The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-07-05

By mash wsodt ~ fsls, dylsasmins and d..
aoIvipe al oppcsitlon In ~ eAaats chamber.
In this way be wrought Z shangs In our poiiti-
cal system, that think Va not foreseen by its
founders. He converted this branch OF the legis-
lsture from a negative position, or one of equi-
librium between the Executive and the Houss Of
Representatives, into the active ruling power OF
the republic. Only time can disclose whether
this great innovation shall be beneficent, or even
permanent.
Certainly, sir, the great lights Of the Senate
have SET The observation is not less paIPaole
to the country than to US, who are left 70 grope
our uncertain way here, as IN iaoyr'nth' oP-
pressed with self -distrust. The the time, 100,
presents new embarrassments. We are rising
10 another and more sublime stage OF national
progress-that of expanding wealth and rapid
territora! aggrandizement. Our institutions
throw broad shadow across the st. Lawrence,
and. stretching beyond the valley OF Mexico,
reach even to the plains of Central America,
while the Sandwich Islands and the shores of
China recognize its rsnovating influence
Wherever that influence is felt, a desire for pro-
lection under those institutions is awakened.
Expansion seems to DO regulated not by any
difficulties of resistance, but by the moderation
which results from our own internal constItu
tuition. No one knows how rapidly that re.
straint may give way Who can tell how far
or how fast it ought to yield! Commerce has
brought the ancient continent near to us, and
created necessities for new positions-perhaps
connections or colonies there-and with the
trade and friendship of the elder nations their
conflicts and collisions are brought TO our doors
and to our hearts. Our sympathy kindles, our
indifference extnguishes, the fires OF freedom
in foreign lands. Before we shall be fully con-
scous that change is going on in Europe, we
NAV find ourselves once more divided by that
eternal line of separation that leaves on the one
side those cfour citizens who obey the impulses
of sympathy. while on the other are found thoae
who submit only to the counsels of prudence.
Even prudence will soon be required to decide
whether distant regions, East and West, shall
come under our own protection, or to be left to
aggrandize a rapidly spreading domain of hostile
despotism.
Sir, who among US is equal to these mighty
questions! | fear there is no one. Neverthe.
less, the example of Henry Clay remains for
our instruction. His genius has passed to the
realms of light, but his virtues still live here
for our emulation. With them there will remian
also the protection and favor of the Most High, if
by the practice of justice and the maintenance of
bier pass on We will follow with sorrow, but
not without hope, the reverend form that it bears
to its final resting place; and then, when that
grave opens at our feet to receive 40 estmabe a
treasure, we will invoke the God of our fathers
to send US new guides, like him that is now
withdrawn, and give us wisdom to obey their
instructions.
Mr.. JONES, of Iowa. Mr.. President, of the
,hn. ,h, darn .f tta
great man whose voice has so often been heard
in this hall, have peculiar cause to regret that
dispensation which has removed him from among
us. He was the guardian and director of my
collegiate days; four of his sons were my college
mates and warm friends. My intercourse with
the father was that of a youth and friendly ad.
wiser | shall never cease to feel grateful to
him--.O his now heart-strcken and bereaved
widow and children, for their many kindnesses
to me during four or five years of my life. !
had the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance
with him, frat, as delegate in Congress, whilst
he was member of this body from 1885 to
1889, and again in l848, as a member Of this
branch of Congress; and during the whole Of
which PERIOD some eight years, none but the
most kindly feeling existed between us.
Asan humble and unimportant Senator it was
my fortune to cooperate with him throughout
the whole Of the exciting session of l849-'50-
the labor and excitement of which is said to have
precipitated his disease. That co operation did
not end with the accordant vote on this floor but,
in consequence of the unyielding opposition to
the series of measures known as the g. compro
mise" extended to many private meetings held
by its friends, at all of which Mr. Clay was
present. And whether in public or private life,
he everywhere continued to inspire me with the
most exalted estimate ofhis patriotism and states
manshp. Never shall forget the many ardent
appeals he made to senators, in and out Of the
Senate, in favor of the settlement Of our then
unhappy sectional differences.
Immediately after the close of that memorable
session of Congress, during which the nation
beheld his great and almost superhuman efforts
upon this floor to sustain the wise counsels OF
the Father Of his Country" | accompanied
him home to Ashland, at his invitation, to revisit
the place where my happiest days had been spent,
with the friends who there continued to reside
During that, to me, moet agreeable and instluc
tive journey, in many conversations he evinced
the utmost solictude for the welfare and honor
of the republic, all tending to show that he be-
lieved the happiness of the people and the cause
Of liberty throughout the world depended upon
the continuance Of our glorious Union, and the
could but ALLEVIATE the affections of one portion
of the people from another. With the sincerity
and fervor of a true patriot, he warned his COM
panions in that journey to withhold all aid from
men who labored, and from every cause which
tended to SOW the seeds of disunon in the
land; and to oppose such, he declared himself
willing to forego all the ties and associations Of
mere party.
Alta subsequent period, sir, this friend Of my
youth, at my earnest and repeated entreaties con
sented to take sea voyage from New York to
Havana. He remained at the latter place fort
night, and then returned by New Orleans to
Ashland. That excursion by sea, he assured
M. contributed much TO relieve him from the
suflerngs occasioned by the disease which
has just terminated his eventful and glorious
ife Would to Heaven that he could have
been persuaded to abandon his duties "a a Sena-
tor, and to have remained during the past win
ter and spring upon that Island of Cuba! The
countay would not now, perhaps, have been
llad IN ~, ourn ,o loSo