Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-12-07
Tnihs Edilor, OF the EnQuirer.


MIR. Clay has again hung his flag on The cute
wall in opposition TO "Free Trade and Sailors
Rights" Not satisfied with remaining an idle spec
taior in The present crisis. he has unworthy al
tempted to ridicule The nations rights 10 The eyes OF
the world. The language he employs in his late
Lexington speech is unwise, impolitc and unjust
80 far as he treats OF the war with Mexico. And
it is matter Of deep regret that SO distinguished
man, representing perhaps, the largest portion Of
the Wing party, should thrust his parizan opin-
ions on The world, at a time when The welcome
and cheering voices ot patriots should only
be heard. Could he mol speak the language Of
patriot No; defeat has made him familiar with
disgrace, aid disappointment has made him The
slave OF his passions. His talents, truly (bfighl
though they beg are asi becoming the heirs OF
second childhood. As Don QuixLte became no
wiser from defeat, so Mr.. Clay who eagerly steps
forward on The eventiul Stage in order 10 redress
those grievances in trade, agriculture, &c,
which exist only in Imagination, pref
nothing by his past experience. With what
pleasure can the nation hear The opinions
Of such a man, who advocates her right!
al one time, and ursakrs .hem at anoiher2 VINO,
in The a;dor and energy OF his youth, when his
impulses are open and patriotic, is her friend, and
in lhe cunning and imbecily .: Uld age, is her foe?
There is not one comnon-sense man in this
country, or the world who would not know
what course to pursue in order to conquer
peace with Me;ico-who would not know wha!
language TO use 10 that nation to bring about
such a consummalion. The wretched and in
dulent Me1cans will long remember him and
his suffer friends, whose unmanly sympaihies
brought nothing but death and destruction upon
them, for they have done what they should and pH
be sorry for.
In conclusion, have few words 10 say in
regard to the deslinies Of the American peo-
plp. Rome did much 10 her day, in The arduous
labors of civilization, by establishing her laws
wherever the wings OF her Eagle Swallowed
The earth. Pulwhal were all her splendid great.
ness, her glory Of conquest, her pride OF tom'
nion7 Great Britain herself has worked out more
wonders. But This infant Republic, which, III
the course OF time, will be as The sun 10 thr
solar system. giving both ligh; aid lie 10 the
powers Of the old world, has alf.aty surpassed
al that We read Of in The history o. ancient and
modern times. She is MOI, US many assert, like
so many contrary winds, blown backwards and
forwards as The hum0r takes her. Her course is
steady, but onward; and she must, sooner or laler,
become the mistress OF The Western hemisphere
If any one doubts this conclusion, let him take
warning, that The star which appeared in the
Eas,-the messenger o! Joy and glad idings-is
now shining with refuigent brightness in the
Wes', Illuminating as sun the whole OF The
horizon. In shor, it cannot be doubted that We,
as a nation, occupy more elevated position in
the eyes of The world than a, any other period OF
our existence. To lake leave Of Mr.. Clay lei
the "Dictalol" remember lhat.he measures D! The
present administration have been wise, humane
and meriloriously successful in Mexico; that no
war was ever conducted with more marked abil-
ily-no war was ever more just, ant no admins
lraion was ever more disposed 10 peace and
let him not forget that The patriotism and good
sense Of tie people of this country will be suffi-
cient at all times 10 guide them in choosing lor
the Presidency another than him, endowed with
a stronger love Of country and greaIer share OF
sound judgment and craftsmanship.