The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-30
From The Rochester Nv. ~ Democrat.
MIR. Clay's Speech,

The whole of that portion of Mr.. Clay's recent
speech, in which he condemned the recommen-
dations Of the President, will be found in this
paper.
In conceding its mastery ability and brilliancy
an oratorcal effort, we are far from admitting
that is equally distinguished for the truthfulness
and fairness with which it deals with the Admins
tration, or the wisdom and good temper in which
it was conceived and delivered In these respects
it Is not what we should have expected from Henry
Clay II will be borne in mind that il was Mr.
Clay's bill, not the Presidents plan, which
der consideration, and that this speech in reply
to one just concluded by Mr.. Soule, Of Louisiana,
southern Locofoco, who had opposed in a very
able speech the bill reported by Mr.. Clay from the
select committee.
The picture drawn by Mr. Clay, of give wounds,
bleeding and threatening destruction to the coun-
try" is extravaganza and wholly unsustained by
tacts California Is represented as the first; the
Territories the second the Texas boundary the
third; the fugitive slave bill the fourth, and the
slave trade in the District of Columbia the fifth.
Mr.. Clay admits that the remedy proposed by the
President will heal the first; bnt he objects to hav
ing that healed unless his remedy is applied to all
the others at the same time. The patient in this
case desires the application of the only remedy
which the President and Mr.. Clay admit will re-
move the disease. II is conceded that there NAV
be danger in delay, but Mr. Clay thinks it unskif-
full surgery to close the wounds by one because,
being OF different nature, he apprehends some of
his associates may differ with him to what is best
in the other cases.
How is it with the slave-trade in the District OF
Columbia and fugitive slaves? These have been
/" bleeding just as copiously for half century as
they are now, and yet the patient is apparently
stronger and more vigorous than ever. Surely
such cases may be delayed until those which
threaten death itself' are relieved.
Mr.. Clay will hardly contend that the boundary
difficulty is which cannot be treated separately
with quite as much safety and propricty as to at
tempt to spread plaster large enough to cover all
the g wounds" that may be discovered between
the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Texas wants all
the money she can get, and nobody objects to pay.
ing her literally for yielding slice Of territory to
which Mr.. Clay says she has title. But many
do object to giving an extravagant sum for the pur
pose of securing the admission of California. They
ask no such influence in behalf of California, be.
lieving she can vindicate and secure her rights
without such extraneous aid.
Mr. Clay, in the excitement of the moment has
drawn picture of fancy rather than of fact The
gaping wounds smaller in number and far
less aggravated than he has represented. The
worst one and the first he mentions can be
closed at any moment he may consent.
But whatever may be the issue of this struggle
with whatever of unkindness the Administration
may be treated for the policy it has recommended,
or from whatever quarter il may come, the fact ID
undeniable that its patriotic chief possesses the con
fidence of the people, and that the Wing party il
firmly resolved to stand by him.