The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1855-07-27
THE BEDFORD GIEETTE.
Bedford, July ~, 1885.
HENRY CLiY'S son REPUDIATES THE
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son Of Henry Clay, at present the proprie-
tot Of the old family mansion, has been taking
the stump against the new "American" orga-
nization. The Kentucky StateSmnn SAYS that a
great interest was manifested to hear the first
political speech of the son Of as renowned an or
alor as Henry Clay, aud very large concourSe
Of citizens attended the meeting. The speech is
gwen as follows:
The next gentleman who took the stand was
Mr. James B. Clay, who, as we have already
remarked, is the son Of the great statesman, and
has succeeded to the paternal estate of Ashland.
Mr.. Clay said that this was his first effort a;
public speech, and nothing less than the pro-
found interest which he fell in the great queS-
tionS at issue, could induce him to appear on
this occasion. Never before had such extraor-
dlnaTy, such alarming, such novel questions
been presented for the political consideration Of
abe American people. His apprehensions We're
aroused in view of them, and be sometimes
1remblrd for the fate Of the country. The idea
that this government was to be taken INTO the
keeping OF secret, political, oa;h-bound organ
izatlon, which set up unconstitutional test-oathS,
and the members OF which were bound to each
other by the most terrible obligations, was to
hlm most alarming, and should, in his judgment,
arouse the apprehensons Of every patriotic man
IN the whole country.
Mr.. Clay denied that The platform put forth
by the late Know Nothing Convention at Phil
adelphla, was the real platform of the party
party did / call them, said he no, they are not
party IN any proper acceplaton of The term.
Parties have, heretofore, been open, public and
above board bnt this is secret, oath-bound,
political organization, which is seeking after the
political power of the country, by WAYS and
means unknown 10 the law and in paIDable
disregard Of the long established uSages of the
people and the history of the Government II
sought political power, not by open and fair
means, but by secret plottings, cabalistic pass
words, by signs and grips, unknown to the peo-
I'e at large, and in palPable violation of the
whole spirit and genius of the Government.
No, said be, the true platform of this extraor-
oinaTy organization is to be found in their oaths
and ritaGl. There were to be fonnd the things
which they were sworn, TO do and to carry DOT
ana looking into these oaths and the ritual. he
round that their objects were to strike at the
Citizens OF foreign birth, at the immigration
iFom other countries, to diSfranchise, degrade
ana disgrace them, by depriving them not only
ol 'he right TO Americanize themselves, but by
cutting them off from the rights of hospitality
ana humanity. They also sought TO disfran-
SfSt aud degrade aaother class of our citizens.
whether native bora or foreign, on account of
,nFr religious opinions, in plain violation of the
constitution ofthe country, and regardless of
''r pIa'nest dictates of justice and humanity
MT. Clay said that, rather than submit any
tHended remarks Of his own on these subjects,
nr nad chosen to colate the expressed and au-
t'e'Nic OPINIONS OF the old fathers of the repub-
tx 'C, and he read extensively from the writings
:. u ashipgton, of Jefferson, of Madison, of
'@o"soh' oil Quincy and others.
q ne concluded his happy effort by saving
Lag I,a'' though the old Whig party, with which he
"au always acted, was broken and dispersed.
se' he appeared there as one Of the old rear
susra OF that once powerful and great party
~" IN '6at capacity he protested against this
,o eT secret organization, as fraught with danger
~ us country and ns liberties and he called
;a.e 'lo" all the old liners of tie Wing PARTY TO
I''a mm in the protest.