The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-02-18
GREAT CLAY MASS MEETING
AT CASTLE GARDEN.
Three Cheers for Harry Clay |!


dency of the United States.
AT an early hour, thousands of persons congre-
gated at the place of meeting and long before
the opening of the meeting, the spacious galleries
of the room were crowded; and long before the
time had arrived, the large room was crowded
to overlooking.
The speakers invited from Washington did not
make their appearance, the reason for whichis, 1t
is said, the state of affairs at the Capitol de-
manded their attention. 1t is probable they
were not satisfied what kind of reception they
would meet with in New York, and that is more
likely the reason of their non-appearance. In
Washington the orators command the audience;
here, the audience commands the orators.
PHILIP HONE, Esq, rose for the purpose of
nominating chairman, and spoke as follows -
Friends fcow-citizens, Americans wings, friends of
Henry Clay (Cheers) You do not expect of me to
say what the object of your bsing called together in
this glorious and spacious hall We here express
party except that Of the friends Of another candidate
generally the friends Of Mr. Clay tell you the reason
tney prefer General Taylor H. thai ne can be elected
are willing to award to General Tayior the praise Of
gallant soldier, and an honest man (Cheers) Ihave
never heard any whig gsinssy IT. have never heard
Is tried statesman he has bssn tried aud found
wanting in the qualifications Of a president of the
United States We know him. aud are willing to try
him again He has been cheated on one or two COCA.
sons and will not be fault he be cheated again
people The object of this meeting is to let our brother
wings throughout the Union know how the matter
stands here in New York, and that when meetings
called for the purpos. OF nominating General Taylor
We are not willing to be told that Is unparalleled i'm
pudence for that is the word that used to object to
tion we object to the man, because think have
better candidate If it should prove other also
Taylor or any other candidate is presented to US BY
the national convention will stand by it If it be
Henry Clay so much the better If it be Gen. Taylor,
pledge myself that will give him honest and hearty
support You will then have nothing blame yourselves
for The only thing with me is, don't know quite
AID do know that Clay could be elected the hsp
mess of the people and the prosperity Of the country
wond be promoted by It.
> Here band came in playing lively air.
Y Mr. HONE continued The music Ct my voice Is sup
pressed by that Of the band and there nothing left for
me but to explain the object tor which have appeared
before you 1t is to nominate chairman of this meet
ing and in doing that have the pleasure to nominate
commercial houses have the pleasure of giving you
the name Of Mr. HENRY GRINNELL, as your chair
Mr.. GRINNE1L took the chair amid the cheer
ing OF the meeting, when large number of Vice
Presidents and Secretaries were appointed.
The following address was then read by N. B.
BLUNT, Esq:
The Wings Of the City Of New York to the Whiss Of
The near approach Of another presidential election
the mounu experience Of the last few years. the pre-
sent situation OF the country and the gloomy aspect Of
the future present for attention of the
deepest socitude and requiring the most anxious
alteration The dis asters foretod to eountrymen
in 1874 from the election of tbs present executive
been realised, and what was then prophecy is now his
tory The peaceful relations Of the country have been
rent a.under, artificial and unnatural excitement
pervsdes the land the red demon OF war still rears his
"horrid 'front.'" and riots In the blood of fellow
mem while the future heretofore 40 full of hope Is en-
n dark IN m Pa Inn ham ms
then, as reemen citizens Of this great conederacy
and, above ALL Christian people to assert the true
reproach and to in the sight of the world
and of our common Creator that integrity and purity
their temporary prosperity, must ultimstsly suffer
merited condemnation. 1t is not our purpose-and
the limits OF public address would scarcely per
NIT US to go into . critical analysis OF the true
causes which have led to the present unfortunate
conjuncture Of affairs. We seek no farther to rend
lessons wisdom to guide for the future Whether the
present uunaturs between country and sister
republic the act of Mexico the result OF aggres
sion part, believe it unnecessary In
its origin and, with prudent action the part of
own Executive, could and should have been avoided
We farther believe the inn edista cause of actual hos
tities to have been the orders emanatipg from the
President directing the Americsn army to take post
upon the Rio Grande; andwhether not in point of
fact that river formed the boundary Of the State of
Texas Is embraced within the letter and fprt Of the
Unionwe are bound to declare the conduct Pres
dent in hi. respect to have been hasty and advsed
fore the country the authors not to provoke of
the contest which ensued The territory between the
Nueces river and the Rio Grande at ell events dis
puted territory aud with the exception Of small strip
on the right bank Of the Nueccs In the actual and
this disputed territory by tho American forces was the
assertion of exclusive right part to It's posses
sion and left to Mexico other alternative but quiet
submission, or an appeal to that stern and last arb
ter Of national disputes-the sword. Yes yes')
To that arbter she appealed, with what success her
devastated fields, her captured Cities her slaugh-
tered sons, and her mourning widows and orphans
TOO sadly ten Yes yesi' but the moralist
Of our sn
their brave and disciplined armies-whils they wonder
at and admire the gssnty and fortitude which have
to victory, until the flag Of Union fosted in tr
umph from the spires of the captured capital Of the
pubcs Of the old world and hnd in their present ruin
and degradation painful memorials of the fate which
soon be recorded by the future hs,oran Of loved
land The lust of territorial sggrandzement has ares
dy exhibited itself in national councils and there
are not wanting those who, In conquered Mexico are
prepared to the atrocities perpetrated by the
despots Of Northern Europe upon unfortunats Poland
The exngushment OF the nationality Of Mexico her
incorporation into our Union If not openly avowed by
the Executive meets with disfaver Genial at hts
hands whom promulgated by his partsns charged by
his opponents The plea Of Indemnity and security pin
other words, immediate annexation Of part and armed
occupation Of the rest Of Mexico, but msy pretencs
TO hide the true and necessary results of the ambitious
deeigns Of the President We desire to avert this sad
calamity for euch believe would be the
to this Union of any considerable part Of Mexico with
her mixed and motley population, her peculiar instu
tions her diverse laws and the complete scord Traces
language and manners Of the two people. We know Of
no greater misfortune that could befal country,
short OF its own extinguishment, than such union
and we see In its contamination the germs Of
dissolution, and future full Of despair With these
views-for the purpose of celebrating upon tho
true course to be pursued in this crisis of the
country-ths wings OF New York have assembled -
Mexico lies bleeding and PROSTATE at feet Our
tionsl honor assailed has been fully vim dcaed
Vengeance has been stated with blood and carnage We
poseto what end Is the to be farther prosecuted
II for conquest deny the right TO continue the
foe such purpose II for indemnity, It has already
been rendered The truth IT, stripped Of all false color
ing, the war has assumed q and distinct form Ter
ritoryths extension of the called Of freedom"
rspaoous spirit OF plumber the spoation of weak
and fallen enemy constitute the sole grounds for far
Their continuance Of the conflict 1t and must be ter
minsted. Human blood must to flow. The
Of humanity the honor Of tho country welfare of