Newbern weekly progress., 1859-07-26
ELoqUENcE OF HENRY .CLAY..

Whoever heard My Clay for the first time, was
almost certain to be, delighted with him, without
his oratory that defed analysis, and rendered So
Der criticism well-rligh impossi bic You went
away too we'll pleased, and too full of admiration
| for the man to think of asking how he had man
aged for the last hour to put you in arage at one
moment, and make you laugh and cry the next, at
will. There was something about him different
from any other speaker | ever heard. Webster
was like steam engine for concentrated power
and the rush and roar of his assault upon an e1ie
my, sort of human volcano, W hen the fires We're
kindled in those cavernoUts eyes, and he poured
forth torrent of burning words scorchng and
scathing all before it. Calhoun was the very ge-
Mus of abstract reasoning, calmly and deliberately
adding link after link to the iron chain of his logic
till the hearer fell down. at the end bound hand,
and foot in the unyieding meshes of an irressti-
BILE necessity. But Clay-when he mounted the
rostrum a universal smile illuminated men faces
and they looked at one another with expression
which said palmer than words, Glad to see YOU
up, Mr.. Clay. Begone dull care We're going to-
have good time. This heavy work is at
last. Business done-now comes pleasurcs.''-
CLAY said General Jackson, in the writer's hear
ing lis the most plausible speaker that OPEN
ed his mouth in public assembly. Hyor-listen
to him he will make you believe any thing he
pleases." This, from an enemy was not meant
for praise, but 70 the fact old Hickory was per-
fectly competent to testify.
''Husc Mr.. Clay is going to address the Jury"
looked at those two gentlemen with IN
terest, for fellow-beng trial before them,
for his life, accused of a most atreeioas murder
Heavy, substantial-looking citizens they were
rather dun, thought, and about as likely to be
moved by an appeal to their feelings as the stall
actites in the Mammoth Cave. As Efr. Clay com
menced, friend whispered in my ear, THAT viii
lian ought to be hung, but he's got a wife and
child, and his old mother is here in court and
that's enough for Clay, he'll have the jury blubber
ing in less than half an hour l doubted it. but
it Those great hulking fellows were sob
bing and mopping their faces over the sorrows of
the prisoners family as depicted by the speaker
though they themselves had just lost their dear
est friend. Even the court blew its nose vigur-
oulsly, fer Feasoa, daring the appeal III be-
half of the old woman, and although perfectly
convinced that l ''sold'' III 50 doing, | could
not resist the epidemic. and sighed and sob5el1n
concert with the bench, bar jury, ana spectators
1t IS needless to add that the prisoner was acquit
ted.
Several years ago while in the vicinity of Ash
land, called upon Mr.. Clay. He absent from
home, attending fair in the neighborflood. Being
tIesirqas of an is1tervie,, 10 We'd hi
grounds and finding him just about to address, ft =
multitude, took a seat among them. Directly in 4
front ofme sat two ladies. One of them appeared to
be in il-humor for some reason, an,! I
heard the pctulant remark '' don't want te hear
Clay. Wonder if nobody in keHt@ck can't make
aEspeech but him. Ny husband is a Democrat
Mr.. Clay proceeded. and having occasion to rcfcy
to the domestic articles exhibition paid the
ladies present some very high compliments upon
their skill and industry, and in allusion to the
BEAUTY and good qualities Of his fair country-wo-
men generally, said that with regard to them, as
well other fine fabrics, his preference was for
domestic manufactures, instead of foreign imports
The mingled air of Gallantry ssnd dre4ery ef tEae
speaker III this part of his address the kalfjcst
and Iaif-earncst of his manner, the wit, and ancc-
dote, and the pathos, as he alluded to his own ad
vancing years, and increasing lnfrmitcs, were
inimitable and irresistible. ] looked at the Dem
ocrats wife. 1t was plain that her efforts to hate
Clay had ended in miserable failure. She had
been laughing and crying like the rest of us, and
after the tumultuous applause which followed the
close of the address had subsidized, was surprised
to hear her say to her female companion, Jane,
it's use-not liking him because he's Wing, is
to give him my blankets :-Eraagclist.