Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-02-29

Our beloved country may Justly be considered
as a family, whose dferen, members are yariously
engaged some are planters aud farmers, some
mechanics, and merchants, and artisans others
arc manufacturers and sailors, with variety OF
other Occupations nevertheless they all combine
to form one greet family. And rs the parcn,
finds his duty and interes. in fostering and pro,ec
ing each child until It's feeble steps become strong
by timeuse and habits so ], is clearly the duty and
and interest oil our Government 10 give ITS pa
rental aid and assistance, without partially, 10
every branch Of industry and every occupation in
our country.
We greet you with an b onest and Just pride ms
our countryman as an American citizen; we nd.
miro you as statesman and oratora patriot unsur,
passed in this or any other country but above all.
and most of all, for your steadfast and unflnchino
devotion to our Union. We never can forge, that
when civil discord and intense strife, kindled up
and excited by passion. party spirit and sectional
jealousies seemed a tempest ready to break asun.
der the chain which binds us up as harmonious
nation, it was your voice that saved us, and that
nobly and generously cried 10 the angry elements,
"peace," and they were stilled
As we turn inquirngly to the future, our eyes
rest upon you as the great public Administrator
ofour estates we trust all to your guidance con.
fidenty because you know both the compass and
chart by which you will guide the ship of States
we cannot mistake your principles, your policy or
your viewsthey stand ont every page Of our coun'
trys history, from the first act fyour public life
they are as "frontles written upon your forehead
Again sir bid you hearty welcome on board the
ship Wabash
Mr. Clay, evidently with surprise at being thus
addressed, and apparently without the slightest an.
,icpalion ofit.addressed few words in replvwhich
arc substantially reported rs follows
l had not the remotest expectation, Capt, in ac.
ccpting your kind invention to examine this beau
tiful ship, that the occasion would call forth any
such speech as that which you have done me the
honor to address me, much less any speech from
me- You have dscaimed being an orator.
The sentiment respecting public measures hich
you have Just expressed in .hiScabin would do hon
or to him who should pronounce them i n the hall o.
Congress. You have rightly conceived the mo
tives, il yon have exaggerated the value, of my ser
vices. With truly American heart, every bea
|
nv my humble exertion to establish lis character
advance its fame, and strengthen and secure all its
interest, at home and abroad II seemed to mr.
that it was the Imperative duty of an American
Statesman to guard and protect the interest
and tho welfare of his own country, of be.
ing quite sure that Foreign power would
sedulouslv attend to theirs This has been the
great principle which has ever guided me in the
council of our country thought il requisite
that we should sustain and encourage the exeriions
of orr Domestic Industry. ] know that some
good men have supposed my zeal transport.
ed me too far. There was undoubtedly great
difficulty, at the commencement of the policy OF
Protection. in fixing precisely Just measure -
But time and age and experience. proper sense
ofequality and what is due to all interests and to
every part ofthe Coniederacy, and the great and
gratifying progress of our domestic industry,
have taught me- and hope including on others,
that while the policy is to be maintained with
irmness, it should be exercised with wisdom mod.
Grafton and stability. Such are nv reflections s.
Above ALL our Government and all our systems
Of policy should BE- ever administered in reference
to the preservation of onr glorions Unon-that
paramount and transcendent object which is the
sole guaranty Of orr liberty orr free institutions
and all our incstmable privileges. And without
harmony between the parts, union may exist in
form, but its spiri; and its vigor will have fled.
Rest assured sir, that whatever may be the vi.
cissudos ofthe remnant OF my life, whatever /
hall be in public private station, those leading
measures ofpublic policy to which you have ad-
vcrted, shall have my constant and anxions auen-
ton.
And now, Capt, with my hearty thanks for
the kind an friendly welcome which has been
given me on board this fine ship--a noble spcci-
men Of American architccture-allow me 10 OK.
press my fervent wishes that all her voya gcs may
be prosperous and that she may realise the fond
est expectations yourself her crew and her Own.
ers.