Daily Richmond Whig

Richmond Whig

THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 12, 1830.

HENRY CLAY

From the Cincinnati American of August 2, we subjoin a narrative of the spontaneous distinguished honors rendered the 'great commoner' from his arrival at the Yellow Springs, to his arrival at Cincinnati.

Our contemporary will perceive, that Mr. Clay did not seek these honors—that he was literally forced to 'eat' and to speak—that the people (not the office holders) would 'not suffer Mr. Clay to be the master of his own movements.' To be serious—we know of our personal knowledge—that Mr. Clay has not sought the notoriety which his friends have forced upon him—that their solicitude to make reparation to his wounded feelings, by this testimony of their confidence and admiration, while it was kindly appreciated, was painful to him—that he earnestly desired peace and retirement—that he has rejected innumerable invitations eagerly pressed upon him—and that where he has yielded, it was the result of a species of necessity which left him no alternatives between compliance and offence.

Were it otherwise—instead of avoiding, did he seek like others, the honours which spontaneously flow in upon him—his peculiar situation makes his defence. Baited for years—the universal target for the arrows of every hireling scribbler, every Tyro in Politics, and every calculating seeker of office, who knew that to abuse him was the high way to the bowels of the Treasury, the surest of all possible means to win the smiles of him who claimed the 'fire side' privilege of slandering his competitors—assailed in and out of Congress, and debarred by decorum, the exercise of the right of self defence for four years—would it be remarkable, or unnatural, or indecorous or criminal, had Mr. Clay sought every opportunity to repel the calumnies of his enemies?

His progress through the State of Ohio, resembles that of our great benefactor La Fayette, through the U. S. No prompting, no drilling, no persuading, are necessary to embody the population. Everywhere they spontaneously assemble to meet him, and to express their eloquent gratitude for his services in the great cause of human Liberty, and their indignation at the wrongs and persecutions so basely inflicted, so magnanimously sustained. Even the women and children partake of the universal enthusiasm, and in many instances, the supporters of the administration surrender their prejudices, and fall into the great current of popular feeling.

Before this mighty tempest of popularity, the administration is drifting, without a hold upon the judgment or affections of the people.

'Let Monarchs quake, they've cause to fear
Let Tyrants know their end is near.'

From the Cincinnati American of Aug. 2.

FROM THE SENIOR EDITOR.

Hamilton, Friday noon,

July 30th.

HONORS TO MR. CLAY.

At The Yellow Springs

Mr. Clay arrived at this delightful watering place on Saturday the 24th ult. where he remained until the morning of the 28th. It being understood that it was his desire to avoid as much as possible all public parade, and especially to avoid public dinners, no formal invitation to a dinner was given him at that place. The people, however, would not suffer Mr. Clay to be master of his own movements. On Tuesday morning they began to collect, and by the usual dinner hour, between three and four hundred persons had assembled to pay their respects to the great Western Statesman. A few of the number, at the request of the rest, got together and framed several toasts, and Mr. Mills, (the proprietor of the 'Springs) was compelled to lengthen his table from time to time, as the company arrived. At 3 o'clock one hundred and ninety-five persons sat down to the first table, to the exclusion of nearly as many more. Thirty or forty ladies at the table gave a highly additional interest to the scene.

General Whiteman, assisted by Col. Dougherty, presided, and Mr. O. Farnsworth, assisted by Jos. S. Benham Esq. acted as Vice President. The subjoined toasts were drunk. When the 7th toast was announced, a highly inspiring scene ensued;—cheers, and other ardent manifestations of approbation made the 'welkin ring,' and pleasure glistened in every eye. After the noise had subsided, Mr. Clay rose, and addressed the company in a truly eloquent strain for about half an hour; the end of almost every sentence he was interrupted by the plaudits of the company, and he sat down amidst enthusiastic cheers.

In the course of his excellent speech, he drew copious tears from the ladies as well as from many of the gentlemen. He was quite indisposed on that day, and spoke with great reluctance. It was with much difficulty his friends could prevail upon him to say anything, and what remarks he did make, were principally of an apologetical character. Among other things, he spoke of the nullification doctrine with irresistible power, and concluded by giving the following toast:

The Union—Its laws paramount—its bond unbroken but by the common consent of its members.

TOASTS.

1. The National Government—Paternal in its character. The people formed it, not to foster sectional monopoly, but to extend its parental protection equally to all.—It cannot be stripped of its power to do good without making it valueless—

2. The people of the West, Bound together by a common interest—in 1828, they were divided by a preference for men: in 1832, sound principles and a regard for the common good will unite them.

3. Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce. Necessary to and mutual aids of each other. No public policy can be founded in wisdom that does not afford them a just and liberal support.

4. The Executive Veto—Useful as a check to an intemperate Legislature; dangerous when employed to defeat the will of the people.

5. Common Schools—By disseminating intelligence among the people they add to their moral energies, and give renewed ardour to the spirit of Freedom.

6. The Social and Festive Board—It offers a joyous occasion to make and renew acquaintances, and to exchange sentiments.

7. H. Clay—Honest, capable, faithful to the Constitution.

8. The Yellow Springs—A retreat from the bustle of business and pursuits of interest, where the citizen of the west may annually meet and by social intercourse and commingling of sentiment, fix a character for patriotism and virtue.

[After Mr. Clay and the ladies had retired, the following volunteer toasts were drunk. When Mr. Clay left the room, the company gave him three cheers.

By Oliver Farnsworth. The Indian Bill—Unparalleled ingratitude to the rightful proprietors of the soil.

By Col. Stibbens. Henry Clay—He will live down the judgments of ignorance, and the calumnies of malice.

By Henry Bacon, Esq. The American System—It shall survive the assaults of its enemies, and its authors shall be regarded as having published to the world, the second volume of their country's independence.

By J. F. Conover. The State of Ohio.—Rich in intellectual as well as physical resources, she will be found in 1832 true to western interests, and a faithful ally of Kentucky.

By Dr. Baskerville. Men are mortal—when sweetened by intelligence, ennobled by virtue, and hallowed by patriotism, they will all turn to CLAY.

By Mr. J. Baker. Henry Clay—For thirty years the defender of our country's rights—May a kind providence preserve his health and life, to consummate the grand and patriotic projects in which he has performed so conspicuous a part.

By Mr. O. Farnsworth, Vice President. The good ship America—She has been recently wrecked by Executive vetoes in a violent gale from the South,—but her patriotic crew will thoroughly repair her in 1832, with a strong cement of the purest western CLAY.

By C. L. Merrick. Our Federal Union. It can be perpetuated only by the extension of Roads, Canals, and Home Industry.

By Mr. Thos. A. Jones. The next Presidential Election—The sons of the West will then evince their approbation of the talents and services of the able supporter of the American System, by an overwhelming majority of their votes.

By a Guest. The State of Ohio—Although the third in population, may she rank first in patriotism, improvement, intelligence and education.

By Stephen Fales, Esq. Daniel Webster.

By Mr. B. W. Higbee. The sons of Kentucky—Brave, hospitable, and generous—although at one time politically wrong, they will on the 4th of March, 1833, prove to the world that Kentucky is herself again.

A variety of other volunteers were given, which I have not been able to obtain.

On the evening previous to the dinner, Mr. Farnsworth, who resides within a few hundred yards of the Springs, and has a very handsome and rural situation, gave a party to Mr. Clay, and invited nearly all of the ladies and gentlemen at that place. The extensive yard of Mr. Farnsworth, filled with shrubbery, was elegantly illuminated, and over the gate-way was erected a large transparency bearing the motto, in front and rear, 'Henry Clay and the American System' and on each end, 'Fourth of March, 1833.'—The cottage of Mr. F. was covered with wreaths of evergreen, and a table filled with Champagne and other wines occupied a place in one corner of the yard. The night was clear and pleasant, and the whole scene was highly picturesque, and eminently beautiful.

On Wednesday morning, Mr. Clay left the Springs for Dayton, in company with several escort carriages filled with gentlemen. Three or four miles from Dayton, he was met by about one hundred and twenty gentlemen on horseback, and seven or eight carriages crowded with citizens. The horsemen formed in front of Mr. Clay's barouche, and the carriages took their station in the rear, in which order the whole proceeded to the town. On Mr. C.'s arrival at the Canal Basin, the citizens commenced firing a national salute, and as he proceeded through the town the streets were thronged with men and boys, the latter constantly vociferating 'Huzza for Henry Clay.' Even the cannon seemed to catch the sound, and reiterate in a voice of thunder 'Huzza for Henry Clay.' A large concourse of people had assembled at the hotel, to see him, and welcome him.

While at the Springs, a Committee appointed by the citizens of Dayton waited on Mr. Clay with an invitation for him to partake of a public dinner, which he politely declined. The citizens, however, were determined to draw a speech from him, and they therefore prepared a few toasts which were drunk at the table. Mr. Clay sat down to the dinner like any other gentleman, yet it was a quasi public dinner.—Two or three hundred persons had collected to partake of it, but the table was sufficiently large to accommodate only about one hundred persons, at a time.

All these preparations and all these honors were entirely unexpected and unsought by Mr. Clay. Indeed, he everything he could to repress the enthusiasm and attentions of the people, that was consistent with politeness and propriety. But the people would not suffer him to travel as he wished. See and converse with him they must, and see and converse with him they would.

The subjoined toasts were drunk at the dinner at Dayton. When the one complimentary to Mr. Clay was read, the most enthusiastic demonstrations of the people's affection ensued. The applause continued long and loud. After the noise had subsided, Mr. Clay rose and addressed the company for one hour and five minutes, in his very happiest strain of overpowering eloquence. At the end of almost every sentence, he was interrupted with the most heartfelt cheers, and cries of 'bravo.' In the peroration of his speech, he spoke most eloquently of Col. Patterson, one of the pioneers of the West, and who had distinguished himself, not only in the Legislature of Kentucky, but in his numerous and brave conflicts with the savages. Col. Patterson had, a few years ago, removed to Dayton, and his remains now repose in the grave-yard of that town, his memory covered with laurels. Mr. C., after paying a handsome tribute to his talents and services, and stating that he was a long tried personal friend, concluded by giving the following toast:

The memory of the late Col. R. Patterson.

When Mr. Clay left the table the company gave him three cheers. During the whole time he was speaking the room was literally crammed with people. No steam bath could be more efficacious in producing a free perspiration than the air of that apartment during the time Mr. C. was speaking.

The gentlemen of Dayton distinguished themselves by their attention and politeness, not only to Mr. Clay, but to the gentlemen strangers who were attracted there by Mr. C.'s visit. The dinner table being entirely too small to accommodate more than a minor portion of the crowd at one time, nearly all the citizens of the town relinquished their seats to the strangers—whilst the resident gentlemen gave their personal attentions to the Company at the table.

TOASTS.

1. The Constitution of the United States: The embodied wisdom of the Nation, which has secured the freedom of one portion of our hemisphere, and promulgated those principles which have emancipated the other.

2. The Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road—and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal:—two additional bonds of Eastern and Western Union.

3. The town of Dayton, with a population almost doubled in two years, through the influence of Internal Improvement. The citizens know how to appreciate the system and its friends.

4. Henry Clay. As the friends and enemies of the American System connect it with his name.

5. The Union: The work of freemen,—it must be preserved by the practice of virtue, by justice, by moderation, by magnanimity, by greatness of soul, and by a watchful and steady eye to the purity of our public institutions.

On Wednesday evening Judge Steele gave a party to Mr. Clay, to afford the ladies of the town an opportunity of being introduced to him. The residence of Judge Steele is singularly beautiful, and completely exhibits the 'rus in urbe.' The variety of shrubbery in his front yard was brilliantly illuminated, and the whole scene was one of captivating interest. Nearly all the ladies and gentlemen of the town were there, and anxiously pressed round Mr. Clay to shake his hand and listen to his pleasing conversation. A splendid meteor which passed over the town about ten o'clock, permitted the idea that nature had purposely contributed to give additional interest to the scene.
At sunrise on Thursday morning, Mr. Clay left Dayton under the escort of several citizens on horseback and a carriage filled with gentlemen. He proceeded to Miamisburg to breakfast—but, notwithstanding he had endeavored to keep the time of his arrival secret, he was met two or three miles from that small town by a number of gentlemen on horseback. During Mr. Clay's stay (about an hour) at this place, a large number of the citizens called to see him. On his departure he was again accompanied by a company of gentlemen on horseback for several miles, when at the urgent request of Mr. Clay, owing to the excessive heat, the Miamisburg escort returned. Mr. Clay was yet escorted by five gentlemen who had accompanied him from the Springs, in a carriage; but scarce had the horsemen from Miamisburg left him, when he was met by about thirty gentlemen on horseback from Franklin. When he arrived at Franklin, a large crowd had assembled to see him, and after receiving the congratulations of the people, he proceeded upon his journey, accompanied by an additional number of mounted gentlemen as far as Middletown, where he dined. Here a very large concourse of people soon assembled to honor him, although it was not previously known when he would be there. At this place he was met by a large escort from Hamilton, and immediately after dinner, with the Hamilton escort and several gentlemen on horseback from Middletown he proceeded to Hamilton. At several of the towns through which Mr. Clay passed the people anticipated him in discharging his tavern bills.

While I am writing the people are flocking to this place (Hamilton) to see Mr. Clay, from all parts of the country. Mr. C. some days ago refused a formal invitation to a public Dinner by the people of this town; yet in the public square I perceive an extensive set of dining tables spread out, and the people will compel him to dine with them at three o'clock this day. Perhaps before the publication of our next paper I shall be able to give you further particulars relative to the dinner here.

To-morrow Mr. Clay leaves Hamilton for Cincinnati and will arrive there in the afternoon. At nearly all the villages he has passed through, the people have urged him to stop and partake of their hospitality. You have no idea of the constant and gratifying attentions he is receiving. Mr. Clay has no time he can call his own. He is really almost worn down with the excessive kindness of the people.

FURTHER HONORS TO MR. CLAY

At Hamilton. Having related above Mr. Clay's progress to the town of Hamilton, 25 miles from this city, we shall proceed to give an account of the elegant collation given at that place.

The Committee of Arrangements had prepared tables of sufficient length to accommodate only two hundred and thirty persons, which number sat down to the first repast. Had there been room at the tables probably twice that number would have joined the party. There was an immense crowd of persons standing round the tables during the whole entertainment. The tables were elegantly arranged by Mr. Blair, under an arbour in the public square, immediately by the side of the Court House. The number of persons to whom Mr. Clay spoke when the toast complimentary to himself was drunk, was variously estimated at from a thousand to fifteen hundred persons, among whom was a goodly number of Jacksonians. He was continually interrupted in the course of his remarks, by cheers and other plaudits. All seemed to be highly delighted. The side of the Court House next to where Mr. C. spoke was crowded with ladies. When he resumed his seat, the company gave him three cheers, as they did also when the toast in honor of him was drunk. The subjoined excellent toasts were drunk on that occasion. Mr. C. concluded his remarks, which occupied more than an hour in their delivery, by giving the following sentiment.

By H. Clay. The Union: Any just sacrifice, to strengthen and preserve it—No concession to impotent threats, to dissolve it.

TOASTS.

1. Our country, our country's interest, and our country's friends. Party spirit may, at times, with 'venomed tooth,' assail them: but the people will never forget, that our country, her interest and her friends, can never be separated.

2. Agriculture, Commerce and Manufactures: A web woven by farmers, sailors and mechanics—of a texture indestructible, and everlasting in duration.

3. Freedom of Election: The political glory of our country. The right to think, the right to speak and the right to act, are derived from the God of Nature, and secured to us by the Constitution of our country. Let us exercise them in such manner as may best promote the general good.

4. Internal Improvements: May the work go bravely on, until the Union—the whole Union—will act, as one body, with an impulse simultaneous.

5. The People of the United States: May an unity of interest—an unity of feeling—an unity of purpose, and an unity of brotherly love unite all in their attachment to the Union, and convince all, that 'United we stand—divided we fall.'

6. Anti-Tariff and Nullification. When men are determined to believe, the very absurdity of the doctrine appears to confirm them in their delusions—While we are republicans, majorities must govern.

7. Internal improvements and protection to manufactures: Objects within the constitutional powers of the General Government. The strong pillars which support 'the American System,' and give perpetuity to our Independence.

8. Common Schools: better defences against despotism than Bayonets. By an efficient system of education, our Liberty and Union will be eternal.

9. National Rights and State Rights: May they never be brought into collision; but each be preserved inviolate.

10. Our Guest, Henry Clay: His able and efficient efforts to establish Universal Liberty, and his untiring zeal in the cause of Internal Improvement and Domestic Manufactures, are equalled, only, by his unbounded philanthropy and ingenuous urbanity of deportment. His name is proudly identified with the Independence and Glory of his Country.

11. Daniel Webster and Edward Livingston—the Northern and Southern advocates of the Constitution and the Union of the States—Divided as to men, but United in their Herculean efforts to give stability and perpetual duration to the true principles of our Government.

12. The Valley of the Miami: Her fertile soil and abundant water power, under the protection of 'the American System,' point it out as the great Manufacturing Workshop of the West.

13. Our country, first, and last,—right, or wrong—No matter who's in office, or who is out: still, Our Country—with all her faults, Our country still!

On the evening of the same day, Mr. Woods gave Mr. Clay a splendid party, at which nearly all the ladies and gentlemen of the town attended. The party was very large, & the entertainment truly elegant. The trees and shrubbery in front & rear of Mr. Woods' dwelling were brilliantly illuminated. On the following morning, after an early breakfast, Mr. Clay, in company with the five gentlemen who had escorted him from the Yellow Springs, proceeded on his journey to Cincinnati. The people of Hamilton did not, however, suffer him to depart without paying his expenses, as also those of his escort. Upon this subject, they would listen to no objections, although it was permitted with great reluctance, both by Mr. C. and his escort.

At half past one o'clock, Mr. Clay arrived at the house of his friend Major Clarkson, four miles from this city, where he had been invited to take dinner, and where, the Committee had arranged, the escort from Cincinnati should meet him.—Major Clarkson had invited about thirty of Mr. Clay's personal friends to meet him there and dine with him. The hospitality of Major Clarkson was lavishly displayed. His entertainment was truly sumptuous and elegant.

ARRIVAL OF THE CINCINNATI ESCORT

While at dinner, the escort from Cincinnati, under the management of the Committee of Arrangements, arrived. Mr. Clay immediately rose from the table, to meet the escort. The whole were formed into a circle, and Mr. Clay was addressed, in behalf of the citizens of Cincinnati, that were with the Committee of Arrangements in feeling, by William Green, Esq. in a short, though very eloquent and appropriate speech, and concluded by bidding Mr. Clay a most cordial welcome to our city. Mr. Clay responded in a few laconic and highly impressive remarks, and concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks for the kindness and attentions of his friends and fellow-citizens.

The procession was now formed under the command of Colonel Cann, Grand Marshal, assisted by Colonel Borpen. A large number of gentlemen on horseback led the way, in double file. Mr. Clay, with two of his friends, in his barouche—the last surrounded by the Committee of Arrangements—followed next. The escort carriage, (which had continued with Mr. C. from the Springs,) next. Then, the remaining gentlemen on horseback. And, lastly, the several carriages.—In this manner, the whole proceeded to the city; then down Main to Front Street; up Front, to Cromwell's Hotel, where rooms were provided for Mr. Clay. Here he alighted, and took his station in the drawing-room of the Hotel, where immense crowds of people flocked around him until late in the evening. Every door and window of the houses by which the procession passed, were thronged.

The escort was composed of three hundred and one persons on horseback, and twenty seven carriages, averaging about five persons in each—making the whole number of persons in the escort about 430. Its length approximated, if it were not quite, three quarters of a mile in length. The whole was exclusively civic in its character; and we very much doubt whether such a civic escort, both in extent and respectability, was ever before witnessed in the U. States. Not a gun was fired, nor a bell rung, to congregate the people, or create a factitious excitement. All was the spontaneous flow of the affection of the people. Let it be remembered, too; that Mr. Clay has in no way courted these honors; but, on the contrary, has endeavored to repress them by every respectful means in his power. The people will not, however, suffer him to act as he desires. They say, he is the PEOPLE'S MAN, and he must, therefore, yield to their wishes. We may safely remark, that the annals of history furnish no example of such honors and such spontaneous exhibitions of the people's feeling, towards a private man,—a plain citizen farmer, without office or power.

Mr. Clay arrived at Cromwell's Hotel about 6 o'clock, on Saturday evening. The escort would doubtless have been much larger than it was, could horses have been procured. We understand that several offers as high as four and five dollars each, were made for the use of horses for the afternoon.

The contrast between the reception of Mr. Clay and that of the President of the United States, on his late visit to this city, was singularly, and, (to our friends) triumphantly striking.

Mr. Clay attended Divine Service, at the Second Presbyterian Church, on yesterday morning.