The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-31
SPEECH OF MR.. CABELL,
OF FLORIDA,

In the House Of Representatives, January %, 1876
On the contested election from the State Of Florida.
Mr.. CABELL rose and said: much regret, Mr.
Speaker, that the contestant Mr.. BRooKENBRoUGHl
has not acceded TO of the two propositions
which Yesterday submitted to the House Hay-
ing avowed that his desire was to arrive at the
truth, should have presumed il he were sincere in
that avowal, that he would at least have accepted
the proposal Of the gentleman from South Carolina,
Mr.. SINS, who is his political friend, inasmuch as
the object of that resolution was TO ascertain clearly
and certainly how the people Of Florida had voted,
30 that he who had actually received the majority
Of legal votes might be declared elected. Bot the
gentle maH declined the proposition.
made another proposal, which he has also de-
clined In so doing, he has declared that the pro-
posa TO refer the matter back to the people was
made for the first time after he had proved his ma
jority before the committee. Such is not the fact
From the time first heard that there was a doubt
| Of my election, it is well known in Florida, that
expressed an unwillIngness TO accept my commits
sion, and that desired to refer the matter back to
the people. | believed myself to have been elected
but the fact being doubted, desired to 70 back to
the people. And now state that letter of request
| to that effect written by me to Mr. BRocKEN-
BRoUGH, but not delivered because he could not be
found. | mentioned my purpose, however, to a
friend of his, gentleman connected with the demo
cratic press in Florida and in BRocKENBRoucH's
confidence. The very next day there appeared in
the democratic paper notice, which seemed to be
| authentic, that Mr.. BRocKENBRoUGH would not ac-
cept such proposition; that Ineed not hatter my
self with that hope; that he claimed to be elected
! and would go on to Washington to take his seat
whether resigned or not.
Again. made this proposition before the COM
mittee had come to any conclusion, and at time
| when thought their decision would be in nv favor
After it was supposed that report in my favor
would be made, declared that so soon as it should
be made would again submit similar PROPOSAL
&c. from first TO last have earnestly desired to re-
fer the queson to the people, the best arbiters in
controversies Of this kind and to let them, and not
this House, deceive between u.s.
And, cir, | must here belpermitted to say, that
consider the motives which the contestant has attrb-
uted to me, and the reasons which he has thought
proper to assign uctuatng TO make these pro-
posals as un Just they are ungenerous have
no disposition to dodge this matter here. am will
ling to meet the question before this House. The
gentleman will see in the course Of my remarks
why | felt unwilling to go into discussion of the
question at present. have shown every disposition
to settle it fairly, to submit it to the arbitration
Of the people. Every effort that could make towards
a compromise have made. Like q certain govern
ment in the case Of a certain disputed territory,
have offered my uiii,nattn. These proposition.
have, like the propositions Of that government, beer
rejected, and rudey rejected, and | now Withdraw
them. Laughter] We have hitherto had sort o
joint occupancy Of the seat appropriated on th,
floor to the representative from the State of Flor
ida. now assert my exclusive right, and go 70
the whole or none. And having, as | believe, sue
ceeded before the peope-having beaten the contest,
ant once, at least, before the committee, canno
doubt that shall be able to sustain my rights befor
this House.
i scarcely know how am to proceed to reply I,
the gentleman's speech Of yesterday. From begin
ming to end, it was almost devoid Of argument.
abounded in abuse and vituperation of myself ant
Of those members Of the committee who had sus
tanned my position. Ii was probably the most ex
\ traordinary speech delivered in controve
Of this character. And question whether, in th
annals Of legislation, such an abuse Of privilege
and Of the courtesy Of the House wasever known
as was yesterday exhibited here. Gentlemen VIII,
heard it will recolect its character, and will see tina
these remarks are justified by it, IL contained gros
misrepresentation Of the conduct Of the committee
4 their motives were impugned; lessons and homilie
upon honor, honesty, and morality were read I,
them. Sir, the committee can protect itself Pro
baby before get through they will know some
4 thing Of the character Of their teacher,
| regret that ana obliged to express myself il
such terms. regret to find myself placed in pc
sition in which must use language of retort bu
justice to myself requires it. The tone and tempe
Of the gentlemnn's speech justify me in speaking
, plainly on this question The ungentrou, the di,
eourteous and, were il not that might violate tn
rules Of order, would say the impu,Iem assertion
Of the gentleman excited in my bosom nothin
more than feeling Of sovereign contempt. He ha
undertaken to arraign me before this House,
hold me up the House and to the country as dere
liet Of duty. He says that have remained here 70
4 Ave or six weeks, and done nothing. He asks VIII
i have not procured the adoption OF measures to for
lily the harbors Of Florida, to protect her coast
: regulate the land system, and to do various othe
3 things which do not at this moment remember, br
. which will no doubt be in the recollection Of tn