Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-04-28
SATURDAY EVENING, APRIL q, lsls.


" The Boston Alias, has been quite indusri
Gus to assert that Mr.. WEBSTER is the particular
choice of the Wings of Massachusetts for the
Presidency, and has carried its opposition TO the
nomination of Mr.. CLAY quite as far as good pol-
icy would allow, and considerably farther than it
has had any warrant for doing, either in the
wishes or preferences Of the Wings Of that State,
or in the facts it has stated. We believe that
the majority cfthe Wings of Massachusetts, az
we'll as of every other New England State, pre-
fer Mr.. CLAY to any, and all other men. 1t is
not true, as stated by the Alias, and other papers,
that Mr. CLAY has been three times the candidate
of the Wing Party. lie never was the candi-
date of the ,ohole Party but once--in ls4o-and
then he polled more votes than any other Wing
candidate ever did, not excepting General 1Iar-
rison. 1t is as unjust as it is untrue to say that
| Mr.. CLAY has been three times defeated as the
candidate of the Wings.
We would give our support to Mr.. WEBSTER
with hearty good will, should he receive the nom
inaton but those papers who are Jealous IN HIS
behalf do that distinguished Statesman more
harm than good by mis-stating or over-staing
| the preferences of the staunch and steady Wings
of New Eng Gland. While HENRY CLAY lives,
they will not be apt either to forget their obga-
tons for his great public services, or to waver in
their support of his nobly-purchssed claims to
the highest post within the gilt of the people.
The Salem Register, one of the soundest, as
it is one OF the Oldest, of the papers of Massa-
chusetts, referring to the recent letter of Mr.
CLAY, makes use of the following significant
| language, which, like the famous almanacs Of
Isaiah Thomas, is adapted to any latitude
about tlrese days.
| Henry Clay.
| We hardly need call attention to the letter OF Mr.
Clay in reference to the Presidency ex-
animation OF it by renders 1t is frank honorable
and manly like himself, and we do not well see how
under existing circumstances, he could have avoided
such expression at his sentiments.
We trust that the impression will not prevail abroad
that Mr.. Clay has no advocates III Massachusetts -
There is danger tina, few of our friends, stun
ned by the clater and blinded by the smoke OF thci
own raising. may bring themselves, and, possibly. in
duce others, to believe that the friends OF Mr. Clay
have all died out in this region. With Difference, We
submit that there is spell in Mr.. Clays name yet IL
raise host ot as ardcnt, determined aud attached fol
lowers as ever adhered to any political leader We cal
answer for Essex County, at least, that the DEVOTION
Mr. Cay's friends IL in no wise drni7, d, and tia
they neither few nor weak. They desire only the
best good OF the Wing party, and, OF consequence, th'
country; their minds are open to CONVICTION upon al
questions OF parry pnhcy ana expectancy 'hey ma,
be persuaded hut they are 20 be nei'ier browbea'er
nor dragooned into compliance with any mans wish
es and they have therefore, witnessed with pam
degree Of arrogance and tone of sncering, III hisf
quarters, which ought TO be rebuked,
fair honorable and discreet advocacy Of the claim
of any aspirant to the Presidential office, nobody cal
complain of. In the wisdom of the National Conven
ton have full confidence and By its decision. iar
made, after due consultation and dciberaton, we trus
that every Wing in the Union will be willing abide
Any one of the great names, likely to be selected b!
that Convention, will be sure TO command success
the Wings only act up TO their old motto OF Uniol
for the sake of the Union We do hope, therefore
that shall hereafter more ioderation and muc
less superciliousncss, in the pgkizans to whom "
have alluded we fear that 4 retort may be pro
vokcd, which will not conduce y.,uch harmony an
Cancellation, and will be any thing but agreeable.