The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1847-12-09
SPEECH OF HENRY CLAY.

SPEECH OF HENRY CLAY.
When it was announced that this dlstln-
Ruishcd statesman, prompted by the ext
geucy Of the times, was about 10 leave bis
retirement ond once more appear before the
American public, glow Of pleasure infu-
sed itself into every heart that we were
about TO hear from the soundest mind in the
nation upon topics Of vital interest to our
country. When word WINS received tina.
the sentiments, the publicity Of which had
induced the statesman to leave his home,
had been uttered, but that from their i'm.
portance he had requested That he alone
should have the privilege Of reporting them,
the public mind became filled with u desire,
still moro earnest, to ascertain the views OF
Henry Clay. And finally, when that
speech has been laid before the people, we
have yet TO hear the frs. indiv dual express
. feeling Of disappointment ut the effort
On the contrary, even those opposed TO Mr.
Clay 10 politics, bear testimony TO its
worth.
How deep must he TINT mans lovo Tor
bic country who will voluntarily leave a re-
tirement, whittier he had carried with him
the best wishes of a grateful people, who
were ever seeking To confer upon him some
token of their affection, to expose himself
again ms n tnrgct for the poisoned arrows 81
malicious and vindic,ivc men? |, would
be well for those high in power, who WELD
the destiny Of our republic, to take heed Ia
the warning voice Of experience which
comes 10 them from the Sage Of Ashland.
However opposed they may have been L.
him in former days, the circumstances at.
tending the uticrnnce Of h,s sentiments II
this time, should attach 10 them II weight
sufficient not only 10 Danish every prejn-
dice, but to sink deep into every mind
Conscious Of rectiludc aud aiming TO dis
charge duty 10 his country, MIR. Clny
yecks not the nspersion Of calumny. tor he
would ''rafher be right than be President"
Tho sentiments Of Mr.. Clay upon the
subject Of the war and Of slavery, will find
Q response in the bosom Of every man VIII"
regards the interest Of bis country superior
to That Of party. lie speaks plainly, gives
ss his opinion that the war should speedil,
be brought to close aud that no more ter.
Yitory ought to be acquired, especially il for
the purpose Of extending slavery. A.
nothing can be gained by further prosccu-
ton Of this "unnatural" war, and each day
Of it's duration adds to the expense, il mp
pears almos, improbable that men OF sane
minds should persist in its continuance. Il
argues something besides love Of country.
If the question be ''no more territory, !" or
ssterritory with slavery attached il be-
comes q suLjcc. to be determined by the
northern and southern "interests" Of the
Union. II We are to acquire territory on.
~ upon the condition that il is to he palzi.
Cd with the blight Of slavery, better tnr
that we be content with our present limits
and seek 10 bind closer in union its differ
cnt sections. We would be u happier and
. better people werc we TO confne ourselves
more TO improving nur present possessions
than 10 Obtaining others.
Our limited space forbids the insertion Of
tho whole Of Mr.. Clay's speech in this
number, but We give sufficient TO furnish
food for thought for ut least week, when
tho balance will be forthcoming.