The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1847-12-01


general desire to see the full report, induces
us to publish it entire.
SPEECH OF MIR. CLAY,
At the Mass Meeting in Lexington, KY,
on Saturday, Nov. Ii, 1647.
After the organization of the meeting, Mr.
Clay arose, and addressed it substantially as
follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen =
The day is dark and gloomy, unsettled and
in regard to the unnatural war with Mexico.
The public mind is agtated and anxious, and
in filled with serious apprehensions as to its
indefinite continuance, and especially as to
the consequences which its termination may
bring forth, menacing the harmony, if not the
existence, of our Union.
1t is under these circumstances I present
myself before you. No ordinary occasion
would have drawn me from the retirement in
which live but, whilst a single pulsation of
the human heart remains it should, if neces-
sary, be dedicated to the service of ones coun-
try. And have hoped that, although am
private and humble citizen, an expression of
the views and opinions entertain might form
some little addition to the general stock Of in
formation and afford small assistance in de-
livering our country from the perils and dan
gers which surround us.
have come here with no purpose to at
tempt to make a fine speech, or any ambitious
oratorical display. have brought with me
no rhetorical bouquets to throw into this as
semblage. In the circle of the year, Autumn
has come, and the season of flowers has passed
away. In the progress of years, my spring
time has gone by, and l, too, am in the autumn
of life. and feel the frost of age. My desire
and aim are to address you, earnestly, calmly,
seriously and plainly, upon the grave and mo-
mentous subjects which have brought us to-
gether. And am most solictous that not a
solitary word may fall from me, offensive to
any party or person in the whole extent of the
Union.
War. pestilence and famine, by the common
consent, of mankind, are the three greatest
calamities which can befal our species and
war, as the most direful, justly stands fore
most, and in front. Pestilence and famine
no doubt for wise, although inscrutable pur-
poses-are infections of Providence to which
it is our duty, therefore, to bow with ODE
dence, humble submission, and resignation.
Their duration is not long, and their ravages
are limited. They bring, indeed. great Attic
ton, while they last but society soon recov-
ers from their effects. War is the voluntary
work of our own hands; and whatever re-
proaches it may deserve, should be directed to
ourselves. When it breaks out, Its duration
is indefinite aud unknown-its vicissitudes are
hidden from our view. In the sacrifice of hu.
man life. and in the waste of human treasure
in its losses, and in its burthens-it affects
both belligerent nations; and its sad effects of
mangled bodies, of death, and of desolation,
endure long after its thunders are hushcd in
peace. War unhinges society, disturbs its
peaceful and regular industry, and scatters
poisonous seeds of disease and immortality,
which continue to terminate and dittuse their
baneful influence long after it has ceased
Dazzling by its glitter, pomp and pageantry, it
begets spirit of wild adventure and romantic
enterprise and often disqualifies those who
embark in it, after their return from the bloody
t.-.. .t ~.