The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-07-08
WEDNESDAY, June 80, 1861.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
DEATH OF HENRY CLAY.
CONCLUDED.

DEATH OF HENRY CLAW.
CONCLUDED.
Mr.. VENABLE of North Carolina, said: Mr.
Speaker, trust that shall be pardoned for nd
ding few words upon this sad occasion. The
lie OF the illustri0us statesman which has just
terminated Is so interviewer with our history
and the lustrs of his great name so profusey
shed over its pages that simple admiration oil
his high qualities might we'll be my excuse
But it is sacred privilege to draw near--to
contemplate the end Of the great and the good
1t is profitable as well as purifying to look upon
and realize the Office Of death in removing
all that can excite jealousy or produce distrust
and to gaze upon the virtues which, like Jewels
have survived his powers of destruction. The
light which radiates from the life of grea. and
patriotic statesman is often dimmed by the msts
which party conflicts throw around it, But the
blast which strks him down purities the atmos-
phere which surrounded him in life, and it
shines forth in bright examples and we'll earned
renown. 1t is then that we witness the sincere
acknowledgment of gratitude by people who,
having enjoyed the benefits arising from the
service of an eminent statesman, embalm his
name in their memory and hearts. We should
cherish such recollections as we'll from patriot
ism as selfrespect. Ours. sir, is now the duty,
in the midst of sadness, in this high place, in tie
face Of our republic, and before the world, to
pay this tribute by acknowledging the merits of
our colleague whose name has ornamented the
journals of Congress for nearly half n century
Few, very few have ever combined the high
intellectual powers and distinguished gifts of
this ilustrious senator. Cast in the finest
mould of nature, he more than fulfilled the an
ticipations which were INDUCED by those who
looked to a distinguished career as the certain
result of that jealous pursuit of fame and USE
fulness upon which he entered in early life or
the incidents of that life it is unnecessary for me
to speak they are as familiar as household
words, and must be equally familiar to those
who come after US. But it is useful to refresh
the memory by recurrence to some Vt the events
which marked his career. We know, sir, that
there is much that il in common in the histories
of distinguished men. The elements which
constitute greatness are the same in all times
hence those who have been the admiration Of
their generations present in their lives much
which, although really great, ceases to be re-
markable, because illustrated by such numerous
examples
"But there are deeds which should not pass away,
And names that must not wither."
OF such deeds the life of Henry Clay affords
many and bright examples His own name and
those with whom he associated shall live with
freshness which time cannot impair, and shine
with brightness which passing years cannot
dim. His advent into public life was as remark
able for the circumstances as it was brilliant in
its effect. 1t was at time in which genius and
learning, craftsmanship and eloquence, made the
American Congress tho most august body in
the world. He was the contemporary of a race
of statesmen, some of them then administering
the government, and others retiring and retired
from Office, presented an array Of ability un-
surpassed in our history. The elder Adams
Jefferson, Madison, Clinton, and Monroe, stood
before the republic in the maturity of their
fame; whilst Calhoun. John Quincy Adams
Lowndes, Crawford, CASTOR, Cheves, with a
host of others, rose bright galaxy upon our
horizon. He who won his spurs in such field
earned his knighthood. Distinction amidst such
competition was true renown-
"The fame which man wins for himself is
best-
That he may call his own"
1t was such fame that he made for himself
in that most eventful era in our history. To me,
sir, the recollection Of that day and the events
which distinguish it, is filled with an overpow-
ering interest. ! never can forget my enthusi-
as,ic admiration of the boldness, the eoquence,
and the patriotism of Henry Clay during the
war of 1912 In the bright array of talent which
adorned the Congress of the United States-in
the conflict growing out of the political events
of that time--in the struggles of party, and
amidst the gloom and disasters which depressed
the spirits of most men. and well nigh paralyzed
the energies Of the administration, his cheerful
face, high bearing. commanding eloquence and
iron will gave strength and consistency to those
elements which finally gave not only success.
but glory to the country. When dark clouds
lowered over ns, and there was little to saw,
from despair, the country looked with hope t,
Clay and Calhoun, to Lowndss, and Crawford
and Cheves and looked not in vain. The un
bending viii, the unshaken nerve and the burn
ing eoquence of Henry Clay did as much tc
command confidence and sustain hope as ever
the news Of our first victory after succession
Of defeats Those great names are now canon
lied in history he, too, has pissed to join them
on its pnges. Associated in his long political
life with the illustrious Calhoun, he survived
him but two years. Many of us heard his elo
quent tribute to his memory in the Senate cham
Der on the annunciation of his death. And we
this day unite in similar manifestation of rev.
erental regard to him whose voice shall never
mere charm the ear, whose burning thoughts
borne ON that medium, shall no more move the
hearts of listening assemblies
In the midst Of the highest specimens of our
race, he was always nm equal; he ,oas man
amongst men. Bold, skiful and determined,
he gave character to the party which acknow-
lodged him as leader; impressed his opinions
upon their minds, and an attachment to himself
upon their hearts. No man, sir, can do this,
without being eminently great-Whoever at.
tains this position must first overcome the aspi-
raiions of antagonist ambition, quiet the clamors
Of rivalry, hold in check the murmurs Of jeal.
ousy and overcome the instincts Of vanity and
selflove in the masses thus subdued to his
control. But few men ever attain it. Very
rare are the examples of those whose plastic
touch forms the minds and directs the purposes
of great political party. This infallible indi-
cation of superiority belonged to Mr. Clay. He
has exercised that control during a long life;
and now through our broad land the tidings of
his death, borne with electric speed have opened
the fountains of sorrow. Every city, town, vii
lage and hamlet will be clothed with mourning;