Daily American organ., 1856-04-04
Mr.. Claws Americanism.

1t was known in tire canvass OF 1874, to rAsny
of Mr.. Cay's personal friends, that hs gave hs
full approval 70 the patriotic principles which now
characterize the American party but the fact was
not publicly announced, though we believe gen.
heman in Philadelphia, who at that time was
prominent participator in the Native American
movement, had private letter from the Sage of
Ashland in which his approval clearly and
distinctly expressed. 1t was however, never pub
lished, and IL is, perhaps doubtful whetherit ever
will be. But the following letters, just published
by the Albany Statesman, leave no doubt as to
what Mr. Clay's views and feelings were
SENATE CHAMBER,
ALBANY, March 25, 1856.
To tie Editors Of the Albany Statesman:
enclose for publication in the Statesman the
following letter, received by me from the Hon
Garrett Davis Of Kentucky, in regard to the opin-
ions entertained by Mr.. Chy of the principles of
the American party Of 1874. | believe they were
unchanged to the day of Lis death, and they were
in perfect harmony with the views frequently ex-
pressed by him in conversation with his friends.
was induced TO address Mr.. Davis upon this SUBJ
jact because he the confidential friend of Mr.
Clay, and because knew Of the meeting explain
ed in Mr. Davis's letter to myself
Another reason for writing was the expression
OF doubt on the part of some of the opponents
of Mr.. Clay that such views were ever entertained
by that distinguished patriot and statesman. Hav-
ing followed the political fortunes of Mr.. Clay
through my own political life, and cherishng, as /
do, that respect for his memory and opinions which
grow upon me day by day, now that he is no more,
confess to very natural desire as far as posi-
BILE, still to make his principles part Of my own
political faith.
Yours, &c, ERAsTUs BRooKs.
PARIS, Ky, March IL, 1856
DEAR Sir: On my return home from a short
visit to neighboriDg county, your favor of the lst
instant placed in my hands, and in reply to it
make this statement:
Late in the summer, or early in the fall of 1874,
in company with some dozen or fifteen gentlemen,
I dined with Mr. Clay at Ashland The Hon. Geo.
Robertson, formerly Chief Justice of our Court Of
Appeals, was of the party. As the company were
taking leave after dinner, Mr Clay suggested to
Judge Robertson and myself his wish that we
should remain after the other gentlemen should
have left. We did SO; when Mr.. Clay informed
us that he had received fron some Native Ameri-
can organization of Pennsylvania, declaring in
fivor OF the principles of that movement, and re-
qlestng, if his opinions were in accordance with
those communicated to him, to give expression to
them, and authorize their publication. Mr.. Clay
distinctly and without reserve stated his adhesion
to the Native American principle; and then ad-
dsd, he wished to consult with az to the propr-
ely Of his authorizing his public avowal of this
opinion.
As the Native American Principle had not been
adopted by the Whig party as part Of its creed,
and as the intervening period to the election was
short, both Judge Robertson and myself expressed
the opinion to Mr.. Clay, that he had, better not
authorize his support of the Native American Prn-
ciple to be made public. Wesuggested that it would
be an important AMI unexpected move by him,
that would necessarily disturb for the time the pub
lie mind !; and that there would not be sufficient
time before the election, for this principle to have
its proper and legitimate effect in reference to
himself with the American people. Mr.. Clay ex-
pressed his concurrence in these views.
Mr.. Clay did not read, or hand to Judge Robert
run, myself, the communication which he had
received; did he enter into particular detail
of its contents.
With high regard, yours, &C.,
GARRETT DAVIS.
Hon. ERAsTUs Brooks, Albany n Y