Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-01-09
MIR. CLAY'S ANSWER.
ASHLAND, 18th, Dec. Is


ings of a public meeting held in the New
Haven, in respect TO the late Pfesiden-
tial election. The patriotic spirit mani
tested in the whole Of them is worthy Of
Connecticut, worthy of it's OVID renowned
seat of learning, and worthy Of the Wing
cause. For the sentiments OF attachment
confidence and friendship toward myself,
which they exhibit, AMI which you so
kindly reiterate in your letter offer the
warm acknowledgements of a grateful
heart. My obligation TO Connecticut, and
my friendly intercourse with many OF her
eminent sons, during long period oftime
will be faithfully remembered while con-
tinue to live. share with you, gentle
men, in regrets on account of the unex-
pected issue OF the recent election. My
own personal concern in it is entitled to
very little consideration, although affect
no Indifference in that respect. The
great importance of the event arises out
Of the respective principles in contest be-
tween the two parties, the consequences to
which it may lead, and the alledged means
by which il was brought about, Of which,
however, | do not allow myself particular.
Iy to speak.
The policy ofthe country in regard to
the Protection Of American Industry, a
few months ago, seemed TO be rapidly &C.
quirine a permanent aud fixed character.
The Southern and South Western portions
of the Union had been reproached at the
North for want Of sufficient interest and
sympathy in its welfare. Yielding to
the JOINT influence of their own reflections
and experience, the Slave States were
fast subscribing to tae justice and expedi.
ency of Tariff for Revenue, with dis
ordinations for protection. AT such an
suspicious moment, instead of cordially
meeting The Slave States and placing
the principle OF Protection upon impreg.
nable and durable ground, sufficient
number Of the Free States 10 be decisive
Of the contest, abandoned what was be ..
lieyed TO be their own cherished policy
and have aided, if not in its total subver.
sion, in exposing i: to immenent hazard
and uncertainty. Encouragement has lo-
ken the place Of confidence, in the bust
ness of the country, enterprise is checked
and no one knows to what emplo yment he
can now safely direct his exertious. To-
stead Of constantly augmenting Home
Market, we are in danger Of experiencing
its decline at q time when the Foreign Mar.
ket is absolutely gluited with American
productions, cotton especially, which is
now selling at lower price than was ev-
er before known. 1t is probably destined
to fall still lower. The final and not dis
tapt result will be especially iflarge I'M
porta,ions shall be stimulated by low du
ties, drain If the specie oil the country,
with all its train Of terrible consequences,
on which | have neither Medication nor
time to dwell.
II the cause Of the Wings had triumph.
ed, the distribution of tie proceeds Of the
sales Of the public lands would have been
secured and that great national inheritance
would have been preserved for the bene.
fit of the present and future generations.
shall be most agreeaby disappointed il
it be not wasted in few years by grad
uation and other projects of alienation,
leaving no traces Of permanent benefit be.
hind.
could not touch upon other great
measures of public policy, which il was
The purpose Of the Wings to endeavor 10
establish, without giving TO this letter an
unsuitable length. They may be briefly
stated TO have aimed at the purity Of the
government, the greater prosperity Of the
people, and additional security to their
liberties and 10 the Union. And, with all
the preservation OF the peace, the honor
and the good faith OF the nation. The
Wings were most anxious to avoid for.
eign war, for the sake Of acquiring for
eign territory, which under the circum-
stances Of the acquisition, could not ia to
produce domestic discord, and expose the
character Of the country in the eyes of an
impartial world, to severe animadversiou.
But our opponents nave prevailed in
The late contest, and the Wings are, for
the present, denied the satisfaction of car
rying out their measures of National poll.
cy. Believing that they are ndspcnsa.
Bile to the welfare of the country, lam
unwilling TO relnquish the fond hope
that they may be faally established
whether live to witness that event or not.
In the meantime those to whose hands the
administration of The public affairs is con-
ided ought to have fair trial. Let US
even indulge an anxious desire that the
evils which we have oppreheuded may
not be realized, that the peace of our
country may be undsturbed, its honor re.
main unsuIlied, and its prosperity contin-
ue unlmpeded.
To guard, however, against adverse
results, the resolution of the Wings Of The
City Of New Haven, eadfastly 10 adhere
to the Wing cause and principles is wise
and patriotic.
! should be most happy to visit once
more New England, and especially New
Haven, which has done me so much hon
or By giving me, at the late election the
largest majority ever given by that city
in contested election. shall embrace
with great pleasure any opportunity, should
any ever offer, to accept your obligIug in.
vitatlon.
I tandor IN Won naoDn~non ,,.,, on.l..l