The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1844-05-03
MIR CLAY AND THE MECHANICS.


MR. CLAY AND THE MECHANICS
During Mr.. Clay's brief sojourn in Co.
lumbia, ). c., he was waited Oh aud vel.
coined 10 the City by Mr.. Shepherd, a
worthy journeyman Cabinet maker, who
had been selected by the brethten of his
craft 10 perform that pleasing duty. AZ
ter rendering Mr.. Clay the hospitalties Of
the Capital Of South Carolina, the speak.
er said:
In you, Sir, we recognise the constant
and unfinchiue friend, not only of the me.
chamcaI arts, but Of all the other great and
varied interests Of our common country.
In your patriotism we have entire conf.
dencc, and for your long and faithful public
services, we owe YOU a debt Of gratitude
which We are anxious in some measure to
repay, and shall glory in the opportunity
Of further testiiying our appreciation Jf
your worth. We promise YOU our undi-
vided support, aud challenge the approba.
ton Of our brethren throughout the Union.
As Cabinet Makers we know YOU u be
maser workman; and IN electing you chiet
Boss, we confidently expect to see the hest
Cabinet rork, since the days Of Washing
ton; and the people will not be obliged to
pay or be under the least necessity to send
10 France or England as Mr.. Van Buren,
did, for furniture for the White House.
In conclusion, we would merely oh.
serve that as glue is one Of the most es.
sential articles in our business, we trust
that you will use the very best, TO stick
fast and bind forever together all the great
and varied interests OF our wide spread
land, and make our country in fact as well
as in name free aud independent.
Mr.. Clay responded in substance as fol.
lows:
Mr.. SHEPHERD request YOU 10 ac
cept, for yourself aud the Cabinet Makers
Of Columbia, my respectful acknowledge
ments for the sentiments, personal to my.
sell, with an expression Of which as their
organ, you have just honored me.
" Your friendly address is not the less
gratifying, because it was wholly unex
Pected, aud has taken me entirely by sur.
PRISE. You have pronounced il in fear.
less and manly tone, worthy Of an Amerl.
can freeman. You are not, probably aware
Of the connection existing 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 aud convenience constructed by
their labor and skill, my only surviving
ful brother was once very excellent
Cabinet maker, and, ! think, have re.
naming at Ashland some articles wrought
by his hands. But | have always fell 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 connectihl.
g have ever thought il desirable to see
our country enjoying real and practical
independence Of the rest Of the world. As.
conducive TO that object, | have believed
that our arizans ought TO be protected.
and still think they should be protected,
against The rival productions of forepn AR.
l'zans' by system Of policy, moderate,
reasonable, certain and stable. And. 10
INC support Of such encouragement Of our
domestic industry, and the fostering Of our
'wn coun'rymen, rather than the foreign.
r. The dictates Of my judgment and The
eelInss Of my heart alike mite in prompt.
ng my eSeflions, whether in private or
public life.
Garry, Sir, 10 your associates, and ac.
ept yourself, my iervent wishes for the
elC and them"