Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-03-23
SPEECH OF MIR. SLADE,
N THE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES,,
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 81, 1889


The question pending being OH motion TO re-
consider the vote of the House concurripg in a |
resolution of the Senate tor the appointment of
Chaplius
Mr.. Slade rose and said that he could not per-
init the occasion to puss without expressing, brief
ly his views upon the motion before tho House
q motion, in effect, TO abandon the immemorial
usage of employing Chaplains to each House OF
Congress, and, henceforh, TO commence their dali
ly deliberations without any formal recognition of
a Divine Providence, or invocation Of the Divine
blessing. 1t was proposition rs unexpected to
him rs it was important IN its bearings oil the best
interests of the country.
And, first of all, Mr. S. said he desired, in his
own name, aud in the name of his constituents,
most heartily to thank the gentleman from Virgin
ia, (Mr. Wise) for the speech he had delivered OH
that occasion. 1t was The more gratifying to him,
because from what he knew Of That gentleman, he
knew it was the result OF his deep and settled con-
yiction of the importance of the usage he vndca-
ted and he regarded his frank and manly expires.
sion of that conviction as no equivcal evidence OF
the sentiments of his constituents on the great
subject involved in the question before the House
Indeed, continued Mr.. 81 such am happy to
sny is the general sentiment OF the country for,
however strong may be the general passion tor
gain and pleasure (; however false the standard of
individual aud national honor; and to whatever
extent party spirit and unworthy ambition may
have perverted the public mind, and crowded from
it thoughtful remembrance of individual and ma
tional responsibility, there is still general con
viclion of the existence of Divine Providence
general feeling of dependence OH the Divine favor
and general respect for the ol,servances OF the
Christian religion. Beneath the rough service of
this vast ocean of human passion there is silent
deep! There il embosOned in this great nation
conviction of dependence and sense of account
liability. which may well find expression here, on
an occasion like this. Sir, it is the impulse of Ma
ture herself looking up from the depths Of her con-
scious helplessness and misery. We should be
worse than healhens did we fail to feel, or refuse
10 acknowledge it; while, rs Americans-us de-
scendanls of pilgrim ugitives for conscience sake
in dependence on guiding aud protecting Prov-
dence, should deny the faith OF our fathers, and
brand with folly and lanaticlsm the humble conf
ding spirit which characterized SO strongly their
struggle for indie, Evidence.
The Revolution, which gave us n national exs
tence, not only proclaimed the tue doctrines of the
rights of conscience and OF self government, bu
II carried the minds OF our fathers, 10y natural
aud necessary connection up to the great Source
OF those rights and the great fountain Of all good
The first act Of this united Peop'e closed with a
memorable and impressive recognition ofiheir de-
pendencc For The support of this Declaration,
said the noble band who solenlnly proclaimed
TINT these United Colonies nre, and Ofrght, ough
to be- free and independent Stutes"--", 10Th a firm
reliance on Divine Proridence we mutually pledge
TO each other our lives, our fortunes, aud our
honor" And never, during the long and deadl
struggle 10 support that Declaration, dill this re-
lance for "A moment CEASE The prowess of lhei
arms was more than equalIed by the vigor OF thei
faith their" honor" was not more sacred than wa
their reliance firm.
Read, sir, the Journals of Congress which leg
islaled lie counry through that fearful struggle
II met, for The first tine on the 9th of September
l774, ut Carpenrer's Hail, in Philadelphia and
Sir, its very first act after examining the creden
ltas OF It's members, and adopting few simple
rules for us government WIS TO resolve "'Tha th
Rev. Mr. Duche be requested 10 open The Congress
10 mo"oD morning ,onh prayers. at the Carpenter
Hall, at o O'Clock 1.-THE Journal ofihe next day
proceedings recites the execution of this order
which was Immediately followed by resolution o
thanks 10 The Chaplain for performing divine ser
vice, aud for the excellent prayer which he com
| posed and delivered OH TINT OCCASION
! Here Is tho commencement of the usage whicl
II is now proposed 10 abandon. Almost the YER
first breath OF this nation was in supplication /