The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-04-12

Wait and see.
The CLAY CELEBRATION To-NIaHT-PREsRvr
AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THE KENTUCKY STATES
MAN.--The friends and admirers of the Hon.
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, wi celebrate the ami
versary Of the birth of that distinguished Statesman
this evening, at Niblo's saloon, as usually
supper, speeches and toasts. Mr.. Clay has reached
his sevenythiId year, but his intellect is as clear,
as soaring, and as brilliant as it ever was.
In consequence of events that haveSecently taken
place in Washington, especially in the Senate
chamber, the celebration this evening will, no
doubt, be more imposing than ever, and will not,
perhaps, be so exclusively par,izan as it has been
on previous occasions BY the patriotic policy
which Mr.. Clay has assumed in his seat in the
with the new Territories, he has gained many warm
friends and admirers, in addition TO those who
have adhered TO him so long, and among every
party When the agitation Of that topic had by
means Of fanatics and demagogues, reached crisis
which threatened the existence and pcrpetuity Of
this grand ard powerful confederacy of republics,
Mr.. Clay was the first 10 throw to the winds all
minor considerations, and TO come forward with a
plan of compromise, which he hoped would be sa-
tsfactoy 10 both sections of the country and avert
constitution. Such an example of magnanmity and
patriotism was duly appreciated by his political
foes, well by his friends. Since the introduce
ton Of that compromise, Mr.. Clay has modified his
views 10 a certain extent, and now unites with Mr.
Cass, and peichance Mr.. Webster and many
others, in iavoring the settlement of the whole
slavery question at once, and by the same bill, in
oppoeiton 10 the plan of Mr.. Benton and the Free
soilers. which has been proposed, of admitting
California frst. and legslating on the Territories
years afterwards
This rs the Southern ground; and consequently,
by assuming h, Mr. Clay hoe rendered hi~.een sssy
popular in that Section and If the plan succeed, he
may yet fill the place in the affections and esteem
Of the Southern States, which was recently vacated
by the lamented death Of Mr.. Calhoun, Of South
Carolina.
Mr.. Clay and Mr. Calhoun commenced their ca
reer statesmen and Legislators at nearly the
time, and for long period they were identified
with the came party. Both were natives Of the
South, both have always held prominent position
in the councils Of the nation, and both have inn
pressed their genius on the history Of the country
Mr. Calhoun is numbered with the dead. and the
South are, consequently, without leader. The
great intellect, the pure pirct who possessed their
confidence for more than quarter Of a century,
and whoee eloquent voice 20 often rang on the ears
Of the nation, in defence Of Southern rights and in
icrcsts, is no more; and that section Of the confe
deracy does not contain another Calhoun. Their
ranks divided and cut up into fragments and to
roll back the tide Of Northern aggression and f,na-
ticisni, and 10 maintain and enjoy the immunities
and privileges guaranteed TO them by the constitu-
tion, they must have n leader in whom they can
have confidence, and who possesses great intellect
and commanding influence.
We vcrily believe that matters taking such
course us points directly 10 Mr. Clay as the success
for Of Calhoun. in the cetccm and affection Of the
South. Mr.. Webster il identified too much with
the Eastein States, and cannot do il. Besides, he
has the cdor Of federalism around him TO great
degree; tu, Mr.. Clay, who IL Southern man, and
occupies Southern ground in relation to the great
and vital question which is now the topic Of agta-
iion and discussion in beth houses Of Congress- aud
Throughout the country, can be the man, and thus
fulfil hs early destiny.
Ii. therefore. the movement in which Mr.
Clay is taking a leading and prominent plrt,
bc successful in setting M rest the slavery ques-
ton IN manner that will lie Unsatisfactory
TO the South. he will likely become their
chosen leader. councillor, and friend But, more
than this, with such addition TO his strength
and popularity as the South would thus give him.
Mr.. Clay would, in the South. be virtually without
a competitor for the presidency in 1852. Il is the
vcrna season. and the seeds Of the future are about
to be put into the ground.
AppIrroSs TO TIE DRAMATIC FrSp.-Thc report
of the anniversary dinner Of the Dramatic Fund
shows that the ladies' were much