Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-12-09
Mr. CIay's Speech and the Wig Press

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We have been somewhat interested in noticing the
sentiments Of the wing press with regard to Mr. Gays
late resolutions and speech upon the war ana slavery
We do not mean the Wing press of Vermont Partlcu-
larly-that not being remarkable either for originality
or independence, but opening its mouths like young
robins for whatever men or are proposed iorI
it by the Boston Atlas, N. Y. Tribune, &c-whether
it be Clay or Taylor-slavery freedom-war or
peace--dlssoution if Texas were annexed, or sour
country however bounded" after annexation had TAX
en- place. These papers are now of course, in rap
lures with Mr. Clay, but hold themselves in readiness
to change fronts whenever the word shall pass along
the lines.
This last throw of Mr.. Clay for the Presidency, as
we remarked last week. is likely to prove signal fail
ure. Most of the leading wing papers in the free
States received the announcement of Mr. Clays speech
with loud and long applause; but their enthusiasm
speedily subsidized, and many of them have now betak-
en- to apology or open censure.
The Boston Courier says:
awe can open scarcely an exchange paper
that does not contain paragraph, or perhaps
column, of the yerest nonsensica gorhcation of
|, Mr. Cay's New York Speech lately made at Lex
ington, that types were ever made to promulgate
After all the preparatory hustle to attract the
public attention to the meeting, to learn Mr.
Clays sentiments in relation to the war; and the
condition of the country, the public had right
to expect some uncommon developments of states
mlnlike wisdom and sagacity. They did ex-
pect to hear from the great statesman, something
more than they had heard from most of the wing
members of Congress, and which had been rct-
Grated IN the newspapers till it all became as ia
a Dl0cn
When we first read the authentic report of the
speech, we confess we were disappointed, to find
little in it beside repetition of trite thoughts and
n sentiments which, by some years circulation,
: had lost the stamp of original coinage, and had
a become common property. But having seen so
d much Of the eXtravagant commentator bestow-
e ed upon 1t by our contemporaries, (so extravaganza,
, indeed, in some instances, that we were unCer-
% tain whether the praise were not intended as lrO-
N.Y. that we have been tempted to a reperusal,
with purpose of revising our first formed opin-
ion. We might as well have devoted our time
and labor to some other object for, without some
friendly hand to guide us in our researches, we
d cannot, notwithstanding our ambition to learn
u and our docility of disposition, are still as
al much in want of light as ever. The Image may
Je be golden one, but to the fine gold appears
. to be rather dim. The Oracle speaks, but its
utterances are only the reyerberations of public
=" speeches and newspaper discussions"
- The ". Y. Tribune is foremost in applauding
III it, and urging the nomination of Mr. Clay for the
Presidency. 1t agrees fully with him on the war,
except it thinks that part of his speech rejecting
on the course of the federasts in the war OF
1912, els open to revision" 1t thinks if the
ms speech we're submitted to the unbiased Judgment
lat the American people, it would be heartily APP
an proved, "though on incidental points there would
we be some differences" 1t adds eve, for instance
he do not think the obstacles to the immediate
IA extinction of slavery anything like formidable
ng as they appear to Mr. Clay" The Albany Foe
IN Journal Gov. Stewards organ,) which loudly APP
Del plaudcd it at first now talks shy and says, eve
no have own crude thoughts on this subject, but
m will not set them up in opposition to those Of an
MS enlightened, experienced, and devoted statesman
and patriot" The Journal, the most influential
whg paper in New York, is supposed to favor the
nomination of General Scott Tile N, y. Co..
,so rier e. Enqu'ricr (Webb's paper,) heartily APP
proves Mr. Clay's sentiments on slavery, and says
az they are stern r9buke to the Tribune. But il
ecu as heartily denounccs his views on the war; es
the pecaly where he declares that it is Mexico, anC
hat not We who are fighting forfresides, castles and
led affairs This it soutly afrms, is taking the side
3D. of the enemy 1t says it shall labor increasingly
ich to procure the nomination for the Presidency
"a Scott or Taylor, because the people are DESTROYS
rlr to reward one ofthese brave Generals with the
a1I highest honors. The Tribune gives back these
'"' blows in good earnest The Richmond VA
~ IVhig warmly favors Mr. CIay's no-territory
cut views because in that way the country will be
SIS rid Of the dangerous agtations of the Wilmo
It'll Proylso. On the other hand, the NaShUW,
of Wig, the leading paper in Tennessee, take,
er- bold ground against these views. 1t says "wtl
lily Mr. Clay, we are opposed to the annexation of al
cid Mexico, but we are not with him in opposition
YER to the retention of any portion of the territory
tho have conquered from Mexico. We go for tax
ing Upper California and Ncw Menico at all haz
ards. The people will not consent to restore
Deu these provinces" The Pittsburgh Gazette thu
nla most influential Wing journal in Western Penn
od, Slyvanla thinks emo more territory" is the safes
ty, ground, but it will dimsh Mr. Clays popularity
Dor for the masses will not stand it. The Nation
one al lRtefgencer talks grave and owl-ike in favor
ee- of the speech, and says, "Mr Clay counses hi,
It. countrymen to the ways of wisdom, and the
,eir paths of the peace and honor" The Boston At
Der las is short and cool 1t says, "wth the gencr
-. al sentiments of the document, we most wngl
w. accord" The Ne~ Bedford Mcrcury, goes in
Id to ecstaces of joy. OF Mr. Cay's views on slay
ing cry, it says upon this point the orator rises
ans pitch Of submity ,unequaed in these latter day
- the Republic!" Pro-di-gi-ous The Bosto
S of Daily Wing approves generally the war sent
the ments of the speaker, but pointedly adds 60
as the subject Of slavery the speech is far less salts
pon factory. We are disappointed in the characte
,bor even of the argument, which is himsy, and base
all upon no ultimate principle whatever"
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