The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-11-26
MIR. Claws Speech.

A large and most enthusiastic gathering
convened in front of the dwelling of Al
derman BENSON, in New York, about IL
O'Clock on Friday night last, for the pur-
pose of serenading Mr.. CLAY. The Er-
press contains a long account of the pro-
ceedings, which we are unable to transfer
to our columns of this morning. We,
however, make room for Mr.. CLAY's re-
marks in answer to the prolonged call of
the multitude fromwithout for his appear
ance. The ErpreSs says:
The people then commenced to call for Mr.. Clay,
| and for some time nothing could be heard but one
continuous deafening shout. Shortly the stoop was
partially cleared, and Mr.. Ullman appeared in the
door way He begged the people to be quiet
stating that Mr. Clay had come to New York on
merely private business, not expecting dreaming
OF such an enthusiastic demonstration as the pre-
sent; that Mr. Clay desired to return his thanks to
the people for the warm expression of their feel
ings, and that he had decided to do no more than
show himself and say few words to them, and,
| concluded the gentleman, trust that such shout
never shook the walls of New York. or any other
the West,
Mr.. Ullman then retired, and Alderman Benson
appeared having in his hand few of the little silk
banners OF the "Knickerbockcr Clay Club of IA,
and which he scattered among the people, with the
remark that this was the true Clay banner. The
scramble for these little banners was very great
and the few who were fortunate as TO obtain
them Immediately fastened them to their hats or
coats, and rallied, self constituted body guard
about the stoop Two large lamps were then
brought out, and Mr.. Clay appeared, hat in hand,
on the stoop, and we will venture to say that such
cheer was never heard before in this city, as that
with which, he was welcomed.
For some moments Mr. Clay bowed his compli-
in
creasng in intensity, till, smiling, he put his hands
to his ears, as if to shut out the din-at this the
whole of the vast assemblage suddenly became so
quiet that the dropping of pin could have been
hcard-and after short pause the venerable states
man addressed them substantially as follows
Gentlemen: come here as a peacemaker, would
had the commission in my pocket to force you all
to dispense, and give up this noisy, nocturnal de-
monstration; Qaughter;) but since have not, can
only express my deep and heartfelt gratitude to
you for this gratifying exhibition of the warmth of
your feelings towards me.
Having week of leisure, thought could not
do better than visit New York. to take by the hand
my old friends and to your great city it is in
all its various phases. | crossed the mountains
some time too early for the session of Congress- in
order to avoid the Inconvenience of an inclement
winters Journey, and having spent few days most
pleasantly and probably among my old and cher
ished friends here, am on my way to Washington.
Gentlemen, though shall not probably remain
long in the councils of my country, yet while am
there, you will find me now as ever was. en-
turn to Congress, the two great political parties of
the Union in state of equilibrium, in one of the
Houses at least-and among the many interests Of
the country over which l shall carefully watch, |
will guard none with such Jealous as the pre-
servaton of the UNION Of our States inUiolabe Cen
temen may think that liberty is sufficient, and that
the individual States would be more prosperous if
the Union were dissolved; but tell you that with
out union-perfect UNIoN-our liberty will be of but
little avail. Tremendous cheering) With re-
spect to my principles and my policy, you all were
long ago acquainted, and would only say of them
that they are now the same they ever were; but
| did not intend to make you long address: in
mostly any audience, and especially one like this
in the Empire city of the Empire State, it is almost
impossible not to make mention of some subjects
that may prove distasteful to the public opinion
but l have said to you that only which hoped
would most give you pleasure Cries
of $50 on, Harry" $50 it, old Coon," ''Kcep up
till morning." now interrupted the Speaker,
when he humorousy remarked, (Which of you
will furnish the ammunition" This occasoned
much lnughter, and voice exclaimed, "Three
cheers for Henry Clay, the peoples candidate for
lS52-no convention, and we'll put him in" Ii
is hardly necessary for TO state that the cheers
that responded to this call were almost deaf
ening.
Mr.. Clay continued: Gentlemen, seek but to do
my duty to my country. return to the Senate
with no personal object, no personal aim in view,
no ambition but TO act as may best conduce to the
safety of our Union. seek no higher elevation
than now have. i am satisfied, and sincerely
grateful for the continued honors with which nv
beloved countrymen have overwhelmed me, and 1
shall do my best to forward their interests in re-
turn. leave you tomorrow for the seat of Gov
ernment; and, as have had little sleep the last
two nights, propose TO retire carly, and mean to
get some tonight, if you will let me. "a voice
But we wont, though!) Again, therefore, gentle
men, thank you most sincerely for this enthusi-
astc exhibition Of your feelings in my behalf |
bid you farewell-God bless you ALL