The freeman. (Fremont [Ohio]) 1849-1850, 1850-02-23
Mr.. GAYS Speech.

all other matter, in condensed FORM Mr.. Clay's
speech in the Senate, upon his compromise resolu-
tions We are sorry that our columns will not
permit its publication at length, as the eloqu9nce
of the STYLE and the force of the argument is much
marred by the chsnge; but enough is yet left to
well repay the reader for giving it perusal We
have seldom seen speech so replete with elo-
quence, argument, and firm devotion to the Union,
as is exhibited in this last Of the great states
man; and whatever difference ofopinion ther may
be to the practcabiity of adopting his measures,
all will, we think, concede to him an honesty of
purpose, and sincere desire to allay the angry
and fearful excitement which is now exhibited by
the two conflicting portions of our Government on
the vexed question of slavery--an excitement
which. if not calmed by concessions and compro-
mizes-bids fair to rend in twain this glorious I'M
ion cemented together by the patriotism and blood
of our fathers upon an hundred battle-felds.
Mr.. Clay born within few months of the De-
claration of fIndependence-an early orphan-nur-
tured in the school of fadversity-educated in alog
cabin-the champion of his country's rights in
lsos-again presiding in Congress in the memoir
able 1s12-regulating with other leading spirits.
the terms which long-agitatcd world might
enjoy the blessings of peace in I814-eccupying
the highest post in the Union save that of Presi-
dent, in l926-disarmng Modification of its sting
in i852-3-he stands up, in 1850, when ep-
preaching the last seven years that lead to four
score, vigorous and clear-headed as ever and by
his unrivalled eloquence, powerful argument, and
patriotic devotion TO the land that gave him BIRTH
is again endeavorngt to save it f rom the dangers
which now threaten it from the unwise and unpa-
trotic counscls of the otheaded dsunionists both
of the North and the South.
As yet, Mr.. Claws plan of adjusting the Slavery
question meets with no fayor-at least not openly
-from either the North or the South. Some
eight or ten Southern Senators. principally Loco
focos have spoken in opposition to his resolutions
disappearing them in nearly every respect, espe.
ciaHy those portions which admit the constitution
al power of Congress to abolish slavery and the
slave-trade in the District Of Columbia, and the
power to introduce prohibit slavery IN our new
territories-and the very fact that Mr. Clays res
oluGons meet with so little favor from either por
ton of the Union povcs conelusively that he has
taken the most fair and correct position that the
circumstances of the case would pernit-and, we
think after full, fair, and impartial investigation
of the subject all will see that compromise is
necessary 10 settle the matter, and that Mr. Claws
resolutions point out THE mode.
But if the south adhere to their determination not
to settle the matter only in the mode they may see
fit in their wisdom 10 propose; if they are deter
mined not to recognize the undeniable truths laid
down in the resolutions of Mr. Clay, that Congress
has the power to abolish slavery in the District Of
Columbia; that the slaye-trade ought to be abol-
ished within th. District; that the power rests with
Congress TO either admit prohibit slavery within
the territories; we saw if Southern Legislators re-
fuse to recognize these solemn truths, then an end
should at once be put to all compromise; the North
should then rass tie Proviso. and if the South
shoull still adhere to its proeessed determna-
tion to secede from the Union; to rend in twain
this great and glorious fabric of Freedom; Why,
let it do it-end God protect the right
But We hope wiser councils will prevail than are
exhibited BY the CaIhouns, Foote's, Davises Cling
mans. Toombs, dc, and that majority of the
the South, as well as of the North, may truly APP
prccatc the nestmahle value of the Union Of the
these States. one and inseparable. now and forev-
ever: and that true spirit of concession may be
manifested on the part of all true friends of the
Union, and that Congress may, in its wisdom, adopt
concilatory measures that all portions Of the Gov
ernnent may again be harmonzed, and all act
for the general good. Then may this Government
stand for ages, warning to tyrants, and guiding
star to the oppressed of every nation, lending the
bopa tn oil DatriotS that their Governments NAV
yet be like ours