The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-03-25
KOSSUTH AND MIR. CLAY.


Kossuth, it is said, in speech lately deliv-
cred in Louisville, took issue with Mr. Clay, on
the doctrines propounded by the former, dur
ing the interview between them in this city.
1t is further stated, that he complained that
what passed at an interview, designed to be
entirely private should be published to the
world. Many of our cotemporaries of the
press are indignant at this conduct on the part
of the Hungarian. What! presume to question
the opinion of Henry Clay That is bad enough
in native; but in a foreigner, it is absolutely
intolerable!
1t was certainly the desire and expectation
of Kossuth, that the interview with Mr.. Clay
should be strictly private He entertained
high respect for our distinguished countryman
and the object of his visit was to manifest his
regard for him. Mr. Clay saw proper to make
a somewhat dramatic display delivering set
speech in opposition to the views ofinternatonal
rights and duties, held by Kossuth. The Hunga-
rian, with delicacy and forbearance that did
him honor, refrained from controversy with
man Frustrated by disease, and trembling on the
brink of the grave. He replied, in general
terms, expressing profound regard for Mr..
Clay, and warm sympathy with his condition
Certainly, such an interview ought to have
been regarded as confidential Kossuth had a
right to insist that it should be but Mr.. Clay
wlled otherwise, and soon, the Public was ia
vored with full report of the transaction,
authorized by Mr. Clay, without the consent
of Kossuth) in which he was depicted as the
chief actor, occupying the position of supe-
ror, delivering the judgment Of the American
People to the uninitiated Hungarian, who was
represented as listening with humble and ac-
quiescent attention This was all character
istic of Mr. Clay, but anything but agree
able to a man who whatever we may think,
has occupied larger space in the worlds eye
than his lecturer
That Kossuth should object to such pre-
sentation of himself is quite natural; and, as
to MIR. Clay's opinions he has as good right
as any Of us to dissent from them. Mr.. Clay's
idolaters may worship him as much as they
please but there are some of MS who have no
faith in his divinity, and deny his claim to
speak in behalf Of the whole American People.
Let him speak for himself and those who live
in the breath of his nostrils No man is au-
thorizcd to set himself up as the exponent OF
American Sentiment.
Freedom of speech and Of the press in this
country is recognised by the Constitution as
fundamental right, not to be restrained or ques-
toned. 1t is not only secured to Americans,
but asserted, as one Of the rights OF man. The
foreigner coming among US, may think speak,
and act for himself, as freely as the native He
is not impertinent because he uses this right
although he may use the right impertinently,
just AS native may do. A foreigner, uttering
his earnest convictions without dogmatism,
and with Difference to the convictions of others,
is just as much entitled to our respect a. an
American who does the same; and an Ameri-
can who announces crudties, with an air of
self.conceit, is just rs impertinent and disgust
ing rs foreigner who oifends in like manner.