Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-04-21
THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 90, ls4s.


On Monday last we published a straight-for-
ward and explicit letter from Henry CLAY, de-
ming his position with reference to the Presi-
dNncy. We like the letter, not only because Of
IN decision II announces respecting the use OF
his name, but because it is appropriate on ac-
count Of the doubtful and awkward position in
which the speculations and assertions of many
Of Mr.. CLAY's friends had placed him before the
people, as well as in view of his age, character
and distinguished public services During MS
recent visit to the north, it was inuustriously
reported by many wings e whose wish was
father to the thought" doubtess) especially
among those who have been disposed to run
mad after Gen. TAYLOR and SUCCESS, in pro.
found indifference towards the higher cause OF
WHre PRINCIPLES and WING STATESMEN, that
Mr.. Clay would formally withdraw his name
from the canvass-that he would not consent
to be again candidate, and that many of those
who were most warmly advocating his re-nomi
nation knew that he would not accept it. BY
others it was asserted that Mr.. CLAY would
make no announcement Of his views and wishes
respecting the important, yet delicate, matter Of
his own connection with the candidateship fol
the high office in question, until he should have
reached Ashland.
These repeated assertions and speculations,
coming as they did from all quarters, friendly
and unfriendly, were embarrassing and per-
picking in the highest degree to that vast body
of the Wings Of the Union who firm and UNI
wavering in their political faith, and in their
attachment to him as its noblest and truest ad-
vocatc and exponent, and seeking triumph in
political contests not for the sake Of triumph but
for heesake of the great principles which would
be sustained and promoted by it, have steadily
adhered and will steadily adhere, to their pre-
ference for HENRY CLAY. until the full and fair
expression of Vine National Convention
shall designate some other WING as the Candi-
date for their suffrages.
Mr.. CLAY OWED it to this great class of his
fellow-citzens to write precisely the letter he
has written and nobody but politician who
cannot comprehend the idea of any thing supe-
ror to trickery and stratagem in the depart
ment Of "politcs," will doubt or question the
honest frankness and hearty sincerity OF every
word of it. 1t sences the :" masked batteries
of those who are opposed 10 ms nomination. ana
answers the expectations and wishes of those
who desire it and it does nothing more 1t
simply permits the presentation of his name to
the Wing National Convention; and we take it
nobody is prepared to ray that that name "clarum
Ell venerable ~ is not ,corthy to 90 before
WING CONVENTION. High-minded and patriotic,
as he showed himself in 1910, when he should
have had the nomination, Mr.. CLAY announces
to the Wings of the Union, that WHATEVER
MAY DE THE ISSUE OF IT, THE FAIR AND FULL
DELIBERArIoS OF THAT CONVENTION WILL MEET
WITH MY PROMPT AND CHEERFUL AcQUIEscEYcE."
What Wing could ask more When the friends
Of General Taylor will produce SUCH guaranty
from his pen, it will be time to consider in what
respect his claims for the nomination may be
superior. Till then, Wings who value consis-
tency above expediency, and the triumph Of
justice and sound principles above both, will
hold on to their preference, if not of HENRY
CLAY, certainly Of some one, Of the many dis
tinguished Statesmen of the country, who is a
Wing, open, ayoWed in principle and in policy.