Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1860-04-18
FOR GOVERNOR,
HENRY D. FOSTER,
OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
HENRY CLAY.

Last Thursday was the birthday OF the
illustrious Patriot and Statesman, Henry
Clay. We are pleased to learn that the day
was celebrated in an appropriate manner by
the erection of three Statues of the F'great
Tribune;" one in Richmond, Virginia, one in
his own loved Kentucky, and one in New
Orleans In Richmond an immense crowd
attended the Inauguration of the Statue. and
an eloquen. aud impressive address was de-
livered by Ex-Governor Barbour.
Whatever differences of opinion may exist
in the minds of the American people with re-
gard to the wisdom of certain measures advo-
Gated by Mr.. Clay during his career as
public man, VIC think all are now willing to
concede that he was great and patriotic
Statesman, and that he loved his country with
all the fervor of Washington or a Jefferson.
That he was wrong in his advocacy of Ma
tional Bank aud many other measures, we do
not entertain doubt But he did not think
SO. He believed that he was advocating mea-
sures calculated to preserve the liberty aud
promote the happiness and prosperity of his
country If he erred it was his judgment
and not his heart that was to blame. Devo-
ton TO the Union of the States, is after all
the true test of American patriotism. The
man who thinks or speaks lightly of that
Union, may be an eloquent orator, profound
and logical reasoner, but he is not patriot
Dir. Clay was It's fast aud devoted friend du-
ring the long period he was member of the
Federal Senate and House Of Representatives.,
end his love for it ceased only with his life.
In 1920 he may be truly said to have saved it
from dissolution, by procuring the passage Of
the famous measure known as the Missouri
Compromise. During the Modification
difficulties in South Carolina, although politi-
cally hostile to the administration of General
jackson, he with the ilustrious Webster
cheerfully leant the hero of New Orleans &
helping hand in his efforts to put down the re-
bellion, and restore confidence and tranquility
to the country. IL 1850 when the Unior
was once more "beleagured and in danger,
he voluntarily came forth from the home tt
which he had retired years before, with tht
intention of spending there the remainder of hi
days in peace and tranquility, and occupied
seat once more in the U. S. Senate His sol,
and only object in appearing once more il
public life was to avert, if possible. the fearful
storm then too evidently coming on. And il
this he was successful The compromis
measures of 1850 will stand forever as monu
ments of lis great abilities as Statesman ant
bio rr,ra opd Iof.-y Tho Il. =
the Union must and ever will reverence hi
name. 1t would be well for the country
such me1 as Seward, Hale and Greely woul
initiate the illustrious example he has Sc
them. Bat it is vain to hope they will eve
do so.
Governor Barbour in his address at Rich
mond very truly remarked that Mr. Cla
committed the great error of his public life
when he accepted Office under the admins
tration of Mr.. Adams. He thereby strength
ened and gave character to charge that b
had entered into dishonorable arrangement
to defeat Gen. jackson and elect Dir. Adams
We presume 10 one at the present day be
lieves that the charge vas true. But th
fact of his accepting the post of Secretary {
State under MIR. Adams caused many even
his friends to believe it, and his popularit
with the people received blow from whic
it never fully recovered. The worst trea
ment he ever received at the bands of th
Wing party was in 1910, when they refuse
to accept him as their standard bearer in th
contest for the Presidency. If nominated b
would have been elected, and in all prob.