Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-03-31
From The Rochester IN. " American.
The Presidential Question.

Our renders are aware that we have not deemed IT
necessary or profitable to precptate the discussion OF
the question who the presidential candidate ought to
be. let our preference has at no time been con-
cealed-has indeed been freely and frankly avowed.
While HENRY CLAY lives, and there Is ground tor
hone that he will consent to bear our flag, can
neither doubt nor hesitate in declaring HIM. before all
living men our choice Many other names belong to
the Wing party, but the Country has ONE only who Is
beyond comparison or rivalry preemlnent IN patrlo
ism puh service" high desert, and i'll the affections
Of his fellow citizens That one it is utterly needless
to name. Wherever there Is wing heart II beats
hirh at the slightest allusion to HENRY CLAY.
We concur in the eXpedency and authority of the
National Convention. Whether its decision shall be
for C. ay or for other worthy member of the
Whip party we shall yield, not reluctantly or coldy
our efforts for the election OF the nominee. The time
fixed TOR the Convention to assemble is not distant
Delegates have already been appointed in some dis
trcts and many others are moving tor that purpose
/ At most popular gatherings of the Wing party some
expression is made in reference to the presidency
Several meetings, some of them rendered imporan,
by the numbers and influence OF those who took part
/ have been held in various parts of the Union-Whg
journals beginning to express with freedom, and
generally in commendable spirit, their views as to
the candidate. 1t cannot therefore be improper Tor us
/ to say few words upon n subject which few seem
disposed to postpone. We premise that the Wings of
Western New York are for CLAY with almost entire
unanimy. They believe him the best, the safest
and the desirable candidate and urge his nonin
alton decidedly, ardcnty, enthusiastically. They
HAVE No SECOND CHOICE. We do not mean that they
will not support the nominee of the Convention should
he lives, they will think OF no else This feeling
is deep as well as wide The devotion of a quarter Of
century, honorably earned by unparalleled desert,
does not easily change. Its ilustrous object survives
in full vigor OF mind and body-and while they see
him i'll the splendor OF his fame, still able to serve his
country as no other can and while every passing day
demonstrates his unrvalled power TO sway the minds
and hearts of men, the Wings OF Western New York
will not willingly Withdraw their eyes from the sun of
political hnament to seek any orb OF obscurer raw
which may twinkle in the tar oil regions oi u dim and
doubtful cXpediency
We have taken pains-nay no pains were needed
TO ascertain public opinion this region. II Dresses
upon from every side, In Monroe county there are
hardly fifty Wings who contemplate desirable the
nomination OF any other candldate--and not five
whose individual preferences are not for him. In the
resorts OF business in city and country the resde
oi the farmer and in the shop OF the arZan the eN.
preston tor Clay unanimous and resistess Nor is
it confined TO those who voted for him in lsii MANY
who were then political opponents now declare them
selves IN his favor. They regard him as an injured
sandered, gloriousy yndicaed statesman and patriot
But we are told by someew indeed-hat " Mr..
Clay cannot be elected CANNOT Re ELECTED =
Where is the proof OF his unpopuarity is it found
in the fact that Tor forty years he has been the fore
most statesman Of the Union Or we to look tor
II III the demonstrations OF affection and admra lion.
surprising every example in history and only short of
ldoatry, which meets him wherever he goes In the.
disastrous contest OF 1911 he ahead Of the other
Wing nominations in every quarter OF the Union
Beaten he was Indeed, by deractIon and dishonesty
which VIII not bear repetition but he still drew the
largest vote accorded to any portion OF the ticket
Since that period, when it he Tell the party tel with
hun, prejudice has died away and political inatuation
has measurably worked its own cure
Men oi all parties recognise the need of eminent tai
ehts and oily PATRIOTISM AT the head OF the govern
nnent They turn their eyes instlnctiyey to HIM who
has no equal among the living and no suneror win
the dead HE great heart OF the nation beats hi OH
at the name OF Clay, and the masses of his country
men, by thousands and tens thousands rush INTO lis
presence 10 tend the homage which they cannot re-
excite. ~ -