The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1858-04-24
NUMBER. 80.
Henry Clay's Birthday I'm PhtladeI-

..t phfa.
PH1LADELpH1A, April IL, 1858. z
A mass meeting of the friends Of Henry
Clay, and opponents of the Administration,
was held at the National Hall, this" evening,
for the purpose Of celebrating his birthday,
and moving for. the establishment of Ma
tional party.
The meeting was not very large, the wealth.
er. being extremely inclement. The. eminent
gentlemen, who it was promised would address
the meeting, were not present.
. The following preamble and resolutions
were adopted:
WHEREAS, The principles that led to the
assertion and maintenance of freedom by
the patriots of the Revolution, are, in their
| nature, as lasting as time, and are no less
| precious in the American heart at this day
! than they were when they we're upheld at
the sacrifice of life and fortune; and, whereas,
these principles, and :he duty of cherishing
them, have been lost sight of by the present
Executive power of the country, and vigor-
Gus and united effort is necessary to restore
them in their integrity, and to identity them
once more with the government of the Re-
public, and is especially proper on the ami
versary of the birthday of Henry Clay.
Resolred, That the friends and supporters
of the rights Of the PeoI le be, and they are
hereby invited to join in a great National
Party" the object of which shall be to watch
over and defend them-a Party which shall
embrace, according to its name the combined
energies of the country, without regard to
minor subjects of difference, whether of
| local or personal character, and with firm
| determination to maintain, against all en-
croachments, the privileges of freedom.
Resot0ed, That the Constitution of the
United States is the great Charter of Ameri-
can liberty, and the Union Of the States is
the political bond which secures the enjoy
ment of it. A National Party" which de-
clares its fidelity to both, after they have
been tried for generations, lays down broad
and substantial platform, which appeals for
| its support to the proof of long-tried expert
ence, and the almost magical growth and
prosperity of the country, and admonishes US
that we should be unwilling to change our
| fundamental laws.
| Resolred, That Official dictation and tyran-
ny have reached q point which requires
prompt, disinterested and unequivocal resist
ance. Thi Executive oppression overshad-
ows, and is so denounced up the floor of
Congress, not only the independence of all
subordinate officers, but threatens the liberty
OF thought, speech and action in the recesses
Of professional and private life.
Resolved, That the policy of the country
requires a due encouragement, support and
protection Of labor which is the right hand
of in !ustry, and the true wealth of a free
| rxnn1n hounpA fbo sc
gold, and always consistent with virtue and
happiness.
| Resolced, That steady and discriminating
Tariff is necessary to give efficiency to indus
try, through the exercise of manufactures.
which are the life of labor, and the due reg
ulation of commerce, which is the source of
civilization; tariff not subject to capricious
alterations, which lead to imitation or con-
traction, with the perils of exposure to ex-
travagauce or distress.
Resolved, That evil has arisen from the in
reference of office-holders with public affairs,
both in primary assemblies and legislative
proceedings, to the exclusion of purer action
by the people, in their individual sovereign
capacity; and these pernicious influences
must be discountenanced and corrected.
Resolred, That selections for Office, from
| VIC HiSucSC " Cue lOWcSL, nuSC De m8Q0
among those who are honest and capable,
with view to measures rather than men,
neither for the profit of the person, nor the
success of a party, but for the support and
enforcement of the laws in universal harmony.
Resolued, That the American System, as it
was supported by Henry Clay, consisting of
regard to the national interests of the whole
country, without any interference with the
right of State Governments, or their exclu-
sive care of their own institutions-ofa a con-
servative policy and a due protection
of labor-will secure the respect of foreign
nations, and prosperity within our borders
Resoloed, That, in Republic, the will of q
majority Of citizens, honestly sought and
fairly expressed In popular sovereignty, is
entitled to respect and obedience, and dis
regard of this prerogative of freedom, or q
suppression by fraud or violence of the ex-
preston of it, will confer power over the
many on the few; will invite to usurpation,
encourage oppression, and destroy the whole
| frame of Government.
At daybreak national salute of eight guns
| in honor of the day was fred here and at
noon national salute of eight guns was fired
in Southwark, and like number in Kensing-
| ton.