Litchfield enquirer., 1858-12-09
SPEECH OF SENATOR CRITTENDEN.
From the Tribune.1

From the Tribune. #r
 The members of the Whig General Con- mittee and of the Ashlanders' Association waited upon Senator Crittenden at the St. Nicholas Hotel on Wednesday, December lst, to tender him their respects. Addresses were made in behalf of the Wings by MT. Jennings, and by Dr Dodge on the part of the Ashland CTS. The sentiments advanced were devotion to the principles and memory of Henry Clay, regret that the Whig party had been disband- ed, and the hope that Mr. Crittenden would come forward as the Whig standard-bearer to endeavor to resuscitate the party.
 MR. CRIrTENDEN, in response, said-I would have you believe, my friends, in the first place, that I came to this city upon DO political mis- sion, to serve no political end came here with no other motive than to attend to some little private business, on my way to the City of Washington. I expected no such welcome as this. had not appreciated myself so high ly, and thank you gratefully, and with all my heart, for the welcome you have given me- Gentlemen, both of these addresses which have had the honor of receiving, breathe the same principles, the same sentiments, that entertain. They are my principles, they are my sentiments-which I endeavored to main tain for long course of years under the ban per of the Whig party they are as deeply im- pressed upon my heart to-day, as in the most youthful hours of my political life. have al- ways endeavored to sustain them, and my views and my principles have undergone DO change. The Whig party was glorious party. Its en- emies now in it's weakness, acknowledge it. And it is yet destined, I trust, to glorious resurrection in principles, at least, if not in name, for the good of our common country. Applause. The Constitution of the United States was its platform, and the maintenance of the Government in it's pristine purity the main object it sought to accomplish. That was the object for which Henry Clay labored increasingly. served with him, or rather un- der him, through many and many a long and
 weary contest, and during the whole course of our political life, there never was shade of alienation between us, save once, and that was soon dissipated by mutual explanations l look upon CIay's name and fame with all the reverence that he deserved. I knew him well. Few knew him in public or in private better than did, and by none was he more respect ed. never knew such an intrepid servant of the people as he was. Intrepid and disiDter- ested above all men, he is entitled to the high est commendation of his country With a courage unfiuching, 8 dsinterestedness that knew no bounds, he rose above all other patri- cts. Webster and Calhoun were patriots, and leaders in our party but Clay was the great father and chief of the Whig party. It was to him we lookeed through many weary day of strife and controversy. I hope to see his principles yet prevail, and they must prevail if the Government of our country is ever to be restored to the character which it had in the time of Washington, and the fathers of the Re- public. Cheers. But pardon me, did not come to make political speech. You ask me, in one of these addresses, if 1 will head the van- guard and do battle in the patriot strife for the restoration of our government to it's pristine purity. thauk you for the compliment which it implies, but answer you, gentlemen, No
 cannot assume any such position but l am willing to serve with you, endeavoring to do my duty as have done heretofore, aud shall hope that my conduct will correspond with your opinions and your wishes and see no reason to doubt that it will, for have no ob- ject to depart from the rule of my life, to main- tain the truth and uphold the right. If l could go wrong now, it must be through sell fshness or viciousness, and believe that l have outved both of these. My ambition now IS to be- as have said several times before a patriot rather than partizan ; to give to my country in any of it's councils where may hap pen to be, such advice as the moderation of my views and the experience of my life may suggest. This is my highest ambition. l am content to serce, as long as can be useful to our country One of the great misfortunes of our country is, that there are so many desir- ous to rule, and so few who are willing to serve.
 l am not candidate for the Presidency. l
 sometimes see my name used by the public
 press, and myself spoken of as candidate.
 never see it without regret. am no candid ate for the Presidency, nor do l ever expect to
 be. shall never seek for a nomination. To my mind, there is so much responsibility at- tached to that position, that it is to be dread ed more than it is to be desired. repeat it Il am not a candidate, and do not expect to be !; but you may count upon me to aid in bringing back this Government to its primi- tive simplicity and virtue. But I don't look for the other, and all fear is, that the honor with which you have received me to-day, may be distorted into some political design. Be my witnesses that such is not the fact and, so help me God, you will bear witness to noth- ing but the truth. No such thought nor am
 bition has ever disturbed my sleep, nor troub-
 ed my mind and yet I have heart to feel
 and will to act for my country-and thank
 God that he has given me courage to act and
 speak fearlessly and faithfully in it's behalf.
 That is what my noble old State of Kentucs '
 taught me, and that is what have always
 endeavored to do. You need not ask my
 counsel as to what is necessary to be done. It
 is true that this agitation should cease that
 people should pause and take breath that
 parties should see which way they are drifting
 What is the result of all this agitation? ]
 will not mention it's name | am sick of this negro question sick to the very heart and
 would to God that we could go back to the
 days when our forefathers lived together 1T