Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-04-14
Gov, FOote on Henry CLAY.

Gov FooTE, now in the Opposition, is making
speeches in various portions Of this State, to audi
ences composed in great part of the old fiends and
political associates of HENRY Clay Gov. FoOTE
is indeed, great favorite with such politicians
Col MoMAHoE of the Bulletin, and other old wings
now acting with the Know NOthings. Read what
this same Gov. F. said 1.-THE great whig leader and
his compromise measures, in the Senate of the
United States.
ssA short time since the Freesoilers Of Ohio and
believe Of several other States, held convention ct
Cleveland, at which they adopted resolutions more
Objectionable to the South than any which had ans
tecedently appeared committee of this cenven~
ton wrote letter to the honorable Senator from
Kentucky 10 which he replied, approving fully the
objects Of their assemblsge, and giving his assent
to their general doctrines. Such was the predica
nent of the honorable Senator when he came
among at this session and what has been his
course here Why, sir, feel bound TO admit that
the honorable Senator has been quite consistent.
His first important movement was the introduction
Of his resolutions of compromise. And what are
these resolutions? Why, one Of them is formally
declsrative Of the hated Wilmot provso principle
another brings in California ;another, by inevitable
implication, asserts the power Of Congress to abol
ish slavery in the District of Columbia another
proposes to abolish the slave trade il the District
of Columbia and all this is to be conceded by the
South without any compeDsating advantages what
ever | am certainly not great deal surprised
that such terms Of adjustment ihOuld have been
brought forward by the honorable Senator from
Kentucky taking into consideration the events of
his public life already referred to but shall GER
taialy always remain unable to perceive in his
resolutions any Of the features Of genuine CONS
promise.
: " And what sort of speech was that by which
these resolutions were accompanied? Why, sir,
undertake to say that there is in the senti-
ments and language Of that speech to mortify
Southern sensibIlites TO awaken dissatisfaction,
and to provoke resentment, too as well among all
who are not quite convinced as | am of the purity
Of the honorable Senator's motives than we ind in
any speech CT professsd abolitioniss, not except
ing even the far-famed Garrison, and Phillips, and
Douglass. Certainly no speech at all apprcXinst-
ing to this of the honorable Senator from Ken
lucky has been delivered before either House Of
Congress. l will not partieularize bnt am sure
that all who have read that speech will admit that
! l have done it but simple justice. Why, sir, a
! speech replete with offensive doctrine-so dog
NAUTICAL and overbearing in its tone-so mensong in
! its spirit, man but one possessing the moral
proves which so eminently distinguishes The hon
Orable Senator from Kentucky, could have been
able to enuucate. | am sure that the honorable
Senator from New York Mr.. Seward will never
dare TO deliver such speech here tue honorable
Senator from New Hampshire, Mr.. Hale, with al
that rhetorical heroism which he display ed among
the other day, would recoil from the utterance of
much that fell with an easy grace from the lips Of
the honorable Senator from Kentucky; and the
honorable gentleman from Ohio, Mr.. Chase, l am
confident is too moderate and forbearing in his tenn
per to deliver such philippe as this against
the whole system of domestic slavery, and against
the efforts of the Southern States of the Confedera
cy to protect themselves sglinst the menaced ag-
gressiODs Sir, l feel that other member Of the
Senate, besides the Senator from Kentucky, could
have pronounced such u speech in thu hearing Of
Southern men, without calling forth response full
of Indignation and aspery"