[From the EVENING POST, April 20th, 1824.]

Great Meeting in the Park.

Yesterday, at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, in conformity to a previous general notice, the citizens of our metropolis, to the number of many thousands, embracing all classes and all political parties, assembled in the park, in front of the City Hall. The object of the meeting was to stigmatise the resolution of the senate and assembly, which removed De Witt Clinton, as canal commissioner, and caused his consequent removal as president of the board; and, also, to return him thanks for his long, able, and gratuitous services in the prosecution of the New-York canals. Such a meeting, take it all in all, has never taken place in this metropolis. From all we can learn, the number who assembled must have been from eight to ten thousand.

General Bogardus nominated the late venerable William Few to the chair. As the hoary-headed patriot took his seat on the table or platform, the assemblage gave three cheers. John Rathbone, jun. Esq, was then called on to act as secretary by a unanimous vote. The meeting being organised, a call was made from all quarters for Thomas Addis Emmet, who had agreed to address the meeting. It having been ascertained that he was detained in court unexpectedly –he being in the middle of an important trial, Charles G. Haines, Esq. arose and opened the meeting. He said that it was called independent of all party or political grounds. It was called to do an act of justice to a great and all injured man. It was called to enter its solenm protest against a legislative act that would he condemned by the state of New-York, and reprehended by the nation; for it was an ungenerous, unnecessary, and abortive attempt to separate De Witt Clinton from a great national work.

Mr. Haines said that he did not rise to prove De Witt Clinton the father of the New-York canals. They were magnificent public works which the state had made, and which belonged to the state. Mr. Clinton had toiled with other faithful and distinguished men, and the extent of his agency in their origin, advancement, and near completion, was a matter well settled in public opinion, and it was in vain to make efforts to change that opinion. His fame would be the subject of rigid and impartial history, and to history he was willing to leave it. The benefactors of states and empires could not be hidden from the world. The spirit of the age and the light of truth were with them. Combinations might arise to obscure the lustre of their acts, and diminish the magnitude and utility of their efforts; but the calm conviction of after times would do them justice.

The New-York canals, he said, were nearly completed. The Hudson and Lake Champlain were united; and in a few months the waters of the Atlantic Ocean would mingle with those of our inland seas. In grandeur and usefulness, these were the first works of the present age, whether we look to this or to the other side of the ocean. Already we begin to feel their vast influence, as it strengthens the union of the east and the west, reaches the relations of interest, trade and exchange – animating industry and enterprise, and facilitating the rapid circulation of capital – as it gives new life and vigour to agriculture and manufactures, unfolds the resources of the state in ten thousand ways; bringing to her waters the trade of the western world, and rendering her commercial capital, the city of New-York, the grand emporium of the western continent. No wonder all Europe was astonished at the boldness of the state which undertakes, and is rapidly finishing, such works.

But there was a day of unbelief in the land; a day, when not only the uncandid and the selfish, but when many of the purest and most enlightened among us, doubted as to these works. Public opinion was undecided. Some master-spirit was wanted to draw this opinion from beaten paths, and conduct it to new and bold conclusions. Some pioneer was required to inspire the ardent, to lead on the timid, and to persuade the wavering. Who was the man? Who stood forth as the triumphant advocate of the Great Western Canal? Who stood foremost in convincing this community of the extent of her own resources? Who devoted toilsome days and sleepless nights to demonstrate, by every argument, the practicability and advantages of the Great Western Canal? Who placed in jeopardy his hold on public confidence and respect? Who aided in exploring the route of this grand channel of trade and intercourse? Who, after he became the chief magistrate of this state, identified his administration with this work, and risked its duration on the success of the project? Who aided in obtaining loans for its advancement? Who had traversed the state for years to watch over its progress? Who for nearly ten years had presided over the board of canal commissioners? Who had waded through streams and torrents of ridicule, calumny and insult, in the prosecution of this canal? Who, throughout the American union, and who, on the other aide of the ocean, was connected as a leading and efficient personage in this splendid work? Need any man stand here and pause like Brutus among the Romans, for a reply? De Witt Clinton is the man! Every tongue utters his name; every heart bears testimony to his services.

And what was Mr. Clinton’s reward? Had his long, unwearied, and persevering efforts covered him with the titles and honours of public office? Had he put his hand into the public treasury and amassed wealth and fortune? Was he the proprietor of palaces, and had he bought over men to his purposes? Had he purchased power and popularity with the public funds? Had he advanced his family to posts of honour and profit? No; for fourteen years, De Witt Clinton had devoted his time, his thoughts, and his labour, to the New-York Canals, without receiving a single farthing in the shape of salary, or a solitary cent of pecuniary profit. And sincerely did he wish that this were the only return. But, Mr. H. said he must go further: without the semblance of reason; without an attempt to render an excuse; without an effort to apologise to the people of this state, and without the faintest colour of necessity, a party in the legislature had passed a vote that has removed De Witt Clinton from the merely honorary office of canal commissioner, and president of the board of canal commissioners; offices to him destitute of salary and recompense. To reward a most able, faithful, and distinguished statesman for past labours, sacrifices, and anxiety, it had been resolved by a political party, that the state of New-York could no longer afford to he benefited by his experience, his talents, his information, and his integrity, though conferred without reward and without public honours. In a moment of hurry and confusion, before the mind could have time to reflect on the lasting disgrace of the act; at a moment when calm and temperate discussion was precluded, and the close of the session was at hand, a sudden and pre-concerted appeal is made to party feeling and party discipline, and without the assignment of a single reason, a long tried, faithful and most able public servant, eminent for his abilities and integrity, and wrapped up in the pride and glory of this state, and labouring with unabating and unceasing zeal for her lasting prosperity and happiness, is hurled from office, as though he was some great state culprit who had disgraced the ermine, or received bribes in the senate room, or betrayed the armies of the republic, dipped his hands in treason, or sold his country for gold! For the last ten years, our state had been convulsed by party violence of the blackest type.

He spoke of no particular party or body of men: all had more or less participated in the temperament of the times. Great men had been hunted down, and talents been driven to the shades of domestic life. Even our social relations had been invaded and disturbed, and ancient friends been torn asunder, and ancient enemies united. Mr. Burke’s description of a party-coloured administration, when men of different politics were huddled into a room without knowing each other, to fight under the same standard, had been realized. A legislative majority had been opposed to Mr. Clinton. While he was Governor, he was for two years with a legislative minority. As president of the board of canal commissioners, he had been in a minority, politically speaking, for years past. The tide of party had overwhelmed him for a time, and all the zeal, and all the efforts had appeared against him, incident to violent political contests.

But whoever thought of proscribing De Witt Clinton as a canal commissioner, or as president of the canal board? Who had had the hardihood to suggest it? A sense of public decorum seems to have repressed the very idea of such a step. No! it had been left to a time when he was in no way before the public; when he was not a candidate for any office or trust; when he had retired from the political field, and was bending all the energies of his powerful and comprehensive mind to consummate the Union of Lake Erie with the ocean; when he was looked up to by all the states in the union where internal improvements were prosecuted, and when he was diffusing the light of his experience, and communicating the tone of his enterprise to every section of the country; it was at such a moment that a body of politicians in the Capitol at Albany, against the wishes of a million and a half of people, whom they pretended to represent, had combined to sweep him from an honorary post, without daring to tell why; without daring to attempt a palliation.

For the honour of our state, and for the honour of our common country, he was proud to say, that it was an act without a parallel; and he had the satisfaction to believe, that it would remain a solitary instance of ingratitude in the long annals of this country, and draw after it to the end of time, the deep abhorrence of every generous, every liberal, and every virtuous mind. Could George Clinton and Alexander Hamilton this moment stand among us, and see facts as they are; could they be carried back to the day when those stupendous plans of improvement that adorned the age, were denounced as the offspring of folly and ambition; could their minds be carried forward to the day when these works will go far to revolutionise the internal relations of a great portion of this country, and pour a broad and perpetual stream of wealth into the state of New-York; and then, could their eyes be directed to the resolution of the 12^th of April 1824, by which De Witt Clinton was removed from the office of canal commissioner, and president of the board of commissioners, after fourteen years of faithful and gratuitous service, and that too without a solitary complaint or a solitary reason, how would their great souls swell with manly indignation, and how would they mourn over the hour when the voice of justice was unheeded, and state pride forgotten!

Mr. Haines said that it was to condemn such an act that the present meeting was called. And if there had ever been a day when he gloried in the institutions of the country, and felt the force of principle that they contained in themselves a self-preserving spirit, it was at that moment. The character of the state of New-York had been degraded, and a stain brought upon her reputation. He beheld the people rising in their constitutional strength, and in language temperate, firm, and dignified, putting forth a declaration to the world, indicative of that intelligence, that love of truth and justice, that sense of right and wrong, and that pride and independence of character, that proved the safeguard of all republican governments. While the people cherished such feelings and such sentiments, republican principles could never perish.

Well might the people ask – What are we to have next? Was any thing to excite astonishment? Was any transaction in our state politics to create surprise? Would it be strange if there was a proposition to abandon the Great Western Canal as an expensive and impracticable undertaking? This might indeed be called the day of party presumption; for it was the fashion to talk about the people, and insult the people to their faces. Did men expect that the press would slumber? Did they expect to banish light and motion? Did they expect to avoid a day of retribution? That day was at hand. The proceedings of that meeting would be echoed from the shores of the St. Lawrence, and the lakes to the north of the Hudson. They would reach, and they would rouse, every city, every town, and every village in the state. In one week, a million of people would reciprocate every sentiment which they breathed. They would traverse the Union, and serve to convince the Union, that although a great man may become the victim of a petty act of party vengeance, yet that the state disavows that act, and that his talents, his brilliant services, his vast and comprehensive views, and his undaunted perseverance, united to integrity, and blended with a course of private life that was destitute of a stain or a blemish, have gathered round him the confidence, the admiration, and the sympathies of a grateful people, without party names or distinctions!

One word more, said Mr. Haines, and he had done. An attempt had been made to deprive De Witt Clinton of that praise and renown which candour and justice allow him for his agency in the origin and prosecution of the New-York Canals. Mr. Haines appealed to the remembrance of the meeting. Suppose the Great Western Canal had been abandoned six years ago, as a visionary scheme of idle ambition – an impracticable and ruinous under-taking – all the laws had been repealed, and universal odium covered the project. Who then would have been swept from the face of the political world? Who would then have been driven to the dreary refuge of an ignominious private life, with the execrations of an enraged people pressing on his retreating steps? Whose name would have been synonymous with disgrace, scorn, and derision? De Witt Clinton would have been the man! But his stupendous views had been realised. The blaze of noon-day splendour encircled his plans, and it was not now to be extinguished by opening the fountains of public ingratitude.

In conclusion, he submitted the propriety of adopting such resolutions as would condemn in strong and dignified language the removal of De Witt Clinton as canal commissioner, and his subsequent removal as president of the board of canal commissioners, and such as would express a deep sense of gratitude for fourteen years of distinguished and successful public services for the interest and prosperity of the state of New-York, without reward or remuneration.

This speech was received with feelings highly honourable to the city, accompanied with loud and general applause.

Isaac S. Hone, Esq. then arose, and after a few prefatory remarks, which were peculiarly pertinent to the subject, and which were received with universal approbation, he submitted the following resolutions for the adoption of the meeting. They were read, and adopted by acclamation. Thousands of voices proclaimed the unanimity which was felt, and when the noes were called, a dead silence – a deep pause ensued.

RESOLUTIONS.

Resolved – That we consider the removal of De Witt Clinton as Canal Commissioner, and his subsequent removal as President of the Board of Canal Commissioners, by the late joint resolution of the Senate and Assembly of the state of New-York, as an act degrading to the character of the state, a violation of justice, and an outrage on public opinion.

Resolved – That considering the exalted talents, the enlightened views, and the great experience of De Witt Clinton, we consider his removal from office as a serious injury to the highest interests of the state – since in the completion of the Grand Western Canal, his knowledge, his counsel, and his personal superintendence would have proved eminently useful.

Resolved – That in the origin, advancement, and near completion of the New-York Canals, De Witt Clinton has displayed uncommon talents, great forecast, and undeviating integrity, and that his labours and sacrifices have contributed to the lasting glory and prosperity of the state.

Resolved – That we consider De Witt Clinton pre-eminently useful to the age in which he lives, and that for fourteen years public service in the prosecution of the Grand Western and Northern Canals, without salary or reward, he is richly entitled to the gratitude of the people of the state of New-York – to the gratitude of the nation at large, since they are national works – and to the gratitude of posterity, since they benefit all future generations.

Resolved – That the resolution by which De Witt Clinton has been removed from the office of Canal Commissioner, and President of the Board of Canal Commissioners, has in no way diminished our confidence in his capacity and integrity, nor lessened our respect for his public and private life.

Resolved – That we consider the removal of De Witt Clinton, a subject of general interest and regret, and that we hope to see the feelings and sentiments expressed by this meeting, reciprocated by every city, town, and village in the state.

Resolved – That James Benedict, John Morss, and David Seaman, three members of the New-York delegation, and the several members of the Senate and Assembly, who had the firmness and independence to discharge their duty in voting against the removal of De Witt Clinton, deserve the thanks of this meeting and the thanks of this whole community.

Resolved – That a committee of thirty be appointed to communicate the proceedings of this meeting to De Witt Clinton, and to give them publicity throughout the state of New-York, after they are signed by the chairman and secretary.

The following are the names of the committee.

Committee.

JOHN RATHBONE, Secretary.

The proceedings being finished, the venerable chairman stood up in the midst of his fellow-citizens, and adjourned the meeting. The assemblage gave nine cheers, and peaceably returned to their homes. In a few moments, out of eight or ten thousand people, scarcely a man was to be seen.

Thus was sent forth to the state and to the nation, one of the most solemn, temperate, and dignified expressions of public sentiment ever recorded in this country. New-York has nobly done her duty. The commercial metropolis of our state has raised her voice, and it will be heard over the Union. She has discarded party feelings, and paid a becoming tribute of respect to De Witt Clinton for his extensive agency in the grandest public works of the age – works which will pour wealth into our city, and lay open the resources and contribute to the lasting glory and happiness of the state.

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Address of the Committee to Mr. Clinton.

TO THE HON. DE WITT CLINTON.

SIR, We, the undersigned, are a committee appointed to transmit to you the enclosed resolutions, which were unanimously passed by one of the most numerous and respectable assemblages of citizens, ever convened in the city of New-York. We hope the sentiments expressed in these resolutions, will convince you, that the late act of the Senate and Assembly, to which they refer, is considered as an unjust, illiberal, wanton, and ungrateful measure: and that a few violent party politicians, cannot by any abuse of power, take from you that respect, esteem, and gratitude, which are due to your character and public services.

This will be presented to you by Messrs. C.D. Colden, Thomas Hazard, jun. Philip Hone, Lockwood De Forest, and Thomas Herttell, who have been deputed by us for that purpose.

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Transcribed from the original text and html prepared by Bill Carr, last updated 5/30/99.