The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1872-08-09

in progress. II he could not be couhteu
in, he always came forward with com,
promise. He was so fond of peace and
harmony that he was willing to hight
upon that issue at any time.
In public affairs Mr.. Gays policy was
that of concession and compromise. 1t
NAV be doubted, however, whether the
effects of his efforts in that way were as
salutary and beneficial as they were In
the adjustment of quarrels. They
tended 10 the pOstponement oil evll con-
sequences rather than their hnal pre-
yentlon. They were temporary in effect,
aUayinp discomfort and uneasiness for
the moment, but which generally be
came more irritating and dangerous
from the lapse of time The Missouri
| COMPROMISE was a measure OF that
character. The truce between the
| North and South was a hollow one, and
when hostilities were renewed the quar-
rel was more bitter than ever. The
graduated tariff of 1882 was the work of
Mr.. Clay. 1t was constructed on the
principle so often adopted by petit
iuries, of splitting the difference, leav.
ing parties litigant dissatisfied and
ready TO reopen the case at the first OPP
portunity. The compromise of the
| slavery controversy in 1850 was tenn
porary expedient postpoing rupture,
| the conflicting forces, meantime, getting
more and more eXasperated, and finally
the great struggle of 1861 being the ulti-
mate consequence. Wise craftsmanship
| looks TO the eradication of existing
evils; empiricism seeks merely to put
off the evil day.
The defeat of Mr.. Clay at the Phila.
delphia Convention in lS48 was the cul.
mination of his chagrin, modification,
and wrath at the final overthrow of all
his schemes of ambition. He aspired
to the Presidency with a degree of
solicitude and anxiety that finally be-
came passionate longing. He was an
enthusiastic, sanguine man, confident
in his own powers, and clear and de.
cided in his convictions. He was not
amenable to counsel or advice, nor did
he ever receive contradiction graciously.
That he was patriotic and conscientious
in his public life | have no more doubt
than that he was strictly honest and
faithful in all his private relations. He
wished to be President for many rea-
sons. He was certain that his theory of
the policy OF the Government was in.
dispensable to the development of the
resources of the country and the mate
rial prosperity Of the people. Then he
had the strongest desire to crafty and
reward his friends, and at the same
time punish his enemies. His defeat in
the National Convention at Harrisburg
was a grievous disappointment. Then
the disastrous termination of the cam
paign of 1874 bore heavily upon him,
and the infelicity of the situation was
aggravated by the consciousness that he
owed his defeat largely to his self-con-
ceit, obstinacy, and contemptuous rejec.
ton of the advice of judicious friends.
Soon after the nomination Of Mr.. Clay,
John G. Wright and Judge Burnett, of
Cincinnati, visited Ashland with view
of comforting with Mr.. Clay in regard to
the most eligible mode of conducting
the campaign. Mr.: Wright, from whom
| had the particulars of the interview,
was gentleman of great astuteness, a
practice1 political manager, and under
stood the temper and feelings of the
people as well as any man in the coun.
try. He had served many years in Con
gress with Mr.. Clay, and was held by
him in the highest esteem. Their pleas.
ant relations might have been disturbed
by the confidential intimacy that had
subsisted between Gen. Harrison and
Mr.. Wright; but Mr.. Clay appreciated
the ability and good faith of Mr.. Wright,
and was as likely to listen patiently to
his suggestions a. TO those Of any other
statesman. The Texas question was
then looming threateningly in the dis
lance, and, as a disturbing force in the
Presidential field, required delicate
handling. There were other points, too,
upon which a heavy decision might have
have a disastrous effect. Mr.. Wright
said that Judge Burnett and himself
dies red simply to make such suggestions
a. were demanded by the circums tances
OF the case, and TO see If they could re-
ceive the acquiescence of Mr.. Clay. He
met them as they approached his house,
! greeting them in his usual hearty way,
expressing himself gratified at the visit.
! The moment the salutations were over,
Mr.. Clay said, Wright, know what
you have come for you want 10 take
me into keeping, as you did Harrison. :"
" Not at ALL said Wright. We
came down TO talk over the plan of the
campaign, and specially to consider how
this Texas matter is to be treated
O. intend TO conduct the campaign
myself" retorted Mr.. Clay. I" 1t shall
never be charged upon me that am in
the hands Of committee. | will not
surrender my independence, or submit
to be guided by anybody
"Then all / have to say is, that I'm
sorry we took the trouble to come down.
You will manage your affairs in your
own way, of course; and as sure as you
are alive, 50 surely will you be defeated
next November
Then | Ii 60 down with my colors
flying. Wright, you are prophet OF
evil. But you don't alarm me. Let us
have drop of Bourbon, and consider
the matter settled"
The final struggle took place in the
Philadelphia Convention. There was a
protracted contest. Mr.. Clay's friends
made desperate stand in his behalf,
knowing it to be his last chance. His
nomination was resisted with great
vigor and determination, especially by
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