Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1841-07-17
REMARKS OF MIR. SMITH,
OF INDIANA.
On the Bill for the relief of Mrs. Harrison.
IN SENATE.
FRIDAY, June %, IS4I.

and my intention was to say nothing 10 dag on
the subject before you. did fondly hope that
the vote on the passage of this bill would have
been taken to day, without debate. 1t was most
fitting the occasion that such a course OF action
should have been adopted on the part Of the SEN
ate, as commemorative of the solemn event Of the
removal to its final earthly ting place, at North
Bead, Of the mortal remains of the lllustrous CT
tizen whose name is closely associated with
this bill. 1t seems tia, i, could not be Sen
ators have pursued another course, and it is not
for to complain. ], however, find myself SO
far driven from my original nten,ion as to be
compelled to claim the indulgence of the Senate
10 say few words, al the hazard OF della ying the
vote a few minutes longer.
do not propose, MIR. President, to pronounce
euogy the life and character Of President
Harrison; all our eulogiums cannot add one leaf
10 the laures that will ever eucircle his tomb
His remains sleep with his fathers; his spirit has
gone above, to add one to the galaxy in
heavens Of our country's heroes and patriots; the
the nation is in mourning; and nothing remains
for US, but the duty of cherIshing his fame,
OF he brightest jewels in The national diadem
Mr.. President, rose for purpose very differ
ent than that of prooDging this debate by goIrg
into an argument in favor Of the bill. The coun
try Goes not require it of me; my State does not;
the Senate does not; and my feelings, at this mo-
mont. will not suffer me. to go into a calculation
of dollars and cents in the matter; TO wheth-
the bill IS precisely correct, IN counting house
view. Let Senators who cypher over a sub
iect like this. do sol must be excused.
Sir, rose to say TO the country to say to my
State, 10 say TO the Senate, that consider this
one Of the happiest days of my life: to have
the opportunity, at this time, in this place,
this OCCASION, of voting for n bill that may, in
some degree, do justice 10 the widow of the early
and devoted friend Of tho West, the defender of
my State IN her infancy, is privilege shall prize
while memory holds her place The bill de-
bated yesterday at large-Senators over the wav,
NJ IN al Ho-1, I
understood some Senators, with characteristic
honesty and frankness, TO speak out, and raise
the party question. ! so understood the Senator
from Arkansas, Mr.. Sevier.) Sir, while the oppo-
si'ion to this bill was confined to- Constitutional
grounds, IT was legitimate, and entitled to the
spect of all; and, while was convinced by
their arguments, listened TO them with calm at
,ent'on Bat, sir, this party question is ~.'y
different matter. thought, when supp~ed ,he
attempt was making to raise the part ha9' '"a'
no iaurels could be won by any Try 10 con-
test like this. Senators have 'sciaifned Az par
ty considerations in their opposition 10 TINS bi
They no doubt feel si'-ere. o'h' II Is very olii-
cult TO account fc me coincidence OF opinions that
has brought Ae entire opposition, with the
cep,ion o. the Senator from Pennsy lvania (Mr
Buch.nan) and the Senator from Mississippi, Mr..
Waikero TO vote against the bill, upon other than
party grounds. But, sir, let that pass. The Sen
a.or from Arkansas thinks that the Wing party
may well vote for this bill, but that he must not
be expected TO give such vote. He says Gen
eral Harrison had done much for the Wing party.
regretted exceedingly to hear the word party
named in connexiou with this measure, which
rises above all party nsidera tons. Let tell
the SENATOR that il is not the Wing party alone
that Is under obligations TO Harrison; it is the
whole nation. Were party lines consulted i'll the
Perils OF his lite his personal sacrifices for his
country, or in his devoted patriotism? Did he
protect one party alone from invading British
army. or the more sanguinarv savage foe? Ask
Tho from iIpr tIars nf fho ~ III
tell you, no! The services of General Harrison
like his fame, belonged 10 the whole people, and
will Inure 10 nations benefit, to nations hon
or, and not merely to a party. Let me say TO
honorable Senators, that whatever of party char
acteE the subject may assume here the nation
every part of the nation, will repudiate all party
distinctions that will withhold from them a par
tcIpafion IN the measure of relief before YOU
How stands the case in the West, his own West?
Had you seen the citizens Of the State OF his ear
Iy adoption, the State that twice gave evidence
OF her confidence in her first Governor, by giving
him her electoral vote by large ma iori,ies--yes.
sir, had you seen the citizens of Indiana, when
the news reached them of the death Of their es
teemed President; had you seen the tear stealing
down the cheeks of his early associates and friends
OF all parties, you could then feel the force of nv
remarks
1t IL said that there is no authority in the Con
siitut,on for this appropriation. We are asked
TO point to the express grant of powers by which
we sustain H. answer, by saying tina, l shall
not at this moment be driven into a Constitution
al argument. | will, however, the frs, suitable
occasion. attempt to show that the doctrines tina,
have been urged deny all useful powers TO Con
gress; but, sir, let me ask those Senators thar de-
ny the Constitutional power 10 pass this sill where
d'd you get the power TO bury your dead ?-where
to erect tombs and monuments over members OF
Congress who died here, and sleep in yonder ce
meterys Where did YOU get the power to gram
relief to sufferers by fire a, home and abroad p
where TO relieve the sufferings of the destitute
poor of the Disiric,?-where 10 gran. lands e
Laiayet'ee-where to pass the bill for the relic
OF Mrs Brown. the widow of the late General ia
coo Brown! That bill was for a years pay o
'"e deceased General. he having lived to eate
upon inc year; that bill was supported, upon tho
soano mat the year had commenced, and it wa: