Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-11-27
SPEECH OF Mr.. CLAY,
Al the Mass Meeting at Lexington, Kentucky,
OK SATURDAY, NOVEMBER l3, ls47.

in this paper Of the 9th instant Mr.. CLAY rose and
addressed il substantially as follows;
LANES AND GESTLEMES The day is dark and gloomy,
unsettled and unceran like the condition of country in
regard to the unnatural with Mexico The public mind
Is agitated and anxious and is filled with serious apprehen
sons as to indefinite continuance, and especially to the
consequences which It's termination may bring FORTH
ing the harmony if not the existence, Of our Union.
under these circumstances present myself before you
No ordinary occasion would have drawn from the retire
nent in which live; but whilst single pulsaon Of the
heart remains it should if be dedicated to
the service Of ones country And have hoped that, al
though am private and humble citizen, expression Of
the views and opinions entertain might form little ad
dtion TO the general stock Of information and afford small
assistance in delivering country from the per and dan
gers which surround it.
have come here with purpose to attempt 10 make
fine speech or any ambitious oratorca display. have
brought with rhetorical bouquets to throw into this as
sebage In the circle of the year autumn has come, and
the Of flowers has passed away In the progress Of
years my spring time has gone by, and TOO am in the au
life and feel the frost ofage My desire and aim are to
address you, earnestly, calmly seriously, and plainly upon
he grave and subjects which have brought us to-
gether. And most soctous that not solitary word
may fall from offensive any party orPerson III the whole
extent Of the Union
War, peslence and famine, by the common consent OF
mankind the three greatest calamies which bea our
species and war, the defu justly stands foremost
and in 'front.' Pesence and famine, doubt for wise al
though inscruabe purposes, infections of Providence to
which it duty, therefore, bow with obedience hum
Die submission and resignation Their duration not long,
and their revages limited They bring indeed, great
affection whilst they last but society from their
effects. War is the voluntary work of hands, and
whatever repoaches may deserve should be directed
selves When breaks out its duration is indefinite and
known-s vicissitudes hidden from siew In the
sacrifice of human life and in the waste of human treasure,
in its and burdens affects both beigerent
ons and its sad effects OF manged todcs, of DEATH and Of
esoa,on endure long after hundes hushed in peace
War unhnges society, disturbs its peaceful and regular in
dusy, and poisonous seeds of disease and immortality
which continue to terminate and diuse their baneful nfu-
long after has ceased Dazzling by lis glitter pomp,
and pageantry, ii begets spirit of wild adventure and
mantle enterprise and often dsquales those who embark in
it after their from the bloody fields Of battle from
gaging in the industrious and peaceful vacations of life
We informed by statement which is apparently
rect that the number countymen slain in this lament
able Mexican war; although has yet been of only eighteen
months existence, equal onehaf of the whole Of the
American loss during the years of the Revolution
And venture that the expenditure Of treasure which
it has occasioned when shall be fairly ascerained
cuniary cost of the Of independence And this is
the condition of the party VIII have been every where
and constantly victorious
How did we unhappy get involved in this war 1t
predicted the consequence Of the annexation Of Texas
the United States. If had Texas, should have
The people told that if that happened
would ensue They told that the between Texas
and Mexico had been terminated by treaty Of peace
that Mexico still claimed Texas revoted province and
that if received Texas Union, along with
her the existing between her and Mexico. And the
Minister Of Mexico formally announced TO the Government
Washington that his would consider the annexation OF
Texas the United States producing Of But
all this denied BY the parans OF annexation They
sisted should have war, and imputed to those
who foetod it sinister motives for their goundess prediction
Bot Notwithstanding Of virtual necessarily
suited from the Of Of Of the begerents
10 United States actual hoes might have been proba-
bly, ayerted by prudence moderation, and wise craftsmanship
II General Taylor had been permitted to remain, where his
good prompted him believe he ought remain,
the point OF Corpus Christi and if negotiation had been
opened with Mexico spirit of amity and Cancellation,
possibly might have been prevented But instead Of
this pacific and moderate course whilst Mr. sde wend-
ing his way Mexico with his diplomatic credentials Gen
Taylor ordered to transport his cannon, and 10 plant
them, in warlke attitude opposite Matamoros the
the ustment Of which be the object of Mr. Sldes
mission What else could have transped but conflict Of
arms
Thus the commenced, and the President after having
produced it, appealed TO Congress bill proposed
raise fifty thousand volunteers and, in order commit all
who should for il, preamble inserted falsely arb
ung the Of the to the act of Mexico.
have no doubt OF the patriotic motives of who after
struggling TO dyest the bill of that fragrant error found them
selves constrained to vote for it. But must say that no
earthly consideration would have tempted provoked me
10 for bill with papable asehood stamped its face
Almost idozng truth, do, never, could have
ted for that bill.
The exceponabe conductof the Federal party, during the
last British war, has excited influence in the prosecution
the present war; and prevented just discrimination between
the That Of national defence, required
for the vndaon Of he national rights and honor aud de
manded by the indignant voice OF the people. Presden
Madison himself know, fret reluctantly, and with grca
doubt and hesitation, brought himself the conviction that
ought to he declared leading, and perhaps the most in
luenai member Of bis Cabinet (Mr Galan,) was, up
the time Of its declaration opposed to it, Bat nothing couc
Withstand the irresistible force Of public sentiment II
Just war, and lis great object announced at the time,
Free Trade and Sailor Rights against the ntoerabc
oppressive Of British power on the ocean. The justice
Of the war, far from being denied or controversial was ad
uil,ed Federal nnIv questioned nm