The true Democrat., 1857-04-14
Hon. James B. Clay..The Prussian
 

As intimated in our last issue, the President very soon after his Inauguration rendered to Hon. James B. Clay, of this place, the appoint ment of Minister Plenipoientiary on the part of this government to the kingdom of Prussia. With full appreciation of the high and dis- tnguished honor, this office being the second in grade in the gift of the President, ranking next after cabinet post, Mir. Clay, for reasons to himself satisfactory has promptly declined the profcred appointment.
 We would not conceal our unfeigned plea sure at this emphatic recognition by MT Buch- anan of the patriotic and efficient services of the gallant corps of old line wings Tn ald oi the triumph of the constitution and the Unlon over sectionalism and prescription. achieved !n his election. With an eye single to thelr coun- trv's good, the very flower of that old whlg party, against whom, when led by Clay and Webster in the day of its prestiue glory, we were proud to do battle, did. in the hour of its dsintegrat;on, cast aside old party prejudces, and nobly rally to our side in defence Of the constitution. Nor could vituperation, abuse, and charges of treachery drive them from their duty. Manfully did they do battle with us and nobly have our united efforts triumphed for our country's good. And as when arrayed against Us under the leadership of the father, we respected the old whgs as opponents wor- thy our steel, even so when the patriotic rem nant of the once victorious army, now led on by the son, stands by our side, allies in the battle for the constitution and the Union, we must feel to them as brothers worthy to share with us the honors of victory.
 Nor could the first honor bestowed upon this body of compatrots have fallen upon one more worthy the distinction, nor upon one whose preferment will give more decided sa- tislaction. Mr. Clay, by reason of the n- fluence of his position and abilities, has been more bitterly assaled, more cruelty maligned, and more outrsgeously siandered by an unscru- pulous opposition press, than any man in the republic. Actuated by the highest motives of patriotism and as his subsequent course has evinced, moved by not the remotest hope of future gain, he dispised the vituperation of par tzan organs spurned the canting advice of false friends of his father, and throughout permitted neither the abuse of foes nor the laudations of | friends to swerve him from an honorable and most thoroughly consistent course. Abandon ing the quiet retirement of home, MT. Clay threw himself upon the exciting arena of poli- tics, and minGling actively in the contest, struck most efficient blows against the pro- scriptive measures of the self-styled "Ameri- can'' faction of the south, and the sectonalsm of the north. His canvass of the States of lu- diana and Pennsy ylvania, won for him much re- putation a man of ability, while il exerted an immense influence in the success of our party. But throughout his whole career he has maintained perfect consistency While rendering the democracy efficient aid he has not proven faithless to his pledges as on old l line whig. And 1t is this feature in his posi- ton which renders his preferment the more ap- proprlate and gratifying to the many ntelligen men who stand with him. but in number posi-. | tioLs.
 Among the crowd of prominent and leading democrats in Washington city during the in- auguration week, We heard but one express on of opinion touching this appointment, and that was that the whole party demanded for Mr. Clay high and honorable post. No selection could have been made which will be more gra tilying Q olI line whgs, and more warmly ap. proved by the whole national democracy. Tc his maligners and slanderers, Mr Cay's pre- ferment may be an unacceptable febuke And we might now refer them to his decination oi the high honor as stamping fasehood on thei attack upon his motives in the course he ha: pursued. But in the hour when their cal umny and abuse was showefed upon him. Mir | Clay treated their attacks with that scorn anG contempt they deserved, it would be uubecom ing in the day of his vindicatiou, to condescenc to paItlzen eXultation over such unworthy detaners. He now stands in a proud position high above their enmity and utterly beyond the reach of their deuuuciation.
 Mr. CIay'S birth, education and past expe rience, having held, with credit to himself, the position of Minister to Portugal under MT Flllmore's administration, emiuenty fitted hin for the mission to Berlin. But he has decline, the post. We have only to add that as the representative of our government abroad, wt believe Mr. Clay wouli have reflected homo upon himself while the best interests of tn, republic would have been promoted-Keatlsc ky Statesman.