New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-03-17
Mr.. Clay,s Letter.


The hrst ACT OF Mr.. Gays political life was Q
struggle for gradual emancipation in Kentucky
II nav be that bis lllustrious career will close Ia
the advocacy Of the same cause.
In 1871. when our State was preparing for the
| formation OF her present Constitution, though he
had hardly attained his majority, yet regarding
Slavery a. q great misfortune, be exerted al the
energies Of bis powerful intellect TO secure it,
srsdaal removal from her soil The etort vas Dot
successhl-and Mr.. Clay bowed with submission
to the viii Of the people. His risIng fame Wa
somewhat cloaded by the resalt o. the conrict
ou; he did nOt regret his efforts recant his
! opinions. The principles which he then ~ earn
estiy advocated he has steadtastly adhered TO
through HE On every proper occasion he has
spoken OF the unaoyed sstisfac non nth which hs
contemplated his course on that subject, and ex
pressed his proioand regret that the policy vas
not adopted by the State In speech before tho
American Colonization Society delivered in ls21
be used the following language.
II could be instrumental Ia eraaicarns the deep
est stain Slavery from the character Of sosnry
and remove a. cause Of rsproach account Of u By
foreign nsiions n could only be instrumental 10 rd
ding Of this foul blot that revered STATE that gave
birth. that not less beloved STATE which kindly
adopted me her SOC would not exchange Ne
proud satisfaction which should enjoy for the honor
Of all the tunpss ever deerssd 10 the moot 'ases''si
conqueror
We are reprosched with doing mischief By the sSi.
tsiipg Of this question Collateral consequences vs
responsible for IL 10 not this society which has
produced the great moral revolution which the sSe 1
hi6s What would they Who thus repreach Ne have
done' II they would repress AL tendencies toward lib
srsy and ultimate emancipation they must do more tina
put down the benevolent efforts OF this Society They
must back to the era Of our liberty and independ
snce. and muzrle the cannon which thupders lis an
annual They must revive the slave trade with al
its train OF atrocities They mest blow cut the moral
lights around and extnsuish thai greatest torch OF
all which Amercs presents to bcnightsd world,
pointing the way their rights. their ibertss Aod
their happiness. Aud when they have achieved oil
ihese purposes, their work will yet be incompsss
They penetrate the human sou aud eradicate the
shi Of reason and the love VI liberty Then and not
I'll then when universal darkness and despair prevail
you perpetusts slavery, and repre" ell sympsshses
and all humane and benevolent efforts among freenisn
IN behalf OF the unhappy portion Of our race doomed "
bondage"
He has over aud over again reiterated the same
and similar sentiments. They have been ex
pressed at different periods throughout his whole
life During all tins time the people of Kentucky
have loved him the nobest OF the State
He has been nearest in their confidence aud
proudest IN their admiration. They have honored
him as they can honor no other man. And now.
when near the close of his existence, at time
when il IS proper for him 70 speak, when he can
have no motive nothing but the good of bis coun-
try at heart, he gives full utterance 10 the same
opinions Whether they will be adopted BY
ma ioritv OF the people OF the State 10 matter OF
some doubt. But none who have supported HIM
so zeslously throughout his whole career with q
flu knoWlcdge OF opinlohs' WIN suhct so
slightest thought of condemnation 10 arise IN their
minds against him for publicly expressing aud
maintaining them now.
The letter is in the best style Of Mr. Clsys com.
position Its disregard of the prejadces which
animate many IN relation TO the subject OF which
il treats, displays moral courage which 10 pc
culiar 10 its distinguished author. lite calm, well
considered and temperate character will do much
to quiet the excitement which would be likely to
arise frsm the discussion OF the question IL eau
not but exercise a salutary influence in sllaying
the harshness of those who regard with no toIer-
ance and condemn a. fanatcsl and dangerous oil
efforts in favor OF gradual emancipation IN Ken
lucky. Mr. Clays opinions on the subject OF sla-
very and Emancipation are like those OF Madison,
Franklin. Jefferson, Marshall and Washington
The schemes OF such men cannot be regarded 40
wild and visionary. Circumstances may lead to
their rejection by the people for a time. But when
the passions of the moment have subsidized aud
calm and deliberate reflection ensue, they will Do
considered aud adopted m promotive OF the true
policy and highest glory OF the country.