Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1872-08-08

harmony that he was willing to fight
upon that issue at any time.
In public affairs Mr.. Ciay's policy was !
that of concession and compromise. 1t
may be doubted, however, whether the
effects of his efforts ir that way were as
salutary and beneficial as they we're in |
the adjustment of quarrels. They |
tended to the postponement of evil con-
sequences rather than their final pre-
vention. They were temporary in effect, |
allaying discomfort and uneasiness for
the moment, but which generally be-
came more irritating and dangerous
from the lapse of time. The Missouri
Compromise was measure of that
character. The truce between the
North and South was 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
juries, 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 a 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 lS4S 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
res ources 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 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 C. Wright and Judge Burnett, of
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
practiced 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 as to those of any other
statesman. The Texas question was
then looming threateningly in the dis
lance, and, as disturbing force in the
; Presidential field, required delicate
handling. There were other points, too
upon which heavy decision might have
have a disastrous effect. Mr.. Wrigh
said that Judge Burnett and himsel
desired simply to make such suggestion
as were demanded by the circumstance
of the case, and to see if they could re
ceive the acquiescence of Mr.. Clay. H
met them as they approached his house
greeting them in his usual hearty way
: expressing himself gratified at the visit
3. The moment the salutations were over
+. Mr.. Cay said, Wright, know wha
you have come for you want to tax
, me into keeping, as you did Harrison.
Q mot at ALL" said Wright. W
came down to talk over the plan of tn
campaign, and specially to consider ho'
!. this Texas matter is to be treated"
|. 81 intend to conduct the campaig
O myself retorted Mr.. Clay. alt sha
e never be charged upon me that am i
e the hands of committee. l will nc
d surrender my independence, or subm
4 to be guided by anybody"
# "Then all have to say is, that II
sorry we took the trouble to come dow
# You will manage your affairs in you
e own way, of course; and as sure as yo
,. are alive, SO surely will you be defeate
~ next November"
Then l Il go down with my colo
r. flying. Wright, you are a prophet
5. evil. But you don't alarm me. Let l
re have drop of Bourbon, and considt
IT the matter settled"
70 The final struggle took place in tn
E. Philadelphia Convention. There was
d protracted contest. Mr.. Clay's frient
% made desperate stand in his behal
,e knowing itto be his last chance. II
ID nomination was resisted with gre
le vigor and determination, especially
c. gentlemen who had smarted under tt
r. lash which he wielded so unsparing
is in Congress. And when Gen. Tayl