Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-03-13
SPEECH OF Mr.. ]. S. PENDLETON,
OF VIRGINIA,
On The .4rny APPROPRIATION Bill.
Horsr OF RreaEsexrArrvEs. FEnnuAnr y, ls47


he projected observe that his honorable Giend from Massa
chusc, who tad just preceded him, had very correctly de-
scritad the dilieu which every gentleman bound to
encounter finding any occasion deliver few
swords in season III this House. Such the terms and
conditions Of debate here that must say what have to
say when can. ....,
He should, therefore, feel himself under obligation 10
conne his remarks 10 the precise question before the commit
but would do what every other gentleman the House
had &one-neat Of the general subject in his own way.
lie would have been pleased - have found IN the example
OF either party this House any councnance 10 the opinions
with which he entered the duties Of the present session, in
regad 70 the expejencyoin precisely phrase
regard to the practical utility of discussing at ALL at this
particular tine ana origin the with Mexico
He had houghi better TO look to the mplishcn
OF peacc-o the OF the county any and by all honora
Bile from the difficult and distressing into
which had been unnecessarily not cfimnaly, plung
Ell, and then - make dignnt and careful inquiry OF the
yes and means by which great calamity had been brought
upon H.
do not mean (said Mr. p to make complaint OF Others
who acting different opinions and especially Of those
who belong ii the political party with myself
They have been forced into this of discussion viii
show and if they had been, still imagine any
OF actual in which the Government of the United
States could be placed III position where its character
cuy might require suppression OF free debate this House
There might be proprety in celebrating with closed
doors when the question was whether would would not
declare But, actually existing can conceive
thing clear than the right OF the Representatives OF the
people 10 inquire into the causes.
It is that often arise for believe this the
hs oil which heard where the parties who made II
agree the causes for which it was made
A just, honorable, aud fair stand any scrutiny
which the representatives OF the people and the States may
feel 1t their day 10 make and, the free the e&ami
nao the fully must the national character be vndica
ted in the eyes of all the world and the certainly will
the Government command the confidence and support of its
citizens.
Our Government founded OH public sentiment claims
TO BE- the eest in the world in all hingsand in this chiefly,
that, in relation all public affairs is every mans prv
ge 70 think what he easss and 10 speak what be thinks
The doctrine that gentlemen representing the sovereignty
Of this country that department the hands of which the
issues of peace ana nave been specially conded
sit dun their lest offence be given imperous
President, who, having involved the unity war would
prosecute without question, hndance, inquiry and
coltng to his particular fancy, is II
known that older and better Democracy whose good
has already Suffered much in the bad hands that have
claimed il their inheritance. 1t is doctrine which can
command TIE h1age OF heart that not made for the
bosom OF slave,
My individual wish postpone this of discussion
period favorable calm patient and, if possible,
uncxcited inquiry because profoundly impressed
with the conviction it is occasion which appeals
lemniy to all patriotic which appeals 10 them by every
sentiment of fidelity to happy and prosperous experiment
- guard against the Of similar ty visiting
upon the guilty. whoever they may be, all the punishment
which the law and the circumstances will permit.
Every other gentleman, OF all parties, seems however TO
dir with me this cct. rush from all sides of the
House AMI every OF question: has been kept up for
the aor from the beginning OF the session TO the present
men Tor the purpose Of making speeches about the of
Of the advantages which Executive bunders may have given
10 their party the Democrats The other hand, have been
no less proipt make the origin, the progress and the OBJ
Jects oil the war the theme OF perpetual eugy and gofca
oil their chef and his followers. If the former have found
nothing 10 approve the latter have certainly detected nothing
10 condemn
About thing, and only, all, or nearly all have
agreed and that is that every shall speak forth his OPT
mons Aud every man, therefore, who pEeends speak
all, placed under sort Of necessity to deliver his views,
whether th,y be Of any value
X IS refinement Of tyranny Of which progressive De-
moray ought be ashamed, bring debates of this
sorto force feeble minority these party discussions and
when express opinions enough find favor
IN their royal rather their loyal cars. denounce
giving all and comfort 10 the enemy. II is
gance Of folly unworthy the genius Of that political here
y to suppose that the people OF this country utterly
shaved by their pTudes and passions be managed and
controlled 10 be blinded and humbugged by devices stupid
a this
We all know tha, tic President himself was the first man
TO commence this discussion. That will particularly
notice at future stage OF my remarks.
Gentlemen feel themselves perfect liberty to aud with
cut thewislom and energy and patriotism Of the
Chief Magistrate that all he has done DOING
is precisely best and thing that could possibly be
done This all patriotic, and the effect of the nobest
impulses Of representative fidelity and ptbc devotion Nor
this ALL There those who find no difficulty in abusing
censuring all concerned the prosecution of the war;
cet the commander-in-che the President 1t to
find fault with him.
Oar gallant army and brave generals who have marched
from victory TO victory against foe three times their number
amidst the stirring suggestions of his affairs and his home
these men, bearing proudly aud bavey their couutys flag
Of Iriumphs, uninterrupted for by the power
Of the foe, or the yet formidable power of his pesenlia
cime-whPphE than they could feed and conqupriug
than tie Executive has provided them the keep
ing-thcy have been assailed on this floor.
Carpet knights have undertaken crcse the campaigns
Of an able and experienced general general vino. fighting
for his promotion from the lowest the hshes, rank the
army and through three in which have been engaged,
has never managed battle where he had equal numbers and
fough wIich he did win
All this repeat, very patriotic But when
express the opinion that the unnecessary and might
have been avoided, " 1t Is giving aid and comfort 10 the
enemy
not referring 10 the Presidents message, but the
applications made OF his remarks this floor Of his
friends have had the grace dsclam for him Ct presume by
authority any intention Of attacking the freedom debate in
this House. He only meant ga few" are told, Of the
people If this country when e spoke Of those who giving
ED and comfort to the enemy. believe he did only
few.
think, however, that distinct and uacquiv zeal
preston Of what be did mean would have been better keep
ing with the dignity Of his station and with that nanness
and spirit which his parasites and organs attribute his
character.
The President of the United States has right and it
his duty dcnounre treason where exists aud
that il prosecuted aud punished, far il il his power
As first magistrate Of The county, and ore, therefore, whose
words have influence, possibly, dsp-opohon their
intrinsic Importance, he should make such denuneatons in
terms distinct and explicit.
1t would b. scandoous aud disgaccu abuse Of the privi
legcs Of TINT high station, for any incumbent Of