Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-02-29
PUGNACIFY OF HENRY CLAY

Some of the most conspicuous Wings in
| Congress, becoming Disconnected with Mr..
Clay's imperious bearing and his determi-
nation to push extreme measures, agreed
to meet at Gen. SCOTS rooms at tie Hope
Club for consultation. Mr.. Clay was not
invited to attend, nor was he apprised that
the meeting was to be held; but late in the
evening the fact came to his knowledge.
Returning from whist party at BOdisco's,
he knocked at SCOTS quarters, and was
ushered into the room where the gentlemen
were sitting. A hawk in dOve-cot could
not have created greater consterna-
ton. He remained standing, declining
proffered chair. CHANGING from one part Of
the room to the other, and glOwering at
everybody present, he exclaimed in loud
voice. "Treasonl treason! and in the mid
die Of the night. Play fair, Scott, play
fair" And be stalked away, paying no at
tention to the attempts at explanation or
the denials that anything secret or unfair
was intended. Subsequently he was per-
suaded that the only object Of the meeting
was to consult upon the situation, and see
if anything could be decided to promote
harmony in the party and avert the peril
impending.
Mr.. Clay never forgave the gentlemen
who were instrumental in procuring the
nomination of Harrison. He was conf
dent that he could have been elected by
large majority, and always distrusted the
fidelity of such of his friends as had acqui-
esced in the selection of his rival. He was
sore toward Scott, and often expressed him
self in terms of contempt and derision
when the Generals name was mentioned.
A hvr Maanrnh W Q
largely attended by the most distinguished
gentlemen in Washington. Mr.. Clay came
in at a late hour, leaning on the arm of
Senator Mangum. AS he entered the
room his attention was attracted to whist
table that happened to be made up OF poll
ticians understood to be especially friendly
to Webster and Scott. Among them were
Edward Curtis, George Evans, and Ogden
Hoffman. Mr.. Clay had been dining with
a party of friends, and was not in the most
placid frame Of mind. Approaching these
gentlemen, he broke out upon them as fol-
lows: "YOu manufacturers of public opin-
ion-you makers of Presidents, who as
sumo to control all mankind-whatmi mischief
are you now hatchiDg?" He spoke in
loud tone, and was heard all over the
room. Gen. Scott came up at the mo-
ment, and Mr., Clay turned upon him, &C
costing him in a sneering and insulting
tone: "And here's the redoubtable Gen
eral himself. He was fool enough to sup
pose that he could be made President of
the United States,' at the same time put
ting his hand not in the most gentle man
ner on Scott's shoulder. The General,
q tie perturbed, shrank from the contact,
remarking, "You forgot that is my wound
ed arm" "You are rotten all over" was
the reply. Mr.. Mangum led Mr.. Clay from
the room, and there the affair ended for the
time. Some correspondence ensued, and
serious consequences were apprehended.
But friends interposed, and Mr.. Clay, who
was capable of magnaminous concession
when conscious of being in the wrong,
made a satisfactory apoiog.-"SuggestiOAs
of the Past" in The GALAXY for March.