The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-01-31
HENRY CLAY.

Henry Clay has said ofhimself, that no man had
stronger friends or warmer enemies. That nc
man has stronger or more friends than he, We be-
lieve-bnt the day has passed, WIN it can
be considered virtue In any man todecare him
self an enemy to the old statesman. Henry Clay
has again taken his seat in the National Council.
On his way to the Capitol, he was greeted by
members Of both parties with that enthusiasm
which Herry Clay alone could have drawn forth.
No great patriot returning from victorious fields
to the homes and hearts of his countryrnen, could
have been welcomed with more enthusiastic,
with deeper, truer feelings Of love and devotion,
than this man, the defeated leader of party, yet
still the first in the hearts of the people. This
reception exhibited, that though other statesmen
may be admired, he alone possesses iheiore of the
people. The paths OF Calhoun, Benton, and
others of those recognized by the Union as lead
ing statesmen, were unmarked ON their way TO
Washington, By any such demonstrations of az
fec'ion. Calhoun's course has breathed disnnion,
and warmed the feelings OF one portion Of the
Union against the other-Benton's course has
breaihed disnnion in his party, and in his
own State divided his party into bitter factions
Clay has always been for the Union, and the whole
Union, for his party and his party undoubtedly
aye, he has been trner TO his party, than they to
him. Whenever that party wanders from him,
they 20 thus far from Wing principles. He
should now be sitting in the Presidential chair-
bnt as the honor would have made him no greater.
neither has defeat made him less. Whoever is
President. Henry Clay while he lives will be the
leader Of the Whig party. And may be long live
to shed light upon the councils OF the naton-,o
continue the heart OF his party-and the strong
advocate of Union. He is man of great heart
and soul, and we love him. We have seen the
overfowings of that heart, and not TO love him
after this, is to be unable to appreciate man in his
true greatness. 1t was thus:
When hut boy, the city in which we lived
was visited by the great statesman, and he was
received and welcomed by an on'pouiing of the
people. An intimate friend of Mr.. Clay's, was
pleased to lead us TO his room. and presented us
to the great man. There Were no others present,
and while Mr.. Clay was speaking TO MS in kind
inquiries, large car containing about fifty little
girls dressed in white, drove up before the Hotel
and stopped opposite the open window OF Mr..
Clay's room. Their pretty faces were turned up-
wards towards his window-they could not see
him-and after waving kisses, ,thei, voices mingled
in beautiful song in praise of Henry Clay
They sang as if their little hearts were moulding
the notes and words. Henry Clay stood back in
the darkness of the room. There We're none 10
notice him but an aged bosom friend and boy.
His bosom heaved with emotion his eyeids quiv-
cred, and the large tears rolled down his thin
cheeks. Henry Clay was crying! As the voices
died away, and were followed by the thundered
huzzas OF vast multitude, the old man wentto the
window, and placed his hand upon his heart. II
was too full for utterance. He could speak
this was the man against whom were then being
hurled BY his opposition, the vilest anathemas that
ever blackened the tongues Of civilized beings
the grossest charges-the most bitter personal
abuse! But he has outlived it ail.-Eransiiie iie
Jour.