The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-23
From the Nsto York Commercial advertiser.
Henry CIAy's Speech.


Henry CI&y's Speech.
We give to-day the speech of the Kentucky SEN
stor before the Legislature Of his State 1t is less
remarkable for brilliant thought and forensic elo
quence than for its patriotic sentiments. We think
il than probable that, in the former respect,
the report does not do justice to the speaker. owing
TO the mode oftransmisson and the haste which that
circumstance made necessary MIR. Clay, however,
has furnished ample vindicaton OF his in the
Senate, with reference to the great compromise
and pacifcatory measures, in the introduction and
prosecution Of which he took 30 active a part The
fidelity with which he has shown TO the South the
folly of disunion If they desire protection to their
peculiar institution" cannot fail to have sau-
tary effect. With the argument and illustration
employed readers of this journal familiar.
There cannot be doubt in any rejecting mind,
we think, that the separation Of the Southern from
the Northern States, and the establishment of dis
tinct confederacy, would eventuate in the compul-
sorry abolition Of slavery.
In the peroration of this speech Harry Clay of the
olden time stands before The stirring banner
cry Of country before party" makes ones heart
leap, as 1t comes pealing upon US from the Wing
chieftain's eloquent lips, and one almost involun
tarily responds. in the old campaigning shout,
"hurrah for Harry Clay" There il something
wonderfully snergising-to coin a word-in Henry
Gays utterance of patriotic sentiments. Mr.. Web
ster, standing on the same ground-the indissou-
bilty Of this Union-defnes and declares, with such
clearness, power, and authority, that every rebel
lious thought is crushed, every doubt or fear
moved, under the influence and shelter of his tow
cring and massive intellect and resolute and unwa-
vering purpose. When Webster speaks, men think;
their faith is settled their patriotism confirmed. He
convinces our judgments and establishes hearts
in the love of our country, and his terse senten-
tious teachings sink deep into the judgment. His
thoughts work strong conviction. His didactic ut
ternnces are, to speak, much concentrated
food, much nutriment in little space, which we
carry with US at all times, and which becomes the
staff of life to patriotism in all future life jour
neyings. Mr.. Webster speaks on this or
any other great topic but he confirms and strength
men in the right, and makes them masters
their feelings and prejudices.
Somewhat different is the effect of Mr.. Clay's ar
dent appeals. His eloquence arouses With
much of what we may term galvanic power, it
makes man start from his lethargy, but it stops
not there. 1t infuses at the same time genial
warmth and vitality, and kindles fire in mans
soul that many waters cannot quench. When Clay
speaks, men do not 80 much resolve act-the eye
brightcns, the cheek flushes, the pulse quickens,
the feelings aroused, yet withal the speakers
once; and impregnating these emotions with his own
convictions and principles, he stamps them with
permanence scarcely less enduring than that
sulting from the moro ddactic and deliberate ut
terances of his gigantic compeer. Every one feels
Mr.. Webstcr's strength, and under the influence
Of his eloquence, ia more less assimilated to it,
Every one feels MIR. Cay's ,carmM, and welcoming
the lambert flames Of the orators pure fire into
his own heart, becomes vitalized into an ardent
enduring patriot. Put the two giants upon the
stump together q tour through the Union, if the
Confederacy was really in danger, and at the end
of the tour wo be to the man who dared to breathe
a,disorganzing sentiment.
Most cordially will every true Wing respond to
MIR. Gays noble sentment-that il ever there
comes time when the people of this country are
divided into Unionists and Disunioniss he will for
get every other issue, and join heart and soul with
the Unionists. In such a case, every good Wing
would utterly abandon himself to the absorbing sen
tment: 'Union and Liberty, now and forever, one
and inseparable;" and that alone would be his po-
ldcal creed The necessity for such line Of de-
marcation between parties hope to see, but,
should il come in our day, we shall claim to fight
under the Union banner, as we do now. And fur
Their, while by no means conceding the probability
Of any attempt at such conversion, we express our
firm belief that the overwhelming majority Of
Wings, in even the Eastern and Northern States,
would Indignantly refuse to be transferred to an
abolition" platform. that term is now general
ly understood. Men who have minds Of their own
will think and speak. As men, they have right
TO express their views openly and fearlessly upon
every subject. AZ citizens they have right TO
discuss, temporarily and kindly, every question
which they believe concerns the well being of their
common country. This right freemen will e1er-
cse BY its exercise alone can they worthily main
tain and exemplify their freedom. No good citi-
will sacrifice this RICH on the altar of party
organization, or forego it at any party's behest.
II il, in the twofold of the word fnnlsnnbl<
Beyond this the Wing party not likely to 40
tho slavery question. IL is national party,
sentially. That character we expect it will always
sustain; and the Wing leaders and the Wing press,
this journal included, will not permit themselves to
lie drawn aside into the unconstitutional wilds OF
abolitonism, or any dcnational disorganizng
project.