The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1848-10-12
IEnr The Gaseffc.

Mr.. EDITOR: Sir, passing np Front street
ahout one P. nj. to-day, observed more
than common collection Of people; on en-
curing the cause was informed that
"Dcmocratic Mass Meeting" was to be held
at the Court House. That n Mr.. Clinton
Clark. one of tho Hunker Democratic Can
didatcs for Elector Of President, was to nd
dress the meeting on the subject. Having
desire with many Of my fellow citizens
to hear what could be said for and ngains,
the different candidates and their objects
in regard TO questions now ngitc,iug the
country, wended my way with many
others to the place Of meeting.
After few preliminary proceedings,
common to such meetings we're gone
through with; such as the presentation of
Banner by few OF the ladies' of Dayen-
port, and call from Judge Williams to
give three cheers for the Ladies aud Ban
ncr, To which about onc-third Of the audi
ence responded, Mr.. Hiram Price then
introduced Mr.. Clinton Clark to the meet
ing. The object OF this communication be-
ing few passing remarks on MIR. Clark's
speech, | shall coufnc myself to that part
Of the subject. The gentleman set out by
telling his audience that he should deal in
facts, and state nothing but the truth and
eyhortcd them to weigh we'll what he had
to say Pleased with his Introductory re-
marks and the pledge he made to state
facts, my impressions were decidedly Ia
vorabe tothe speaker and began toconcrat-
ulatc myself on my good fortune in being
present to hear the all absorbing questions
of the day discussed by gentleman OF
more than common talent and close reason
ing power.
How far Mr.. G. redeemed bis pledge 10
tell the truth, remains to be seen. aud is my
present object to show. In tho first place,
we shall consider his remarks on General
Taylor, as the General occupied conspc-
uous place in the speech. As intend to
treat the gentleman with perfect fairness
would premise that, in my humble opinion
it is matter Of no sort Of consequence
what General Taylor's domestic occupation
-, whether Sugar Planter or Cotton
Planter, and should not mention il here,
were it not for the importance the speaker
seemed to attach to il, ond the pains he
took 10 impress the idea that the General was
Sugar Planter. The manner aud stress by
which he endeavored to impress this fac,
upon the audience, made il evident that he
attached considerable weight To it, as tend.
ing TO impair tho Generals character and
qualifications rs candidate for the Prcsi-
dency. Now the fact is, tho General is a
Cotton Planter, and makes his 1900 bales
OF cotton annually. This fact any schoo!
boy in Davenport would have informed Mr..
c. if he had cnquired. This item in Mr.
C.'s speech was The first thing to impair my
faith in his iniallibilty as publisher Of
truth. And ask is it not fair inference
it the gentleman was so much mistaken ia
General Taylor's domestic occupation as
the difference between cotton and sugar;
may he no, be equally mistaken in the Gen
erals qualification as statesman? And
Judging from the tenor Of his remarks, he
has imbibed the darling aristocra,ic notion
that none but Lawyers are qualified for
statesmen or fit for Presidents. Now sir.
| for one repudia,e all such arrogance and
adopt for creed that there are men 10 all
professions from the Farmer down 10 the
Lawyer (if YOU pIease) fit for any station
in the government whatever.
AS further evidence Of Mr.. Clark's fail
ure, We shall refer to his remarks on the
Free Soil Increment. Every intelligent
person who heard him, will be convinced,
when they SEQ tho evidence ! shall pro-
ducc, that hc was either grossly ignorun,
or wilfully misrepresen,cd the objects Of
that movement. in either case az pub
lie man he is without excuse. lie said 81,
was mistaken notion in the people TO be-
licvc that the object Of the Free Soil Party
was 10 give the public land to actual set
tiers free OF cost. That tho party had no
such object, aud no man need fla,ter him.
self that no would &c. foo. Of land wi,hou,
paying the government price for it," II