American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-10-20
Communicated
A PaIuabIe HIT.

The recent great letter of Henry Clay, to
committee of New York gentlemen, ON the bear
ing, scope, end and aim of the Compromis,
measures, and the agitation of the nullifiers o.
the South and of the abolitionists of the North
upon the subject of those measures, is winning
golden opinions in oil quarters. 1t is, perhaps
the greatest State paper-the most calm, clear
comprehensive elucidation of the genuine re.
publican principles of the Constitution of our
country-that ever emanated from that great
and venerable statesman's gifted pen.
The time will come-it cannot be far Off
when Henry Clay will cease to utter his warn
ing voice to his countrymen; when the great
and noble Pacfcator, who has many times
proved the Saviour of his country, will go down
to the tomb. Tears will then be shed in heart
felt earnestncss The whole nation will mourn
and deeply regret that Henry Clay had never
been exalted to it's Chief Magistracy. mgrates
who have been exalted to power and conse-
quence by the courage, mighty efforts, and in
domitable perseverance of Henry Clay, in build
ing up and sustaining the Wing party, and
causing it to be victorious, will then have an
opportunity to feel ashamed of themselves, to
cover themselves with sackcloth and ashes, and
cry tears of real penitence and shame for hav-
ing betrayed, cheated, wronged, and cast over
board, and then tried to forget the great states
man and patriot, to whom and to whose mighty
efforts they were indebted for all Of the ephem-
eral greatness which they had attained.
But the object for which these reflections
were commenced was, to copy from the Phila-
delphia North american, a leading Wing jour
nal much petted and patronised by the present
Administration, palpable hit at some persons
either in or out of power--the reader, perhaps,
can best tell which.
The North american publishes Mr. Clay's
great letter, and, in glowing terms of eulogy
of its merits calls public attention to the clear
and noble truths it portrays in such plain and
comprehensive terms that he who runs may
read and understand its every sentence In
conclusion the editor says:
IF any peculiar personal merit attaches to
one person more than another for the results
of that compromise in restoring harmony to
the country and in slencing the rude voice of
agitation, the man who deserves it most, who
first braved the storm and most CALAMITY un-
furled the banner OF the Union, calling upon
all parties to come to the rescue, was Henry
CLAY. He it was who flung himself into the
breach; who incurred all the responsibility
and who counted no consequences when he
considered his country in danger.
"And when we see demonstrations qot up pro-
Tossing to gtorJfy those compromise measures and
10 reneW allegiance upon the altar Of The Union
though really designed for the glorifcation and
fame Of particular individuals-withou one ref
ereace Of respect TO this old and faithful patriot,
ace turn scM Indignation from tie spectacle, as a
heartless exhibition Of sclfshness, as unjust as
IS unworthy and discreditable. We shall not stop
to inquire the cause of these repeated omissions 10
render the proper tribute TO The author of The
Compromise, or 10 scan the motives chich hare
induced others 10 appropriate the honors ,ohich he
had so molly won. But ace can assure those who
have thus attempted TO elevate themselves al the
expense Of Henry Clay, that the country has not
been an indifferent spectator; and though The
march Of justice may be slom, IL is still sure and
: Steady."