The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1852-07-08
TRIBUTE 70 HEsRY CIAr.-T'ho distin-

Tuesday Evening, July O, 1852
TRIBUTE TO HksRY CLAr.--The distin-
guished statesman and noble patriot, for
whom Nation now mourns, had the good
fortune to outlive the calumnies of his enc
mics. al do not rise upon this mournful
occasion" said Gen. Cass during the pro-
ceedngs in the Senate following the death
of Mr.. Clay, to indulge in the language OF
panegyric, Ny regard for tho memory of
the dead, and for the obligations Of the liv-
ing would equally rebuke such course.
The severity of truth is at once our proper
duty, and our best consolation. Born du-
ring the revolutionary struggle, our deceased
associate was one of the few remaining pub
lie men who connact the present generation
with the actors in the trying scenes of that
.cventGul period, ard whose names and deeds
will soon be known only in tao history oc
their country.
" He was another illustration, and noble
one, too, Of the glorious equslity Of our in
stitutions, which freely offer all their rewards
to all who Justly seek them, for he wns the
architect Of his own fortune, having made
his way in life by self-exertion and he was
an early adveniurer in the great forest OF
the west, then world Of primitive vegeta-
ton, but now the abode of intelligence and
religion, Of prosperity and civilization.
T" But he possessed that intellectual supe.
riority which overcomcs surrounding obsta.
cles, and which local seclusion cannot long
withhold from general knowlege aud appre-
citation. tits almost half century since he
passed through Chillicothc, then the seat Of
government Of Ohio, where was mem.
Der Of the Legislature, on his way to take
his place in this very body, which is now
listening to this reminiscence, and to fee
BILE tribute Of regard from one who then saw
him for the first tmc, but who can never
forget the impression he produced by the
charms Of his conversation, the frankness o.
his manner, and the high qualities with
which he WINS endowed
"Snce then he has belonged to his coun-
try, and has taken part, and prominent
part, both in peace and war, in ali the great
questions affecting her interests and her
honor and though it has been often my
fortune 10 diler from him, yet believe he
was as pure patriot as ever participated r
the councils Of a nation--anxious for thC
public good, and seeking to attain 1t, during
all the vicisitudes Of long and active life
Thathe exercised powerful influence with
in the sphere Of his action, through the whole
country, indeed we all feel and know and
we know, too the eminent endowments
which gave him this high distinction.
Frank and fearless in the expression Of
his opinions, and in the performance Of his
duties, with rare powers Of eloquence, which
never failed to rivet the attention Of his au-
ditory, and which always commanded admi-
ration, even when they did not carry con-
viction |; prompt in decision, and firm in ac-
ton, and with vigorous intellect, trained
in the contests Of a stirring life, and strength.
ed by enlarged experience and observation
Joined wthal to an ardent love of country
and to great purity Of purpose these wer'
the elements Of his power and success
And we dwell upon them with mournru
qualification now when wo shall soon fol
low him TO the cold and silent tomb, whcr,
we shall commit earth to earth, ashes L
ashes, dust to dust, with the blessed convic
ton of the truth of that divine revelation
which teaches US that there is life and hope
beyond tho narrow house where we sha
leave him nlono to the mercy OF his God ant
ours.
I" lie has passed bryond the reach Of hu.
man praise, or ccnsure, but the judgment o.
his cotemporaries has preceded and pro.
nonnced the judgment of history, and hi,
name and fume will shed lustre upon his
country, and will be proudly cherished in the
hearts of his countrymcn for long ages tc
come. Yes, they will be cherished and
freshly remembered when these marble col
umns that surround us--so often the witness,
es OF his triumph, but in few brief hours
when his mortal frame, dcspoied Of the I'm
mortal spirit, shall rest under this dome for
the last time u become the witnesses of his
defeat in that Gnal contest where the might
lest fall before the great INSTRUMENTATION
these marble columns shall themselves have
!l!en--likc all the works Of man-leaving
their broken fragments to tell the story of
former magn6cence, AMID the very ruins
that announce decay and desolation."
Should this deserved eulogium upon one
OF the best men our country has yet pro-
duced, fall with severe weight upon the
partaans Of the speaker, who pursued the
subject OF the eulogy with yindictiveness
unparalleled in the history Of parties, and
harrow up their feelings to a sense of shame
Tor the wrongs they have committed, they
may make partial Gtonement bv dolng
justice to the dead and at the same time ey-
hiblting soma regard for truth when ,bev
have occasion TO speak of the liyipr who
differ from them in opinion. But full
ntopcment can never be made, audwe wou,d
not add one pang tn the feelings of those
who must now regret the course which th,
excitement of the hnur lpI thnn IN nur,,r