Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-03-31
Mr.. Clayton's Speech.


On the 7th inst, the Hon. John NJ. Clay
ton commenced his speech in the L. S. Sc
nate upon the Nicaragua treaty, but had
proceeded only short time when the Sem
York papers give the following account of
his opening remarks:
"Mr. Clayton said that in rising to ad-
dress the Senate after his long absence, he
felt much embarrassed. He first entered
the Senate 81 years ago, and among those
now present there was not face which was
there them OF all those who were then
present. and who had given such character
TO the Senate, not one remained in the cham
ber The last of them was the present
Vice President. He alluded in high terms
10 Mr.. King for his honor, integrity and
ability. He felt embarrassed further, be-
cause he was obligedto defend himself from
charges made against him in the Senate on
the 9th of January last-charges against
his conduct in the performance of his pub
lie duties. This was the first time in his
life that he had been called upon 10 vindi-
cate his character from such gross accusa-
tions. lie intended to discuss the treaty
which lie had negotiated with with 81. Hem
ry Bulwer, and IN SO doing he would speak
Of others with all the respect possible, con-
sistent with his duty to himself. While
member of the Senate, heretofore, lie never
: made an assault upon any one in debate, and
never was engaged in personal controversy
in the Senate unless provoked into it by
the other side. For everything he had said
= or should say in debate, he held himself
- responsible here and everywhere. else, as
J.. gentlemen and 4 man Of honor. lie did not
. profess 10 belong 10 That school Ct puppies
= who show their courage by their silence
: when hung up by The ears. lie regretted
the absence Of the Senator from Michigan
= much that he would have TO say of him
: would be omitted because Of the absence of
II that Senator. There were many things
h he would say TO that Senator which he would
o not 1T at present say, because he did not ap-
prove Of the course oI attacking absent men,
y or those who ere not in a position to reply
J. al once 10 what was sgid, and defend them
is selves Immediately. He would however,
l. defend his own course, and in defending as
le saults upon himself lie was apt to carry the
TO war into Africa. He then referred to Mr..
o: Cass' speeches in January last, and COM
J. planned Of their gross injustice, and TO the
If authorised statement Of Mr.. King, through
o. Mr.. Bragg, Of ,he House. which Mr.. Cass
p had never taken any notice Of. He knew
L nothing i'll his relations with Mr.. Cass which
er would have led him TO expect such treat.
g. ment at lis hands. T!at Senator had once
nj obliged friend o. his, and he thought h,
vs. had returned the obligation by obliging
We friend Of that Senators While the treat,
IL was under consideration, he had held scy
IL eral consultations with Mr.. King, and the,
both agreed that in the treaty there was =
lc, be no recognition Of any right of Great Br;
nn ain to the domain of IIonduras-thcv bot
if believing that Grea. Britain had no o!hc
ms right there than The right OF occupancy 70
'ur certain purposes, under the treaty wit
aid Spain. He then contcnded that this an
nothing else, was recognised by the treaty
oc- He denied that the explanations Of the treat
be- by himself and Sir Henry Bulwer wer
hat unknown TO General Taylor's cabinet at III
lif- time Of their exchange. as had been insinr
our ated in the debate in the Senate. lie the
will entered into historical and geographic
examination Of the territorial and polite
to boundaries OF Central America, and into a
= to elaborate examination Of this as commentt
the upon by the committee on foreign relation
De- He had just concluded on this part of Il
na- question, when he yielded the floor to NJ
re- Smith, on whose motion the Senate we
sis into an executive session.