agement OF our domestic industry, and the
fostering OF our own countrymen, rather than
the foreigner, the dictates of nv judgment and
the feelings Of my heart, alike unite in prompt
ing my exertions, whether in private or pub
lie life
Carry, sir, to your associates, and accept
yourself my tervent wishes for the success,
happiness, and prosperity of yourself and
them.
We were forcibly struck at the time with
the characteristic frankness with which Mr..
Clay avowed that he had brother acl5o scas
bred mechanic. Many of the mushroom
aristocracy of the country would have consid-
cred it degrading 10 acknowledge that they
ever had mechanic connected with them in
the remotest degree. But Harry Clay is ore
Of natures noblemen, and feels that il is no,
the profession that confers honor on the man
but the man that cOnfers honor on the pro.
fesson. IN his own birth is happily illustra.
ted Pope's lines
| "Honor and shame from no condition rise
| Act well your part-there all the honor lies"
| THE CLAY TRIBUNE.
| The editors of the New York Tribune
propose to issue paper under the above title
on the first Of May, to be continued until the
! Presidential election, the object of which vii
be TO disseminate sound Wing principles a
moug the people in the cheapest possbl
! form. The Clay Tribune will be issued a