Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-03-02
From the Journal Of Commerce.
Henry CLAY.


In his late Rule or Ruin speech, Mr.. Clay in
dulges in luudable strain of sympathy for calami-
ties necessarily attendant upon (what he terms) our
present UNJUST unnecessary, and unnatural tcGr. "
He sophiscally places all opposition TO it in favora
bic contrast with that of the party who opposed
(what he calls) tour just and necessary of de-
fence ,cih England"
Circumstances alter cases is an adage in every
ones mouth, and may well be applied to the case in
question. In 1912 we find Mr. Clay, young and ar
dent adventurer IN pursuit of political fame. when
perhaps the goal of his ambition glittering in the
distance, mounted the war-horse for his hobby, and
reckless of the distress to follow, plunged his unpre
pared country into incalculable VICE. And although
it was his fortune, in conjunction with others, event.
ually TO extrlcae it from the rash which he
too eoquently counseled it was done without
cesson of the osensible objects contended for, and
until rivers of blood had been she'd and hundreds
of millions of our property had been captured
pended and lost. That war, of which MIR. Clay in
forms us, in his speech, =. President Madison with
great doubt and hesitation brought hmseIo the con-
vction that it ought to be declared and to which MIR.
Gallatin the most influential member of his cabinet
up to the time of its declaration, opposed. But
nothing could withstand the irresistible force Of pub
lie opinion. 1t was just war, and its great object,
as announced at the time, Free trade and sail
Or's rights against the inolerabe and oppressive
acts of British power on the Ocean,"
| Respecting the force of public sentiment which Mr.
Clay refers to- it is unnecessary for to state what
is well known TO all conversant with history that
the war party was greatly IN the minority, notwith-
standing the measure carried through Congress
by small majority. Perhaps Mr.. Clay can inform
us the number of lucrative offices that promised
IN secret Caucus In order to that majority,
well as enghten US as to the influence brought to
bear the mind of the President by committee of
that caucus, (of which he was chairman) which
caused Mr.. Madison to succumb, and finally send his
warmessage in opposition to his freely express
ed convictions, as well as those of Mr.. Gallatin.
If is ever justifable, we had good and suff-
cent grounds against both the begerents of that
day. The policy of waging it at period when We
had but nominal army, and that scattered over a
vast territory-when naval armament had been
dismaned by Mr.. Jefferson, and its officers were on
furlough, and whilst our commerce whitened every
sea-was doubted by many great and good men, be-
sides Mr.. Madison and Mr.. Gaatn.
Impressed as Mr.. Clay with the justice of our
cause. is it not surprising that he should have abn-
doned Free trade and sailors rights at Client
We find confession in that treaty; indeed it con-
tains nothing better than Messrs Monroe and Pnck-
ney had negotiated for before the war, in the treaty
which Mr.. Jefferson declined submitting TO the Sen
ate BY his effronery in abiding to that nglorious
peace, he surely underestimate general information,
or he had nothing better to offer than what had af
forded him political capital in the heyday of his
|
bOasted, that although "free trade and sailors
rights were the ostens6e, the real object of the
party the defeat and overthrow of the Fedealsts
in which they succeeded.
Nor we better pleased with Mr.. Claws allusion
to the Hartford Convention. In fact, body of more
eminent and unexceptlonable men have probably new
er been assembled in New England. 1t was CON-
posed of distinguished patriots and heroes of the
luton, of ex-gOvernors, Senators in Congress and
Judges of the Supreme Court. 1t graced also by
members of the Revolutionary Congress, well
son of the commander Of our forces at Bunker Hill
himself eminent civilian and the father of the frs
historian of the age. This Convention has been re-
vied by multudes of persons totally unacquaineC
with It's objects and its proceedings, and by not few
who probably are ignorant of the geographical
position of the place in which it was held. And i
was sufficient for those somewhat better informed
but equally regardless of truth and justice that it af
fOrded opportunity TO kinde the resentments o.
party, against men whose talents they feared, whose
responsibility they could but acknowledge whose
integrity they dare not impeach, and the sincerity o.
whose principles they had not the courage even tC
question.
That Mr. Clay at this advanced period of life
should add his sanction. for political effect to offer
refuted calumnies, could hardly have been affected
but STD is, and it manifests disposition still TO en-
courage vulgar prejudice at the expense of the truth
that he has arrived at age for the foes and err
rors OF which he is no longer responsible.
Whatever were the causes of our war with Mexico
we hold him to be no good citizen true friend tC
his country, who places the acts of his government
such light before its enemy in arms, to induce
resistance to our liberal offers of peace.
What influence the TRADES Of disappointed states
men may have, thank God we do not despair of the
result of our struggle, while have such patriot,
and heroes in the field, as SCOTT, TAYLOR
WORTH and KEARNY!! Miraculous have beer
"a IL III
your brows, and thicken over you" The pen o.
Prescott shall contribute reward you and your story
shall vie with the brightest pages the annals of the
world.