Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-04-20
Mr.. Clay's Position sPen the
Presidency.

IICSlucuCvs
The following document from Mr.. Clay has
been sent on by telegraph;
"The various and conflicting reports which
have been in circulation as TO nv intentions
with respect to the next Presidency appear to
me TO furnish proper occasion for full, frank
aud explicit exposition Of my feelings, wishes
and views upon that subject. This is now nv
purpose to make. With strong disincinaiion
to the use ofmy name again in connection with
that Office, left my residence in December
last. under determination to announce to the
pubic, In some suitable form, my desire not 10
be thought of as a candidate. In my abseuce,
frequently expressed 10 different gentlemen
my unwlIingness TO be again in that attitude !;
hut no one was authorized to publish my decs-
ion, one way or the other, having reserved The
right TO do so exclusively myself. On relec-
tlon, | thought il was due to my friends 10 con-
suit with them before | took decisive stop
Accordingly, within the course of the last three
months, have had an opportunity of convers-
ing fully and freely with them, many of them
having addressed to me the strongest appeals
and the most earnest entreaties, both verbally
and written, to dissuade me from executing my
intended purpose. They represented to me
the withdrawal of my name would be fatal 10
their succ sss, and perhaps lead TO the dissolu-
ton of the party with which have been asso-
ciated, particularly in the free States; that at
no former period did there exist so great a
probability Of my election, if would consent
10 the use of my naIne--that the great States of
New York and Ohio would in all probability,
cast their vote for me that New York would
more certainly bestow her vote on me than any
other candid1le; that Ohio would give her vote
10 no candidate residing in the slave States, but
To me that there is a better prospect than has
heretofore at any time existed, that Pennsylva-
MIA would unite with them that no candidate
cdn be elected without the concurrence of two
at these three States; and none could be deci-
ded upon whom all Of them could be united
that great numbers of our fellow citizens both
OF native and foreign birth, who were deceived
and therefore voted against me al the last cleo
ton, are now eager for an opportunity Of be-
slowing their suffrages upon me and whilst
there is Il strong and decided preference for me
entertained by the great body of the Wing
party throughout the United States, they, the
friends to whom refer, at the same time are
convinced that | am more available than anv
candidate that could be presented for the A
merican people.
- do not intend to vouch for the accuracy
of all these representations, although | do not
entertain doubt that they have been honestly
made, and are sincerely believed 1t has been,
moreover, urged tn me that the great obligation
under which have been hitherto placed by
large portion Of the people Of the United
States, the full force of which no one can be .
more sensible than am, demand that should .
not withhold the use Of my name, if il should
he required, and have been reminded of fire..
qgcnt declarations which have made, that
whilst life and health remain, man is bound
To render his best services upon the call of his
country. Since nv return home, have anx-
iously dellberated upon my duty to myself, TO
my principles, To my friends, and, above all, to
my country. The conflict between my unaf-
iected desire TO continue in private life, as most
congenal to my feelings and condition, and my
wish faithfully to perform all my public duties,
has been painful and embarrassing. 4
~ lrjius3 the use OF M name, and those in
FURIOUS consequences should ensue which have
been so confidently predicted by my friends. |
should justly incur their reproaches, and the
reproaches Of my own heart; aud it, on the
contrary,l should assent to the use of nv name.
whatever the result may be, | shall escape both;
have therefore finally decided to leave to the
National Convention, which is to assemble
next June, the consideration of nv name in
connection with such others as may be present.
ci TO 1t, to make selection of a suitable candl-
date for the Presidency of the United States
and whatever may be the issue of it, its fair
aud full deliberatlon will meet with my prompt
and cheerful acqulescence. 1t will be seen /
from what have stated that there was reason
10 anticipate that | would decline giving nv
consent to the use of my name again rs can
didate for the Presidency Of the United States.
Owing, perhaps, TO this as well as other caus-
es. many OF my friends and fellow citizens
have avowed their preferences for. and direct
"a their attention to the distinguished names cf
"th0r citizens Of the United States take /
pleasure in truly declaring, that have no re-
frets 10 express, no complaints, no reproaches
to MAKE, on account Of any such preferences
which am fully pursuaded are generally found
ed Oh honest and patriotic convictions I.
HENRY CLAY. IN
ASHLAND, April 10th, ISIS. II