The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1856-07-02

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shall see him no more. The memory and
the fruits of his services alone remain 10 u.s.
Amidst The general gloom, the Capitol iiseIl
looks desolate, as if the genius of the place
had departed. Already the intelligence has
reached almost every part of The Republic,
and agreat people mourn with us, to-day, the
death of their most illuslrious citizen. Sym
patbzing. as we do, deeply, with his family
and friends, yet private afflicton is absorbed
in general sorrow. e-speclacle of whole
community lamenling the loss of a great man,
is far more touching than any mantle station
of private grief In speaking of loss which
is national, ! will not allempt to describe the
universal burst of grief with which Kentucky
will receive these lidings. The altemp, would
be vain to depict the gloom lha, will cover
her people, when they know that the pillar
of fire is removed, which has guided their
footsteps for the life of a generation.
1t is known TO The country, that from the
memorable session of ls49-'5O Mr.. Clay's
health gradually declined. Although several
years of his Senatorial term remained, he
did not propose 10 continue in the public SER
vice longer than the present session. He
came 10 Washington chiefly 10 defend, if il
should become necessary, the measures OF
adjustment, TO the adoption of which he SO
largely contributed; but the condition of his
health Gid not allow him, at any time, 10 par.
ticipaie in the discussions of The Senate
Through the winter, he was confined almost
wholly to his room, with slight changes in
his condition, but gradually losing the rem
nant Of his strength. Through the long drea-
ry winter, he conyersed much and cheerfully
with his friends, and expressed deep inter-
est in public affairs. Alsough he did no,
expect restoration of health, he cherished
the hope that the mild season of spring would
bring him strength enough TO return TO Ash
land, and die in The bosom Of his family
But, alas! spring, that brings life TO all ma
ture, brought no life ror hope to him. After
the month of March, his vital powers rapidly
wasted, and for weeks he lay patiently await.
ing The stroke of death. But The approach
of the destroyer had no lerrors for him. No
clouds overhung his future. He met The end
with compcsure. and his pathway 10 the grave
was Enlightened by the immortal hopes which
spring from the Christian faith.
Not long befoIe his death, having just re.
turned from Kentucky, bo:e to him a token
Of affection from his excellent wife. Never
can forget his appearance, his manner, or
his words. After speaking of his family, his
friends, and his country, he changed the con-
versation 10 his own future, and looking on
me wilh his fine eye undimmed, and his
voice full Of its original compass and melody,
he said, III am not afraid 10 die, sir. have
hope, failh and some confidence. do no,
think any man can be entirely certain in re-.
gard TO his future Stale, but have an abid.
ing trust in The merits and meditation of our
Savior" |, will assuage the grief of his fam.
lily 10 know that he looked hopefully beyond
the tomb, and Christian people will rejoice
10 hear that such a man, in his last hours,
reposed with simplicity and confidence upon
the promises Of the Gospel.
1t Is the custom, on occasions like this, 10
speak of The parentase and childhood of the
deceased, and to follow him, step by step,
through life. | will not attempt to relate even
all the great events of Mr.. Clay's life, be.
cause they are familiar TO the whole country,
and il would be needless 10 enumerale long
list of public services which form pari of
American history.
Beginning lie fnendess boy, with but
few advantages save those conferred by ma.
ture, while yet minor, he left Virginia, the
Stale Of his birth, and commenced the prac.
lice of law at Lexington, in Kentucky. At a
bar remarkable for its numbers and talent,
Mr.. Clay soon rose to the first rank. AT a
very early age he was elected from the.coun.
ty of Fayete 10 The General Assembly OF
Kentucky, and was The Speaker of that body.
Coming into the Senate Of the United States,
for the first time, in 1906, he entered upon a
parliamentary career, the most brilliant and
successful IN our annals. From that time he
remained habilually in the public eye. AS
Senator, as a member of This House and
| its Speaker, as representative of his coun-
try abroad, and as high officer in the Exec
utive department of the government, he vas
intimately connected for fifty years with ev-
cry great measure of American policy. OF
the mere party measures at this period, do
not propose 10 speak. Many of them have
passed away, and are remembered only as
the occasions for The great Intellectual efforts
which marked their discussion. Concerning
olhers, opinions are still divided. They will
20 into history, with the reasons on either
side rendered by the greatest inlellecls of the
time. s.. ..... ...
AS leader in deliberative body, Mr..
Clay had no equal in America. In him, in.
tellecl, person, eoqusnce, and courage, uni
ted 10 form character fiji 10 command. He
fred with his own enthusiasm, and conlroll-
ed by his amszing will individuals and mas.
ses. No reverse could crush his spirit, nor
defeat reduce him 10 despair Equally erect
and daunlless in prosperity and adversely
when successful he moved 10 the accom- plish-
menl of bis purposes with severe resolution ;
when defeated, he rallied his broken bands
around him, and from bis eagle eye shot
along their ranks the contagion o. his own
courage. Destined for leader, he every