The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-03-25
KOSSUTH AND MIR. CLAY.

Kossuth, it is said, in a speech lately deliv-
cred in Louisville, took issue with Mr. Clay, on
the doctrines propounded by the former, dur
ing the interview between them in this city
1t is further stated, that he complained that
what passed at an interview, designed to be
entirely private, should be published to the
world Many of our contemporaries of the
press are indignant at this conduct on the part
of the Hungarian What! presume to question
the opinion of Henry Clay That is bad enough
in a native but in a foreigner it is absolutely
intolerable
1t was certainly the desire and expectation
of KOssuth, that the interview with Mr.. Clay
should be strictly private. He entertained
high respect for our distinguished countryman,
and the object of his visit was to manifest his
regard for him. Mr.. Clay saw proper to make
somewhat dramatic display, delivering a set
speech in opposition to the views ofinternational
rights and duties, held by Kossuth. The Hunga-
rian, with delicacy and forbearance that did
him honor, refrained from controversy with
man Frustrated by disease, and trembling on the
brink of the grave He replied, in general
terms expressing profound regard for Mr..
Clay, and warm sympathy with his condition.
Certainly, such an interview ought to have
been regarded as confidential Kossuth had a
right to insist that it should be but Mr.. Clay
wiled otherwise, and soon, the Public was ia
vored with full report of the transaction,
authorized by Mr.. Clay, without the consent
of Kossuth) in which he was depicted as the
chief actor, occupying the position of supe-
rior, delivering the judgment Of the American
People to the uninitated Hungarian, who was
represented as listening with humble and ac-
| quiescent attention This was all character
istic of Mr. Clay, but anythingSbut agree
able to man who whatever we may think,
has occupied larger space in the worlds eye
than his lecturer
That Kossuth should object to such pre-
sentation of himself is quite natural and, as
to Mr., Cays opinions, he has as good right
as any of us, to dissent from them. Mr.. Clay's
idolaters may worship him as much as they
please. but there are some of ms who have nc
faith in his divinity, and deny his claim t.
speak in behalf of the whole American People
Let him speak for himself and those who live
in the breath of his nostrils! No man is au
thorized to set himself up as The exponent o.
American Sentiment.
Freedom of speech and of the press in thu
country is recognised by the Constitution as
fundamental right, not to be restrained or ques
toned 1t is not only secured to Americans
but asserted, as one Of the rights of man. The
foreigner coming among US, may think, speak
and act for himself as freely as the native. Ia
is not impairment because he uses this right
although he may use the right impertnently
just as native may do foreigner, utterinl
his earnest convictions without dogmatism
and with Difference to the convictions Of Others
is Just as much entitled to our respect as al
American who does the same and an Ameri
can who announces crudities, with an air o
selfconceit is just as mpertinent and disgust
!, ing as a foreigner who oifends in like manner