Houma Ceres. [volume] (Houma, Parish of Terrebonne, La.) 1855-18??, 1856-04-10
A Monument to Henry Clay.

A Monument to Henry Clay.
The citizens Of Louisiana, says an e1.
amidst imposing ceremonies and
solemnities have evinced their
,ratefal remembrance ofthe heroic exploits
f Andrew Jackson, by the erection Of q
costly and majestic monument to his mem.
,ry. We rejoice that they have done so.
We are pratified at this evidence that our
people are not insensible to the claims OF
departed greatness, nor callous to the emo.
ions of gratitude. 1t would have ill-be.
seemed US to complain Of national indifer'
ence, had we not proved that we were not
amenable to so grave a charge. The
people Of Louisiana, and more especially
of New Orleans have sough to perpetuate
the spirit.stirring annals Of Chalmette, by
a monument which is SO eonspicuously
placed as to attract the public eye, and
which, in its nature, irresistibly recalls the
events it is designed to commemorate.
1t is now proposed to erect a statue to
the memory Of Henry Clay-ofthat trans.
cendant statesman, orator and patriot,
whose worth only begins to be properly
now that death has snatched
him from the scene, Of human passions, of
fierce contentious and political hatreds.--
Such a project has been hailed with uni
versal acclaim. Nowhere, unless in the
Senate Chamber At Washington. where he
was wont to display his burning eloqaenee,
or pour forth his words Of wisdom, could
monument be more appropriately reared
than in the city of New Orleans. There,
Mr.. Clay possessed numerous relations,
and was therefore. in some measure iden'
tilted with the city. Moreover. he was
particuly attached to the Crescent City !;
he admired her citizens, and loved to enjoy
her warm hearted hospitality. He visit.
ed them invariably with delight, and LETT
them uniformly with regret. Some Of the
pleasantest hours of his life, were passed
in New Orleans. Its climate was felt BY
him as particularly soothing and balmy
during the latter years Of his existence.
There are yet other reasons why We
should erect a statue to the memory OF
Henry Clay. Though his fame belongs
to the whole country, yet he was emphatic
cally a Southern Statesman. He repre-
scented the Southern mind, and reflected
its highest and noblest qualities. He was
an ardent advocate of that war which has
given to Louisiana an historical immortal
ity. He was supporter and friend Of the
Industry of Louisiana, and contributed all
the immense resources Of his intellect to
the maintenance Of a policy which has
tended to her prosperity and advancement.
Whatever, indeed, was calculated to en-
large the population. augment the wealth.
and consolidate the power ofthe great val.
ley Of the Mississippi, was certain to ob'
tain from Mr.. Clay an energetic and will.
ing support.
But even If we regard bin purely in a
national point Of view, as distinguished
statesman, . mighty orator, = generous
patriot, why should we not take the initia'
tive in transmitting 10 posterity memento
of his greatness and eur gratitude We
trust that the project will not be permitted
to languish, and that the gentleman who
have started it, will use oil possible expe'
d;tion in carrying j, to . successful issue
There cannot exist doubt that the citi.
zens of all parties will eagerly avail them
selves Of an opportunity Of contributing d
so noble an enterprise.
|
Or Gayarre, in his charming history
IL Al