The republic., 1851-09-06
From the Franklin (7snn.) ReUietc-
xxsuwv cI.v phr uext Preeideuov.

Henry cIay-Ths next Prssidsacy.
The subject of the next Presidency Is being
very freely canvassed by both the great politi-
cal parties at the North, and by some of both
parties at the South. In the matter Of the
Wing candidate, the State Of Tennessee has
just spoken her sentiments, In tone not to be
mistaken MILLARD FILLMORE, the present
patriotic President Of the United States, has
been declared to be her choice for that high po-
sition in the election in 1852. From the position
which our State has taken. we do not believe she
will be easily moved. Experience has taught
politicians 10 know that when once Tennessfs
plants herself upon a position of her own selec-
ton, It requires more than ordinary exertions to
change that position. We have been led to
these remarks from reading an article in the
Lexington (ky.) Observer, in which the mighty
name OF Ashland's immortal sage is mentioned
again for the arduous position Of the Presi-
dency. From our earliest years we have been
an ardent, enthusiastic, and deveted admrer of
HENRY CLAY. We have fough and labored
for him, as we could never fight and labor for
any other mortal man. Our admiration for him
has subjected us to the denunciations Of promi-
nent men of oar olcn party, as well as TO the
sleepess opposition OF our political foes; but still
we admire--almost adore him. We verify be-
lieve that when HARRY CLAY dies, he ssill leave
no equal alive earth; and yet we would not like
10 see the old hero, all covered with scars, re-
ceved in a hundred well-fought political bat
ties, subjected again to front and rear fire,
which would certainly be directed at him were
he now to allow his friends the use of his name
in connexion with the high position for which
it has been mentioned. We love Henry Clay,
we love his fame, and his exalted and unselfsh
love of country, and we love to honor him, but
we do not hope SO much good for our country as
to see HIM placed at its head by reclamation,
and we never desire to see him there unless it
is by the spontaneous aciH Of the people. He
can derive no honor, even from position so
exalted, and we cannot again consent, as a
friend of his, to see him set up as target for
the fire OF pretended friends and open foes.
But here is the article from the Lexington
Observer. 1t will command attention:
"We observe many signs Of preparation at the
North for the next Presidential race. Both parties
are evidently maturing their plans, and watching
each other with the keenest circumspection. We
doubt, however, II any decisive movement 10 made
before Congress- shall have met. and members have
indicated the views Of their respective parties
Much as the interference of that body in the ques
ton of the Presidency is to be deprecated,
slider it almost impossible to keep it out Of the halls
of the Capitol.
'We look upon ii utterly unwise in either party
to stir the question of the Presidency at this early
time But as we have no right to make any sug-
gestions except in regard to the party with which
we are identified, we will say, simply, that its
continuance in power, in the executive branch Of
the Government, depends upon the judgment
with which the Wings act during the next six
months. 1t may be that the next session of Con-
gress will develop state Of things which will de-
monstrate the absolute necessity of calling to the
Presidency the nn In wi in Al all
seemed to turn, and invoke his interpositior to
save the ship. Should hstakc place, it will be done
by the united cooperation Of both partins and
thus put an end TO party landmarks as they have
existed for twenty five years. Whether the health
and strength of the illustrious patriot will allow
this glorious termination Of his public career is Of
course in the womb Of time. That vast majority
of the American people do earnestly desire This
contamination, there is to minds not shadow
OF doubt But too well know the power of party
discipline to put full faith in the accomplishment
of this end. Yet, whilst Henry Clay lives, his
friends will not yield the hope, nor cease their
efforts to put him where he may do far more for
the country than the Presidency could confer re-
nown upon him.
"We hope no one will indulge the supposition for
a moment that Mr.. Clay knows any thing of what
we choose to write. He will, we doubt not, make
known his views and intentions, if it be necessary
at the appropriate time and in proper manner.
All that we desire now is to give it as our convic-
ton that the elements now at work in the struggle
ior the Presidency the name of the patriot of Ash
land Is an unforgotten one.
we mean not IN the sghtest degree to detract
from the claims (honorable claims they arc) of the
other Whig aspirants for the Presidency We
have men of whom any party might well be proud,
and under whose banner we should be certain of a
triumphant victory. But not one of them, we be-
ieve, would look upon it any derogaton to give
up at once all pretensons to the Presidency ,if it
were the indicated wish of the country to call Mr.
Clay to that position.
"He will, however, we presume, take his seat in
the Senate, and in due time be heard by HIMSELF,