Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-06-01
VOL. 80, NO. s7-wHoLE NO. 1854.

timony touching this portion Of Cen Harr;son'a
history, confess my amazement OF the Quixotc,
| pray my frisnd from Michigan to pardon mel
nut r,ust call II the Quxotic exhibition which
ne has made of himself. Sir, the gentleman had
no need to tell us that he n general OF militia.
Ills conduct in this discussion is proof of that
s,tohg even rs his own word for the fact. He has
SHOWN al that reckless bravery which has ever
cnnracterized our noble militia, but he has also, in
,n's a'tach, shown that other quality of militia
troops winch 80 frequently impels them TO rush
bindly forward, and often TO their own des,ruc
tion. should like to hear many of the brave
men around me speak of General Harrison
Some there are now under my eve who carry
British bullets in their bodies, received while fight.
ing under the command of General Harrison. l
should he glad to hear my whole souled and gen.
erous hearted friend from Kentucky, major But
ier,) who agrees with the gentleman fiom Michi-
gan in general politics. who has not merely heard
OF battle, but who has mingled IN war in ull i,s
forms. and fought his way from the ranks up to
the head of n battalion i say should be glad TO
hear his opinions Of the matters asserted, limited
Of, and insnuaied by the gentleman from Mich
gan.
why, ask, is this attempt to falsify the cont
mon history of our country made now, and why
Is II made here? Is it vainly imagined that con-
gressional speeches are to contradict the arcreG,-
ell long known historical factsS Docs the fierce
madness of party indulge conception so wild !?
Sii, repeat, that feel only amazement at such
nm attempt could not sit still aud witness it in
silence. Much as | desired 10 speak to the House
and the country on the question touching the
Cumberland road, ! should have lett it TO others.
had ! not been impelIed to get the floor to benr
my testimony against the gross injustice which
thought was about to be done TO citiZen-an
bonored cherished citizen Of my own State. This
House, Mr.. Speaker, knows that am not given
TO much babbling here. Yes, sir you all know
that, like Bahamas ass, never speak here till am
kicked into il. may claim credit therefore, for
sincerity, when ! declare that strong sense OF
justice alone could have called me into this debate.
Let me remind gentlemen who may be
tempted into similar course with my friend from
Michigan, that all such efforts must reco with
destructive effect upon those who make them.
Sir, it has been the fortune Of General Harrison 10
be identified with the civi and military history of
the country for nearly half century. What isto
he gained, even to party, by perverting that hiso-
ry? Nothing. You may blot ont page of his
biography here, and tear out chapter of his his
tory there; nay, you may, in the blindness of par
ty rage, rival The Vandal and the Turk, and burn
up all your books, au'l whit then have you affect
ed? Nothing hut an insane exhibition Of paPty~n
violence Gen. Harrison's history would still re-
niun in the memories of his and your cotemport-
res and, coming events, not long 10 be delayed,
will show to the world, Tint his history, in both
Il gislation md war, dwclls not merely in tho
memories of his countrymen, but s enshrined in
Their gratitude and engraven Dpon their hearts.
Mr.. Speaker, I come now to the discussion Of
what is really the question before the House, and
with the hope that | may be entitled TO the floor
on Monday, will, il it be the pleasure of the
House, give way for motion to adjourn. If
can obtain The floor on Monday, | promise the
House that nothing shall tempt me to wander from
the question touching the Appropriation for the
Cumberland road, work which, If it he not
crushed by the uretched policy oftlis ndmnistra.
ton, will reflect as much glory upon your civil
history as the deeds of the great and patriotic citi-
zen, whose conduct / have been compelled TO no
tice, ever did upon your military annals.
On motion, the House adjourned.