The Yazoo Democrat., 1852-08-04
PREAMBLE AND REsOLuTIONs.

WHEREAS, it has pleased Almighty God, in
his Infinite wisdom, to remove from the scene of
his usefulness on earth to his final repose, the
illustrious Statesman, Patriot and Sage, HEN
RY CLAY, we his countrymen, in common with
our whole nation, deeply feel this affective
stroke, and pause in the midst of our avocations
to drop tear over an event of SO serious and
solemn a anture
We have assembled to-day in this venerated
place, to pay the last services of respect to his
memory.--to lay one laurel on his grave al
ready garlanded by a thousand tributes. We
have opened these consecrated portals to re-
ceive the long procession which has come to
perform the last sad duties to his name. We
have clothed this sacred temple in the mourn
ful habiliments of sorrow and of sadness. aThe
spirit of the departed is in high communion
with the spirit of the place." May we profit
5y the lesson which is borne to us on every
breeze, whilst we discharge these solumn rites
We with sincere gratitude acknowledge eve
ry memorial of his life; and recall with proud
satisfaction, those great occasions "when every
throb of his heart was given to his country, and
every effort of his intellect dedicated to her
service" These memorials of his life will
survive with freshness that time cannot les
sen, and shine On with brightness that count
less ages cannot destroy. The glory of his
great actions-the energy of his sagacious
mind-the example of his noble career, will
shed brilliant lustre upon our national charac-
ter-transmit rich legacy of wisdom and ex-
perience for future guidance and instruction,
and animate our generous youth with honorable
aspirations, to overcome the barriers of adverse
fortune, and write glorious name in the an
nails of the their country.
But the saddened feeling that pervades all
hearts-the deep senslbility which swells the
bosoms of our people-the wall of lamentation
which revel berates through the valleys and
mountains of our land, proclaim in language
more eloquent than words can convey, the
greatness of the public loss-the worth and
virtues of our iIlustrious countryman.
In committing him to earth, we do not lament
without consolation the death of such a man.
We are grateful to the Almighty Dispenser of
human affairs, that such man has lived, and
died SO full of years and full of honors. We
rejoice that he was not taken away in the spring
time of life, when the bloom Of youth yet flush
ed his cheek and the labors of his life were un-
rewarded-that he died not as the patriot often
dies, seeing only in the distant future the free
dom of his country. But with cheerful SER
entity of mind-in the full possession of his
faculties-in the service of his country he wore
out the last days of his life thereby adding
'the Crown of the Martyr to the spotless fame
of the Patriot
"The silver cord is now loosened and the
golden bowl is broke.'' The silent grave en-
closes all that was mortal of the unrivalled ora
tor and unsulhed patriot. The brightest star
in the galaxy of American Statesmen has taken
its flight to join kindred spirits of better world;
and although unlike Elijah of old his mantle
may not have fallen upon some young Elisha,
yet the slncerest patriotism-the purest integ-
rlty-the noblest eloquence, that ever inspired
the brest of man-breathing to US from every
page of our countrys history, will continue to
and cheer the spirit of free people,
no storied urn shall perpetuate his
nor animated bust bear witness to his
deeds, yet will his remembrance be as lasting
as the land he has honored, and his fame en-
dure when columns shall moulder.
Amidst the smiling plains of his own Ken
tucky-in the great West-his sepulchre has
been chosen-a hallowed spot! "Let his mighty
spirit rest. t."-"It has earned repose."
To manifest more practically, and to the ut
most of our power, our love, honor and vene-
ration for the great departed-be it
ReSolred, That we have learned with profound
sensibility, the death of the Hon. Henry Clay of
Kentucky, one of the most distinguished of the
great men, whose names grace the annals OF our
History, and whose memories are embalmed IN
the hearts of our countrymen.
Resolued, That as in life, we honoIed the pu
rity and manliness of the character of the great
deceased and awarded him true patriotism and
an honest devotion to his country's welliare.-
Now that death has closed his high career on
earth, now that his eloquent voice is hpshed,
and his heart is stilled, we desire to pour his
tomb, honors worthy of his fame and with graf
itude, acknowledge his eminent virtues and
brilliant services.
Resozped, That we deeply and sincerely con-
dole with the family and friends of the illustri
Gus dead, and offer to the lonely and crushed
heart of his venerated relict our heartfelt sym
pa thies upon this affective event. May the pro-
tecting arm of the widows God be her shield,
and His consolation her support.
Resolued That the address of the Orator, the
remarks of the Chaplain, and the proceedings of
this meeting be transmitted by the Secretary to
the family of the departed statesman, and that
our city papers. and Lexington (Ky.) Observer
be requested to publish the same.