Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-07-10
REMARKS OF Mr.. VENABLE,

soh ON the nnnouncen,ent of the death Of
,HENRY CLAY.
MrVenable of North Carolina, SAID: Mr..
Speaker trust that shall be pardoned for adding
a few words upon this sad occasion. The life OF
the iustrious statesman which has just terminated
is so interviewer with our history and the lustre OF
his great name so profusely shed over its pages,
that simple admiration of his high qualities might
we'll be my excuse. But it is a sacred privilege to
draw near-to contemplate the end of the great
and good 1t is profitable we'll purifying to
look upon and realize the Office OF DEATH IN re-
moving all that can excite jealousy produce dis
trust and to gaze upon the virtues which, like
Jewels, have survived his powers of destruction.
The light which radiates from the life OF great
and patriotic statesman is often dlmmed by Ihe
mists which party conflicts throw around It, buC
the blast which strikes him down purhes the at
mosphere which surrounded him in life, and 1t
Shines forth in brig ht examples and well-eafheo re-
nown II is then that witness the sincere &C
Acknowledgement of gratitude by people who, having
enioyed the benefits arising from the services OF an
eminent statesman, embalm his name IN their me-
1nory and hearts We should cherish such recol-
lections as we'll from patriotism as self-respect
Ours, sir is now the duty, in the midst OF sadness,
in this high place, in the face of our renubhc and
before the world to pay this tribute by acknowledge
ing the merits of our colleague whose name has
ornamented the journals of Congress for near half
q century. Few, very few, have ever combined
the high intellectual powers and distinguished gifts
of this illustrous senator. Cast in the finest mould
by Nature he more than fulfilled the anticPatlons
which were INDUCED by those who looked to a
distinguished career the certain result OF that
Jealous pursuit of fame and usefulness upon which
he entered in early life. OF the incidents OF that
life it is unnecessary Tor me to speak; they are as
familiar as household words, and must be equally
familiar to those who come after lis. But 1t is
useful to refresh the memory 5yrecurrence to some
of the events which marked his career. We know,
sir that there is much that is in common III the
histories of distinguished men. The elements which
constitute greatness the same IN all times hence
those who have been the admiration of their gen
erations present in their lives much which, although
really great ceases to be remarkable because illus
trated by such numerous examples
=. But there are deeds which should not pass away,
And names that must not wither."
Ofsuch deeds the life of Henry Clay affords many
and bright examples. His name and those
with whom he associated shall live with fresh
ness which time cannot impair, and shine with a
brightness which passing years cannot dim. His
advent into public life as remarkable for the
circumstances as it was brilliant in its effect 1t
was at time in which genius and learning, states
manship and eloquence, made the American Con-
gress the most august body in the world. He was
the contemporary of a of statesmen, some OF
whom then administering the government, and
others retiring and retired from Office presented an
array of ability unsurpassed 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, and Cheves with a
host Others rose bright galaxy upon our horizon.
He who won his spurs in such field earned his
knighthood. Distinction amidst such conn clifton
true renown-
1.-THE fame which wins for himself is best
That he may call his own"
1t was such a 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
distingushit is filled with overpowering interest
never can forget my enthusiastic admiration of
the boldness, the eloquence, and the patriotism of
HENRY CLAY during the 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 strug
giles of party, and amidst the gloom and disasters
which depressed the spirits of most men, and
well nigh paralyzed the energies of the admins
tration, his cheerful face, high bearing command
ing 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 us, and there was little
to from despair, the country looked with hope
to Clay and Calhoun, to Lowndes and Crawford,
and Cheves, and looked not in vain. The unbend-
ing will, the mistaken nerve, and the burning eo-
quence of HENRY CLAY did rs much to command
confidence and sustain hope even the news of
our first victory after succession of defeats Those
great names are now canonized in history he too
has passed to join them on its pages Associated
in his long political life with the ilIustrious Cal
houn, he survived him but two years. Many of
heard his eloquent tribute to his memory in the
Senate chamber on the annunciation of his death.
And we this day unite in a similar manifestation
of reverential regard to him whose voice shall never
more 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 YVES always equal; he aOas a man amongst
Bold, skilful, and determined, he gave char
acter to the party which acknowledged him as a
leader; impressed his opinions upon their minds,
and an attachment to himself upon their hearts
No man, sir, can do this without being eminentlv
great. Whoever attains this position must first
overcome the aspirations of antagonist ambition
q net the clamors of rivalry, hold in check the
murmurs of jealousy, and overcome the instincts
of vanity and selflove in the masses thus subdued
to his control. But few ever attain it. Very
rare the examples of those whose plastic touch
forms the minds and directs the purposes of great
political party. This nallibIe indication of SUI
periorty belonged to Mr.. CLAY. lie has exercised
that control during long life ; and now through
broad land the tidings of his DEATH borne with
electric speed have opened the fountains of sorrow
Every city, town, village and hamlet will be cloth
ed with mourning; along our extended coasts tho