which is the proverbial blemish of obituaries and funeral discourses." We submit that in assigning to Mr. Clay the highest rank over all men "the world ever saw," he left open no door to criticism, but should have surrendered himself, if held to the letter of his declaration, to that "foaming chaos of eulogy," so graphically expressed immediately afterwards. wrote like one who felt certain of success. His an unwary relaxation of his pride. We will not first blunder, as we think, was in leaving his home multiply instances, nor prolong this discussion; in the spring and going to Washington at the very but we have said enough to show that Col. Mcmoment that the convention was to assemble. He Clung did not evince his usual caution and keen spoke for every crowd that called him out when penetration when declaring that "no man the propriety as well as policy dictated that he should world ever saw was equally great in every quality have been silent. He left the Southwest in April of intellect and in every walk of action" as Henry in a perfect ferment on the Texas question, and Clay. The remark any way considered, is startnever attempted to still or check the excitement lingly sweeping and illimitable, and is better in favor of annexation. As he neared the North-suited to the panegyrist than to one who tells us ern border his ears were filled with rumors that that he shall avoid that indiscriminate eulogy the East and North were rising with whirlwind violence to oppose annexation, and that Van Buren, his then prominent rival, had been forced to take a position adverse to the admission. By this time Mr. Clay had reached Raleigh, and there, without consultation with those at Washington, whose advice might have been available, and under the dictates of false notions of candor, he penned the letter that dimmed his last prospect for the Presiden- But Col. McClung does avoid the "proverbial cy. The democrats adroitly dropped Van Buren blemish" so elegantly deprecated, and, in the and took up a Texas candidate. We agree, it is course of his oration, shows himself to be a critic true, with the policy and sentiments of Mr. Clay's bold, penetrating, acute, and terribly just. AlTexas letter, but we insist that he was under no though presenting the character of Mr. Clay with necessity of writing it at the time he did, and a splendor that bids defiance to emulation, he yet without first consulting with friends at Washing- takes up his subject with a master's hand, and ton whose talents and influence were only second while "planting praise where it is due" is careful to his own. After his return to Ashland in June, to visit severe judgment where it belongs. As a it is known with what strange infatuation he went literary production this address approaches, in about answering letters to anybody on any sub- our opinion, very near to the point of excellence. ject, evincing an almost childish apprehension of For grandeur, and even magnificence of diction, being denounced as a "Mum" candidate, as Har- for graphic portraiture, for pathos, for perspicarison had been. His enemies laughed in their city, for sparkling comparison, and for occasional sleeves, and praised his candor; but they kept stirring eloquence, it will bear reading with any their candidate close and silent, like able party address prepared for a like occasion by the ablest tacticians. The pride of Mr. Clay had been smoth- and the greatest of our country. In tone and ered in his vanity, and all notions of that policy model it is entirely original. The style is terse, by which alone great party movements can be ef-unornate, and peremptory, but strikingly expresfected, were dispelled with a manner almost akin sive. Where there are so many passages to seto Quixotism. These conclusions are not ours lect as illustrative of what we ascribe, it is difficult alone. Numbers of Mr. Clay's best friends have to select at all. Still we must venture to transbeen heard to express similar sentiments, and to cribe some few disconnected sentences, that the wonder that one so majestic in intellect should reader may measure our judgment by the text. have been so unwarily seduced into unseasonable The following is the author's description of Mr. confidence and been guilty of such marvellous im-Clay as an orator:— prudencies. Now the pride of William Pitt could "As an orator he was brilliant and grand. None never be flattered nor bent, and his vanity, of of his contemporaries could so stir men's blood. which he had a full stock, was made of sterner None approached him in his mastery over the stuff. On both the occasions cited Mr. Clay had heart and imagination of his hearers. Of all the been beguiled of his good genius. True it is that gifts with which nature decks her favorites, not great men have been similarly robbed before, but the greatest or grandest certainly, but the most they were men who, like Henry Clay, were not brilliant, the most fascinating, and for the moment always equally great. Cæsar was thus robbed on the most powerful, is exalted eloquence. Before the famous ides that witnessed his assassination, its fleeting and brief glare, the steady light of wisNapoleon was not himself when he suffered the Duc dom, logic or philosophy pales, as the stars fade D'Enghein to be shot in the ditch of Vincennes, or before the meteor. With this choice and glorious when he was hurrying his devoted army to the gift nature had endowed Mr. Clay beyond all men snows of Russia. But Cromwell never was be- of the age. Like all natural orators, he was very trayed by his vanity, and Pitt never suffered from unequal; sometimes sinking to commonplace me ༣ diocrity, then again, when the occasion roused his ever. He has gone from our midst, and the wailgenius, he would soar aloft in towering majesty.ing of grief which rose from the nation, and the He had little or none of the tinsel of Rhetoric, or plumage of mourning which shrouded its cities, the wordy finery which always lies within the its halls, and its altars, attest his countrymen's reach of the Rhetorician's art. Strong passions, sense of their loss. He has gone, and gone in quick sensibility, lofty sentiment, powerful reason, glory. From us rises the dirge; with him floats were the foundation of his oratory as they are of all the pean of triumph. By a beautiful decree and true eloquence. Passion, feeling, reason, wit, poctical justice of destiny, it was fated that the poured forth from his lips in a torrent so strong last effort of the Union's great champion should and inexhaustible, as to whirl away his hearers be made in behalf of the Union in its last great for the time in despite of their opinions. * * *extremity. He passed off the stage as became No one can form any adequate conception of the the Great Pacificator. His dying effort was worpower of his eloquence, who has not heard Mr. thy of and appropriate to him. When the founClay when his blood was up, and the tide of in-tains of the great deep of the public mind were spiration rolling full upon him. His words in- broken up, and the fierce passions of sectional deed might be written down; but the flame of animosity tore over it, as the storms sweep over mind which sent them forth red hot and blazing the occan, it was from his voice that the words of from its mint, could not be conveyed by letters. soothing came forth, "Peace, be still." It was As well attempt to paint the lightning. The his last battle, and the gallant veteran fought it crooked, angular line may be traced; but the glare, out with the power and the fire of his prime. The and the flame and the roar and the terror, and the expiring light of life, though flickering in its last electric flash are gone. Stormy, vehement and beams, blazed up to the fullness of its meridian tempestuous as were his passions and his oratory, lustre. There was no fading away of intellect, or there was still underneath them all, a cool stream gradual decay of body. Minds like his, and souls of reason, running through the bottom of his brain, so fiery, are cased in frames of steel, and when which always pointed him to his object, and held they fall at last, they fall at once. The Union him to his course. No orator, so passionate, ever was not compelled to blush, for the decay of the committed fewer imprudencies. No passions, so Union's great champion. Age had not crumbled stormy, ever left their possessor so watchful of his the stately dignity of his form, nor reduced his objects. Reason held the helm while passion blew manly intellect to the imbecility of a second childthe gale." hood. He faded away into no feeble twilight; he sank down to no dim sunset-but sprang out of life in the bright blaze of meridian fullness. He passed down into the valley of the shadow of * * * * "Wherever abroad, freedom death with all his glory unclouded, with all his found a votary, that votary found in him a cham-laurels fresh and green around him. Not a spot pion. When Greece, the classic land of Greece, obscures the lustre of his crest; not a sprig has the fountain of refinement, the birth-place of elo-been torn from his chaplet. "The dead Douglas quence, and poetry, and liberty,-when Greece awoke from the long slumber of ages, and beat back the fading Crescent to its native East,-when Macedon at last called to mind the feats of her conquering boy, and the Spartan again struck in for the land which had bred him, in Henry Clay's voice the words of cheering rolled over the blue waters, from the far west, as the greeting of the New World to the Old. When Mexico, and our ment. He wants no mausoleum of stone or marsister republics of the extreme South, shook off the rotted yoke of the fallen Spaniard, and freedom's face for one brief moment gleamed under the pale light of the Southern Cross, it was he who spoke out again to cheer and to rouse its champions. The regenerated Greek, the dusky Mexican, the Peruvian mountaineer,-all, who would strike one blow for liberty, found in him a friend and an advocate. His words of cheering swept over the plains of Marathon, and came ringing back from the peaks of the Andes. But that voice is now stilled, and his bright eye closed for The following are the concluding sentences and are resplendent with oratorical and rhetorical gems. has won the field." His dying ear rung with the applause of his country, and the hosannas of a nation's gratitude. Death has given to him the empire in the hearts of his countrymen, not fully granted to the living man,—and although it was not decreed that the first honors of the nation should await him, its last blessings will cluster around his name. His memory needs no monu ble to imprison his sacred dust. Let him rest amid the tokens of the freedom he so much loved. Let him sleep on, where the whistling of the tameless winds-the ceaseless roll of the murmuring waters--the chirping of the wild bird, and all which speaks of liberty, may chant his eternal lullaby. Peace be with thy soul, Henry Clay; may the earth lie light upon you, and the undying laurel grow green over thy grave." Of all Col. McClung's compositions, this is unquestionably the chef d'œuvre. Of the large number of copies printed by order of the legislature, none are left, except what may be found in private hands. They were rapidly distributed throughout the State, and found their way to all quarters of the confederacy. THE TWO MOTTOES. But we must conclude. Col. McClung's presTwo young men were standing in the coach ent residence is in Jackson. He goes about bu office at Cernay, who had just taken places little, and spends most of his time at study and in for Keysersberg. Both appeared about twenthought, which has become, indeed, the magna ty-four years old but their features prepars of his life. In the canvass of the last year, sented a remarkable difference. The swarbeing again a candidate for Congress, he was de- thy complexion, quick movement, and impafeated by the Hon. Mr. Singleton, sharing in that tience at the least delay or contradiction, beunexpected overthrow which bore down the Union-trayed at the first glance, the Southern origin party, and drove the patriotic Foote, temporarily of the smaller of the two. we trust, to the distant shores of the Pacific. No The other, tall, citizen of the State is more universally respected fair and ruddy, was a perfect type of that for his many good qualities of heart, and strong mixed Alsatian race, where French vivacity social feelings. His nature, though deeply sensi-is tempered with German good nature. At tive and liable to fierce impulses, is amiable and their feet were two small trunks, marked kind, and his friendships are keen and lasting. with their cards of address. Upon one was He is fond of promoting peaceful relations among " Henry Fortin, Marseillais." The four corthose with whom he associates, and when quarrels ners had this motto stamped upon them "My occur no one is more prompt or more inclined to Joseph Mulzen, Strasburg," and his motto Right." The other trunk had this incription, was, Charity." December, 1854. FAME.-A FRAGMENT. bring about an honorable adjustment. As a political adversary he is eminently courteous and fair, and as a controversialist easy-tempered and pleasant. In all his political campaigns and con- The office keeper had just inscribed their tests on the hustings, he never has had but a sin-names upon the register, adding these last gle misunderstanding with an opponent. His words-with two portmanteaus; when Henry intimacies, we believe, are not very extended, and Fortin called for them to be weighed. The are always cautiously entered into: but from one office keeper said that would be done at Keywho has won his esteem he seems to have no consersberg-but the young gentleman saying cealments. A MISSISSIPPIAN. it would be a great inconvenience at the moment of his arrival, insisted upon having it done now, declaring that he had a right to demand it. The official, thus pressed, became as obstinate as Fortin, and would not comply. Joseph Mulzen tried in vain to make Fortin understand they had scarcely time to dine, and this dispute would deprive them, altogether, of the opportunity. But true to his motto, the Marseillais never gave up when he thought he was in the right; the misfortune was, he always thought so. The altercation was becoming bitter, when the office keeper becoming tired of the obstinate young gentleman, abruptly left him and went. home. Henry made an effort to keep the dispute up with another official, but happily he spoke only German. He was therefore compelled to resign himself and follow his companion to the inn, although in a very ill humor. What boots it after all? Would you raise up Turning them sere? Why seek for fame alone VOL. XXI-3 God pardon me!" he said, "but you are enough to try a saint. You would not speak a single word to assist me against that obstinate foc." "It appears to me," said Mulzen, laugh-] ing, "that he needed my assistance more, for you heaped up as many arguments as if you were engaged in a law suit where your property and honor were both at stake." "According to your reasons, then, it is better not to maintain our rights?" "When the right is not worth contending for." "Why must these persons be preferred to us?" replied Henry. "They came first," objected the landlady. "So the first comer gives the law to your house?" cried Fortin. We know these persons." "For that reason you prefer them to us?" "The gentleman ought to know, that when a request is made”— Every traveller must submit." "You can be served in another room.' With the remnants of your favorite's "Ah there you are," interrupted Henry, impatiently "you are always ready to concede every thing. One must tread upon your neck before you will think of defend-dinner, I suppose ?" ing yourself. Instead of looking upon the world as a battle-field, where every one is engaged with his enemies, you regard it as a drawing-room where kind acts and polite courtesies are interchanged." The hostess appeared hurt at his unjust insinuations. "If the gentleman is afraid of getting a bad dinner at the White Horse, there are other hotels at Cernay where he may be suited," said she. "Not that exactly," replied Mulzen, "but "That is precisely what I was thinking," rather as a great vessel, where every pas-quickly replied Fortin, taking his cap; and senger owes to each other reciprocal kind-paying no attention to Mulzen, who tried to nesses and benevolence. Every man is my detain him, he rapidly disappeared. Mulfriend until he declares himself my enemy.” zen knew, from experience, that it was best "And I look upon every man as my ene- to leave his cousin to his ill humor, and on my until he proves himself a friend," replied such occasions every effort to soothe him only the Marseillais. "This precaution has al- increased his belligerent propensities-he ways been of service to me, and I engage suffered him therefore to seek a dinner elsethat you, also, will have recourse to it at where, and ordered dinner in another apartKeyseesberg. We will find ourselves among ment. But at the moment he was leaving, the other heirs of our uncle, who will not three persons entered the room-an old lady fail to get the most they can. from us. But with her niece, and a gentleman apparently for my part, I am determined not to yield fifty years of age, who acted as their protecone jot or tittle of my rights." tor. The hostess began relating what had While the two gentlemen were thus con- passed, when she stopped suddenly on seeversing, they arrived at the "White Horse" ing Mulzen. He bowed to the company and Inn. They entered a dining room wholly was retiring, when the old gentleman detainunoccupied, but the end of one of the long ed him. tables was prepared, and three covers laid "I am very sorry sir," said he, with great for the expected guests, by the hostess. Henry Fortin ordered two more for Mulzen and himself. affability, "for the altercation which has taken place. In requesting to dine alone, I only desired to shun those persons whose boisterous manners and rude conversation, might frighten these ladies, and not to drive travellers from the White Horse, as your friend seems to have thought. I beg therefore you will remain and dine with us." Joseph Mulzen wished to decline the invitation, saying he was not at all wounded at what he thought a very necessary precaution. But Mr. Rosman, (such was his name,) insisted so amiably and benevolently upon it, that he was obliged to accede. The old lady, who seemed little accustom ed to travelling, seated herself opposite Mul- the office. Arriving there, Joseph perceived zen, accompanied by her niece, and as she his cousin running to the place. The time did so uttered a melancholy groan. which Mulzen had passed at dinner, had "Are you tired, Charlotte?" asked Mr. been spent by Fortin in going from inn to Rosman. inn, without finding any thing prepared, and To ask if I am tired!" replied the old at last he was compelled to purchase at a lady, "after passing an entire day in a jolting stall a little fruit and some stale bread! As coach, eating at irregular hours and running we may readily imagine, this anchorite's reall kinds of danger, for I cannot comprehend past was not calculated to sweeten his temwhy we were not upset, the coach was al-per. Joseph perceived it, and wisely foreways leaning from one side to the other. Oh bore to question him; besides they had begun dear! dear! I would willingly barter a whole to call the travellers' names, who were takyear of my life to be over the rest of this ing their places, when the office keeper perjourney!" ceived he had made an error, and the coach was full without Fortin and Mulzen. "Fortunately that exchange is not in your power," said the young lady, smiling affectionately. "Oh yes, you can laugh," cried Madam Charlotte in a tone of affected anger. "Young ladies in these days fear nothing. They travel on railroads and steamboats, and I do "Full!" replied Henry Fortin, "but I have paid for a seat." As soon as "I will reimburse the money sir." 'You will do no such thing. you received the money, the contract was closed between us. I have a right to go and believe if a line of balloons were established, they would mount them! It is the revI will." Saying so, he seized the wheel and olution, which had made them so bold. Be-jumped up to the imperial where he found a vacant seat. The traveller who had formerly fore the revolution the most fearless never travelled, but in a cart or upon an ass! Now occupied it, came that moment and reclaimed it is quite another thing. I remember hear-it; but Henry Fortin declared no one had a ing my dear mother say, she never travelled right to dismount him, and if they endeavor but on foot." "She never went beyond the principal town of her canton, then," observed Mr. Rosman. ed to compel him, he would resist with all his might and meet violence with violence. Joseph Mulzen, in vain, remonstrated with him. The Marseillais was furious by the want of his dinner, and persisted in his resolution. "Let every one have his right," cried he! Yours is Charity; be "That is my motto. charitable if you wish; as for myself, I am satisfied with simple justice; I have payed for this place, it belongs to me and this place will I keep." "That did not prevent her from being a worthy and happy woman," replied Madam Charlotte. "When a bird has built his nest let him stay there; now the habit of being always upon the highway, weakens ones love for home and family-one can do without it, his home is everywhere. It may be more beneficial for society in general, but it makes every one less good and less happy." The dispossessed traveller objected to the "Come, come, Charlotte-send all travel-priority of possession; but Fortin who was lers to prison if you wish," replied Mr. Ros-a lawyer, replied by quotations from the man, gaily, "but I hope your prejudices will code. They remained thus for some time, not extend to this soup, taste it and you will uttering violent threats and recriminations. confess it could not be surpassed even at Fontaine." Madam Charlotte heard all from the coupè, groaned in terror and began her tirades They talked thus in a familiar manner- against travelling in general, and coaches in Joseph Mulzen at first kept a discreet silence, particular. At length Joseph, seeing the disbut Mr. Rosman, addressed him several times cussion becoming more envenomed, propoand the conversation soon became general.sed to the office keeper to order a cabriolet, At length the diligence was announced, and in which he and the deposed traveller would all hastened to settle their accounts and gain take seats. The expedient was accepted by |