Litchfield enquirer., 1833-03-21

"o"1 SlOUnN some luStIhcatlOD.
can perfectly we'll conceive, however, that
| the Senator from Mississippi was Influenced
! in his course by nothing beyond the ardour of
| the mOmentaIy excitement to which he had
! yielded himself. know the respect which
he bears, has borne at least and am sure,
I yet bears, to the Senator from Massachusetts.
! the personal and friendly Intercourse which
has always existed between them, and the re-
spect which they bear to each other, and
| am perfectly persuaded that the honorable
Senator from Mississippi, in the remarks with
which he concluded his speech. referred sole
| ly to the public cOurse-the public measures
| of the honorable Senator from Massachu-
sets. and the character of the particular
measure under consideration, without intend
ing to reflect on the personal character ofthe
gentleman from Massachusetts,. And I am
sure, it was not the pGrpose of the honorable
Senator from Massachusetts to give any per-
sonal bearing to observations which he felt
called upon to make. Under these circum-
stances. should feel, and am sure the Sem
ate would also feel great pain, if these two
gentlemen, who have been for so long time
on footing of friendship, should be separated
by any circumstance attributable TO hostile
feeling: or, rather to the misunderstanding
which has arisen. am sure, that the Senate.
as well as myself, would be glad that these
two gentlemen should still pursue their friend
ly feelings to each other; and I hope such an
explanation will be given as will produce IL
reconciliation between the two gentlemen,
who have so frequently acted in concert to-
gethes on important subjects, and who enter
tain towards each other the highest respect.
And do hope that, in some way or other,
means will be found TO remove this momen-
tary interruption Of the friendship of these
gentlemen, and that nothing will occur TO dis
turb, among the members ofthc Senate, that
harmony and peace, which trust will prevail
among all the members of This body.
Mr.. POinderter rose and said, that the cir
| cumstance which the Hon. Senator from
Kentucky had alluded to, as having passed
between him and the Hon. Senator from
| Massachusetts, was to him source of regret.
The measure under consideration at the time,
| was one to which he was strongly opposed,
and against which he entered bis solemn pro-
test. The honorable Senator from Massa-
| chusetts had advocated that measure with
his usual zeal and ability. In the course of
| his remarks he alluded 10 the course Of the
South in opposition to the American System,
and charged upon citizens of that section Of
the Union in general, and more particularly
on South Carolina, acts which amount TO
treason and rebellion, and disposition to
| rupture our happy Union, and to burn the
Constitution at the point Of the bayonet.-
| Coming, sir, from that quarter of1hc Union.
I felt il to be my duty to yindicate it from
those aspersions, and to throw back to the
honorable Senator, as far as could. Rol-
and for his Oliver. Believing that the South
| was right 10 the position which she has as
sumed, felt authorized to allude to the past
history Of the country. and to the political
E conduct Of the honorable gentleman himself,
in illustration Of my argument. Perhaps, in
the ardor of my feeling, went too far; and,
if so, deeply regret it. For it was far from
my purpose to violate the decOrum Of debate
which has ever characterized this body, or to
express myself with harshness towards the
honorable Senator from Massachusetts. He
well knows the respect and kindness which
| bear for him and assure him that had no
intention 10 reflect either upon his personal
character, or the purity Of his political mo-
tives. Having said this, trust have put
myself " rectus in curia" on this subject. It
was assuredly far from my intention to tres
pass on the feelings ofthe honorable member
from Massachusetts,.
Mr.. Webster. 1t is not more a matter of
regret to the honorable Senator from Misss-
sippi than to myself, that any misunderstood
ing should have occurred between u.s.. Since
our acquaintance in this body, we have been
|
there is no gentleman in the Senate towards
whom / have been less inclined to manifest
any warmth, which might be attributed to
want of dccorum. certainly thought that
the last portion of the honorable Senator's
remarks had very strong personal bearing
on myself: l certainly thought they were in
tended to have that effect. am very happy
10 hear the honorable Senator disayow that
he intended to give them such bearing.
respond entirely to the declaration that there
has been between us, always, kindness and IA
good understanding. There are incidents
connected with our relative situationstowa ards
each other which would make it extremely
unpleasant that any thing should occur which
can disturb the good understanding which
ought to exist between honorable members.
! therefore entirely disavow any Intention to
offer any personal disrespect towards him, in
my answer to the remarks which he made
towards me.
Mr.. POindsrter then rose and said The
disclaimer made by the gentleman ilom Mas
sachusetss calls for further explanation from
me. In reply to what deemed personal
attront. towards myself, from the honorable
Senator. used expressions which. 1t such
was not intended. might appear harsh. and a
violation OF the respect which ought TO be pre-
ed.between members Of this honorable
49,. E;rd;r0 frorN the nx Nlanafi on ~ l,sNtt