The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-02-16
MFR. Ciay-IMs Retirement and his Return.

Certainly he has generally proved TO be the pioneer OF
the great mammoth OF the deep. At this time, when the
political movements of Kentucky are enveoped in
fog-when her most sagacious politicians in Congress,
far as we advised appear TO be at faut-no knowing
whether Mr.. Crttenden will come into the next cabinet,
or what course Mr. Clay will pursue in the Senate
we seize upon every indication which promises to yield
a ray OF light upon the future. For this purpose
have consulted the columns of the Lexington oracle, and
ind the following glvngs out in It's paper OF the It'll inst
1t may not be very explicit for Hypothetical uncertain,
and rather ambiguous; but these very signs show us
that Mr. Clay is not positively determined to support Gen
Taylor We submit the whole article however. and let
every reader interpret it for himself For part
we confess in it the signs of politician who goes
into Congress rather with disposition thwart than
assist the incoming admnisration-o control, all haz
ards, the course OF public events and 10 that
tendency in the wing party, which many of its leaders
are now disposed to dispute:
The RETURN OF Mr.. CLAY THE SENATE.-There
many newspaper specuiaons it regards Mr. Cay's
the Senate OF the United States and motives
which induced him to abandon the shades of
Ashland for the boisterous scenes of public life.
Some find in it deep settled hostility Gen Taylor and
his incoming administration Others of opinion that
he will, in conjunction With General Taylor shape and
fashion the direction of public affairs We think it likely
that these pecualions like speculaons concerning
this hgh-soue patriot, will prove 10 be very idle.
so lar have heard, Mr. Clay who said in his fore
well speech in the Senate that his disposition for the pub
lie service was enthusiastic the Senate he has
always gone to do good to the country he 1t has
happened for the last twenty years. Mr.. Cays of
doing service have not been equal his patriotic desires
Sometimes he has been borne down by the weight of Gen
Jackson's popularity and then by the eachery of
whom he contributed to put into office. He will
at first be in minority in the Senate but these ques
tons which, if not settled, will require such
as Mr. Clay whose voice has often Gained the raging
waters and restored quiet to the land If
ture speculation Mr. Clay's chief motive in yield
ing his the Senate, it would be- that
might do his part in avertng from the country the dangers
that threaten from the agitation of certain questions which
| always create bitterness in the public mind.
As to pnry feelings of revenge which
have been freely attributed him by many presses.
Clay has reached age. and acquired a reputation
which put him far above such unworthy mpuations He
can live now only for that country which he has so
long. through good and through evil report.
But he will ere long appear in the Senate, and his
| course will put to rest all spec ulatons.
| The Lexington Observer" calls up Mr. Clays fare
well speech to the Senate and this extraordinary remin
iscence is indeed worthy of notice Why again. ask,
has he burst the cerements of his political Tomb after he
had so solemny and so positively abured all such
We have turned to that celebrated Speech which caused
so many signs TO escape at the moment of its delivery,
and many tears to flow for his final inerment with
the view OF catching its spirit; and really the contrast is
great between the retirement and the return the en-
tombment and the resuscaton, that share with
our readers the establishment which it produces We
lay the following specimens before them, and again
leave it to them to interpret the mysterious motives of
this remarkable change in Mr.. Clay's destination
Extracts from Mr.. Clays ualedeory the Senate of the
| United States Mavcir3l, 1912.
! Mr. CLAY and said before offering the motion which
it his intention to submit the Senate he desired
make single observation with regard to a subject which
which he had submitted proposing certain amendments
to the constitution OF the United States had been his
wish, his retirement, have obtained pon
these resolutions and also to have replied the
WHICH had been advanced by their Opponents but to
reply and, owing TO the absence of several of his
better the subject hands the Senate
be disposed OF according 10 their judgment and dscre
this subject with simple remark in reference to The con
ycton which he entertained Of the proprety of the differ
lions he still deliberately entertained Notwithstanding all
tina. he had heard upon =, the subject subj
formally and officially, my retirement from the Senate of
u evsr make a bu 1sos 0 ma"s ha
motion, shall be padoned for avaling myself OF
this occasion to make a few observations.
Sir. have longrn of attraction public service in
the Senate of the United States isa service which might
ill the aspirations of the most ambitious heart-I have
nevertheless long desired seek that repose which only
ito 9'n s in the S ws OF o"s
senatorial career in November 1910 after the conclusion
OF poiilca Struggle which characterized that
But learned very soon, what own reflections indeed
prd suppose would take place. that there would
be an extra session. aud being DESTROYS, prior
| trement, cooperate with my friends in tho SEN
ate in restoring, by the adoption of measures best cal
culaed to accomplish that purpose, that degree of
prosperity to the country which had been, for time,
destroyed, determined upon attending the ses
sion, which was called, well known by the la
mened Harrison HIS DEATH and the succession which
took place in consequence of produced aspect
the affairs of the country Had he lived do
particle of doubt that those which hoped
might be accomplished at that would have been
| he
utve branch OF the government and Congress- and, al
low (and il is only with respect the
that believe il there be free from feel
ngs, and free from bias and from prejudice who will look
at us transactions in spirit of candor and of uctce
but must to the conclusion which, think, the
country generally will that if there be anything to
CON plain of in connection with that session, ii is
10 what was done and concluded, but that which
left unfinished and unaccomp lished After the ern
of that session. had Harrison lived, and had the
which appeared to 1t desirable ha
accomplished been carried It was my intention to have
retired; but reconsidered that determinations with the
hope that, at the regular session of Congress- what
had been unaccompished the session might
be elected either upon the terms proposed in some
manner which would be equivalent. But
nounced alter the sesonevents resulting believe
ia the failure to accomplish certain objects the
sion-events which seemed TO throw upon friends
everywhere present deiea-ths hope, and the
these events, induced attend the regular session.
and whether in adversely in prosperity share
iortunes OF friends. But came here with the pose
VIII Gu about to eecuate, of retiring, as
thought could retire with proprety and decency from
the public councils.
But have been unsustaned during this long
of public service. Everywhere this widespread
nen have enjoyed the benefit possessing warm heart
knew me, and appreciateJ Justly the by which
been actusted To them II had language make