Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-12-03
MR.. CLAY.
Correspondence of the Republic.

BALTIMORE, November 30.
HENRY CLAY arrived in city yesterday from PHI
ladelphla. He was met at the by very large
crowd OF citizens who babe him welcome with deafen-
ing cheers. As as it known that the distin-
gulshed patriot had arrived salute of one hundred guns
was fired. He was conveyed to Barnum's hotel in
front OF which thousands had assembled, young and
old, OF both sexes He appeared at the window and
thanked his fellow citizens for the kind and cordial vel
come extended towards him and then retired promising
to meet his friends to-day At the appointed hour this
morning. ne interchanged congratulations. He looks
well and enjoys good health He has accepted an py-
taton to visit the theatre tonight.
The following is sketch OF his remarks to-day-they
are from memory but [ feel confident having heard
them with close attention, that they substance
what he said
Speech of Henry Clay at Barnu,n's Hotel Nopem-
Der 30, 1S49
During brief soourn in Philadelphia on my way to
Washington, received very kind letter from num-
Der OF my personal and political friends in Baltimore
requesting OF me an opportunity of interchanging civil
ties and renewing old acquainanceshps upon the &C.
casionot my passing through their beautiful city, To
these friends return my hearty thanks for their kindness
and the atiectionate regard which they have ever
shown me under all circumstances. My thanks are also
due tor the very enthusiastic reception given me at the
depot yesterday as well as for that upon my arrival at
Mr. Barnum's. am also much indebted for the de-
hghtful serenade given me last evening" than which
sweeer or more meodous notes greeted the ear of
arepublcan or monarch.
Gentlemen, always feel at home in your good State
OF Maryland. Whether among the Alleg hanies or
upon the shores OF your beautiful Chesapeake have
ever received that kindness and attention which makes
me feel that am at home Added to this ALSO is ano-
Their conslderation-my better half having been born in
Maryland.
You have been pleased gentlemen to allude to myre-
turn to the Senate tear you entertain hopes in that
connexon which can never be realized. feel is true
the devotion to the public interests but feel also
the hand of time weighing heavily upon me- Solemn
and grave questions will arise during the approaching
session OF Congressuesons which have already deep
ly agitaed the public mind. You all know that out of
the late acquisition OF large territories in the west and
southwest there has arisen question which has caused
much excited discussion. allude to the question of
slavery. In my humble Judgment gentlemen both par
ties who are so clamorous upon that question are in
error. One contends that without an enactment OF
Congress prohibiting slavery, the institution will take
root IN those terrores--the other contending against
the constituonaity such act as deprving themof
rights OF moving their slaves thither In my opinion,
both are practically wrong inasmuch the question
evidently settles itself Slavery never exist in those
territories. The climate, the SOIL and the industrial pur-
suits OF the people all forbid it.
am perhaps, going too far, gentlemen, in expressing
myself so fully upon public affairs an occasion like
this But Tor your ausion to them in your letter to me-
should, probably not have done My views on these
questions are altogether conservative.
There Is one point, however, on which feel at liberty
to express myself tuly-1 aude to the Union of the
States. This question is, in my view, paramount to all
others. There is none OF sufficient importance to be
considered in connexion with it. Under all circum-
stances and every event shall labor Tor its perpeuity
Let the storm come from what quarter may, shall be
prepared to meet it and stand by glorious contedera-
cy. Here Mr. Clay arose TO his full height and be-
came unusually animated, communicating the fire Of
his eloquence and enthusiasm to the entire audience
who gave vent to their feelings in deatening applause
Mr.. Clay continued; look upon the dissolution of the
Union being productive of every possible evil that
could befal us nation Our country would need no
historian. The history of Greece would be her history
Entangling foreign alliances, internal commotions of
every character, would speedily follow, Some daring
military chiettan chetains would arise and play the
part OF a Philippe Alexander. We should be in-
volvedin wars wars, wars. Wars most bloody devas-
tating would be entaled upon trust in God gen.
tlemen that such time may never arrive and my I'M
firing efforts shall be directed against it. Gentlemen
have already said more than | intended. Here were
many cries of Go on, go on Hope you will receive
these remarks coming from my heart. And, gentle
men, in conclusion, thank you for your warm recep-
ton and kind attentions.
Mr.. Clay listened to throughout with profound
attention. and his remarks frequently elected enthusiasts
tic applause.
The above Speech written out from memory, is be-
lieved to be what Mr.. Clay said on this OCCASION ex-
ceptng that ii falls short of the beauty and eoquence
given to it by the distinguished author.
Mr. Clay was for several hours engaged in receiving
and inerchangng congratulations with his friends in
duging in many sprghtly and characteristic remarks.
Yesterday was very generally observed day of
thanksgiving The stores closed and business sus-
pended. Dvive service performed in the several
churches during the morning. No accidents or unplea-
SAINT occurrences usual on holidays, have come to my
notice.