Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-06-06
'ur' Biachburn's Speech, on The BIZ to regulate tie
SOlemnicution Of .1idrrlagcs.
II rIE HOUSE or DeLEeArls, rsr. lo. la2e.

IN THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, FEE. 10, 1926.
On motion of MIR: BowERs, from Southampton, leave
was given to bring in bill 10 alter and amend the act
entitled, an act 10 reduce into the several acts TO
regulate the determination Of Marriages. prohibiting
such as are ir;cstuOuS otherwise unlawful TO pre-
vent torclbe and stolen marriages, and for the punish
( mcn of the crime of bigamv
Mr.. BLACKBURN rose and sad-Mr. Speaker: 1t
IS with uniegned regret that discover resolution on
SO nauseons subject originating from source so
highly respectable, and especially as that subject
has been 50 amply discussed, and as thought put TO
rest BY overwhelming majority OF this House few
days since. can only account for ii, from nv know
ledge OF the gentleman By surprising tat the feelings
o! his heart rather than the scate conclusions of a
sound head and maturcd Judgment, have prompted the
gentleman This occasions believing rs most CON
scienously do, he whcs TO lessen the disrcsses and
soften the suffering of humanity: but sir is Justice TO
be merged IN mercy are they not distinct attributes.
ana essential TO that Being 10 whom all bow.
Yet, Mr. Speaker feel gratitude To the gentleman
trom Southampton, f:r this opportunity of paving my
respects TO the gentleman from Northampton, MIR D.
Shhr, which the exhaustion of the moment, the late
hour OF Tie day, and the good pleasure of this House
forbade at the time That gentleman, sir knowing lie
had the last blow, which 10 county court LAWYER is
considered matter of great npor tancc, sheltered
hInsel! from the lash which he knew hung over him
and was pleased to insinuatc either 10 sentiments
or fFact!ce reference 10 midnight nocturnal erri
the expression not particularly recollcctcd but the
application was direct Now Mr. Speaker, what act
OF my life, long has been, could Justify an allusion
soI'F 50 HoStdl any, so StuU0GTOiS Ire Speaker
erruPted and observed, gentlemen ought not TO be per
sona in their remarks. Air. Blackburn sat down. and
MIR. UPshur expressed his disregard TO any thing said
by the gentleman from Bath Mr.. Blackburn pro.
cueded.1
had supposed, sir il natural right attaching
to all men, 10 ward off, to rrpel with Indignation any
nsinuaton bearing The sembance of injustice | APP
peal to all who know me, to state what has been my
course here and elsewhere, with whom associate
what houses lIt ,uent. dare the man from North
amPion, challenge all men, any man, any thing in the
shape OF man, TO look in my face and charge INC with
midnight revel, any dhonorabe act-bnt this ner-
haps, will be consider ed scoldng, for the gentleman
was pleased 20 say, scolded much if did Mr. Speak.
err ms apology is, it in to The arguments OF
an did ,comnn
1t is also laid 10 my charge that quote scripture in
| my speeches. That, Mr.. Speaker, is n crime which
perhaps, will never be Justly alleged against the gen
| tIenan from Northampton. Oh sir, an acquaintance
with that good book might greatly improve his morals;
nay, more sir, his mnucrS. Here the Speaker again
interrupted. Gentlemen mnst not be personal We'll
Mr. Speaker, will cndcayor NOT to be say then,
sir that If not only the gentleman from Northampton,
but every gentleman this floor would form init
mate acquaintance with those writings, would read
them more and understand tem better, ii might form
blessed era I'm this county, might greatly improve
: our morals aud correct manners
Mr. Speaker, ] have been carly taught to owe no
man any hing-good will, good wishes and kind Offices
only excepted-aud these owe to tic human family
unless 20 such may have forfeited tler claim by
throwing themselves without the pale of good breed
ing.