Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1847-03-10
SPEECH OF MIR. BUTLER, OF S, C

SPEECH OF MR.. BUTLER, OF S. c..
In the U. S. Senate, on the Three Million BA
Mr.. BUTLER said lha, he approached
the discussion of this subject with an en-
barrassmeut which he had in vain altemp-
ted 10 throw of; but he would nevertheless
endeavor 10 redeem the pledge he had
given yesterday, by con6uins his remarks
within as narrow limits as practicable; for
upon reflection, he was much more dispo-
sed to hear the remarks Of others Than 10
undertake TO make any suggestions of his
own. This war, continued Mr.. Is. and
the propositions which have been made
for terminating it, have brought up sub
iecls for the consideration Of this body
which, view them in whatever aspect you
may, are calculated 10 involve us in the
most perplexins difficulties. My own
mind; sir, has not been relieved by any
thing that has yet been proposed; and
when say this. an sure it will be evil
dent that any thing which can say eau,
not be expected to remove The difficulties
or relieve the apprehensions which exist
in the minds Of others. Mil l had de-
termineh 10 make few remarks in rela-
lion 10 these matters, had not fully rcali
zed The magnitude of the SUBJECTS all its
bearings, We are in the midst OF a war.
II has its horrors, It's calamities, ite haz
ards. IT heae;are nseparehla EEala all -lxars,.
aaa bin Enns e e
{ ihe liazaras and calamities df 1iiS warsas
would The hazards and cnlamlues OF this
or any other; but when turn 10 anolher
view oftliSs Subject, am. myself appalled,.
] wish sir, that could coh TO peace ior
any relief. We are engaged ID This war
and at this very moment, whilst our coun'
,rvmen, dur friends, our kindred, are some
of them sensaged in ,he perils Of battle,
and some :of them subject to the hazards
of going there, amidst the storms which
prevail upon a dangerous coast, instead OF
finding any relief from any of the susses'
ions which have been made here for OBJ
tanning an honorable and safe peace, had
no such prospect presented to me. Ii the
admoniions we have heard land they have
come from imposing sources, from sour
ces entitled TO our respect) are 10 be re-
parded, peace with Mexico will bring with
Il nothing but abiding strife al home; there
will be more imminent peril in peace
ilselfthan there is danger in war, viewed
in any form in which you choose to regard
it. God grant that these perils may be
aver,ed! 1t is all occasion, sir which
calls for union, which demands the exer;
else of'iuslice, wisdom, and moderation;
which calls for spirit ofcompromise from
every quarter of this country. 1t IS an
occasion which requires that all these in-
fuences should be united Tor the protec.
ZION of,he institutions aud the interests oi
this country aud yet wha, do we tlnd
Discom mingling i'll our councils; cabals
and parties arising and proclaimIng tha:
they are-ready 10 break down',he temple
of our liberties unless lheterms Of peace
prescribed by the Suggestions Of faoal'c'sm
or ambition lie acceded 10. Under tlTesc
circumstances, whether i look TO war oil
peace, it is with scarcely an expectatior
that we shall avoid the perils to which !
have alluded, although l may be permi,
ted to indulge the hope that they may o.
ayered. ln Republic like this, IN int
midst of.he ag,alions of a free active, ant
progressive public opinion, wemus' eSPec;
TO encounter some of The hazards whlct
are incident to the stability of our glorious
institutions. We must meet those haz
ards, and withstand them as we can. W.
must endeavor to lay aside our animosi
ties. and unite with firm determination
to support those institutions which ar
suaraniied to US by our constitution. Jus
lice 10 ourselves demands that we shoul'
endeavor. as far as practicable, to main
fa;n irvioia,e the liberties and privilege
which, underour form Of government, W
are entitled to enjoy. and not 10 suffer
violation Of them in any form whatever
Ian here-I may say 1t without DISCUS
and without hestiIa'ion-not as partisan
bu; one who looks only yto the best interest
of this widely extended country. | hav
nofavor TO ask from party; no aspiration
10 crafty, so lar as Tknow myself, beyon
the performance Of the duty which ow
10 the country; and certainly, if it shoul
be- supposed that came here vii
any premeLia,ed aversion to the fre
sident of the United States, it is a mi'
,akeu supposilion. My only endeavor
to pursue Straightforward course in II
performance Of MY duty; aud in do'r