The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-02-19


so long do not charge the wing party with this pamph-
e but have quoted 1t in order 10 vindlcate what has
iallen from The senator from kentucky opposition
nc dangerous sentiments OF the senator from New Hamp
shie presenting as 1t does striking illustration OF the
consequences TO which such sentiments naturally lead
Mr.. CRlTTENDEN again rose Ilf
MIR. tASS. Is the senator going 10 make any motion
The senator from Texas has the floor on the special
order.
Mr.. CRlTTENDEN. | will not detain the Senate
Mr.. RUSk. 30 lar as am concerned desire to saw
that have great pleasure in asking the senator from
Mr. CRITfENDEN do not intend to protr,c, th;.
debate, but desire to acquit myself of the personality
of which the honorable senator from New Hampshire
seems 10 have considered me TO be guilty. i did not
isu, or without morality No, sir, not al all / meant
only to contest the proposition which he laid down, and
on which his objections to this vote OF thanks rested
and which they could alone stand twas reference
TO that proposition and not the sincerity OF the honorable
gentleman that my remarks made; and it was very
lar from my Intention indeed, to make any such charge
as that he wanting in morality or patriotism The
sentiments which the honorable gentleman enteraiDed
are OF such peculiar character, that one can hardly fall
INTO the error OF snpposing that they are entertained from
selfish motives The gentleman must be sincere, and
do not doubt that he sincere and assure him that
personality was intended by me- ~.
am a little apprehensive that the senator from Mis-
ssspPi may have understood going little farther
than designed TO be understood going in relation 10
this war. think told you, at the commencement OF
my remarks, that was not of those who approved
OF this warnot at all But said that the war, by the
act of Congress, had become national II
cpe OF republican government consists in the combina
ton of the strength and power of the whole community
IN executing the laws passed by the majority OF that
community that | am much bound to respect the law
passed IN reference to this war; am IN respect to any
law that imposed duties or taxes or regulated the con-
duct of citizens of the United States With respect
any of those laws the liberty of discussion, under the
constitution and according to every principle OF repub
can government, is free and unlimited 1t is upon that
condition that every citizen of the republic agrees TO
form himself to- and be governed by the majority how
repugnant to his opinions may be the decisions
OF the majority. This freedom OF discussion ~ the
ground on which each and every individual may infer,
entering into the social compact that he may safely
and chesay agree to obey whatever law ,h the majority
Mr. Jefferson, that be tolerated whilst reason
left free to combat it. That is the principal of republ
can government do not hold that | oppose the war
because discuss and examine, and reason in order to
prove TO you that the law ought to be repealed, or
changed, or modified, SO as to pat an end to this
case OF every other law. Every constitutional law
claims the obedience of every man. no matter whether
obedience. But it leaves him free to discuss it. It
leaves him free to endeavor in the exercise of all his
constitutional rights, to have the law repealed no matter
whether relates to peace war; and the right is equal
ly perfect in regard to the one the other Circum-
stances may modify-the exigences of the country may
controhe exercise of this rght but his constitutional
right and citizen, is to discuss the law fully.
He ought to do so, because he is bound to obey implicitly.
That is my doctrine do not hold that because man
dsappoves of this and in that sense opposes it. that he
IS with hand endeayorng to support the law as ma
onal law, whilst with the other, by exercising his right to
put end TO that state of things he makes an opposition
to the which in any true sense OF IT can be regarded
as unparotic Some gentlemen run into the ideaIand
it seems to me that my friend from Mississippi mclnes
to the belie-ha any degree OF dsapprobaton OF the
war; every species of opposition to it, betokens want OF
PATRIOTISM or OF courage or OF something that belongs to
honorable and patriotic men
language. ! have uniformly used the same language
and il is now on record-upholding freedom of debate
and discussion But have said and repeat it now that
whenever speeches are made anywhere in the United
States evidently intended to circulate in Mexco-calcu
lated to encourage the enemy of the country--hose
speeches stamped with treachery TO the country.
am be understood, however in the slightest de-
gree renching the freedom of debate The senator
from New Hampshire is bound to express his sentiments
he enertans them. only deplore his condition, being
mpelled by the peculiar character of his intellect to adopt
such sentiments. | am not willing to shackle even him :
articles s which are intended to circulate IN
Mexico, giving ''ald and comfort to the enemy; and
speeches have been made which we know to have had
the effect All know this. is part of the his.
tory of the country, and challenge denial of the state
nent that it is so In my opinion. for making such
speeches the punishment Of hanging if the law allowed
it, should be inflicted. ! hope am understood now |
hope the senator from Kentucky will do me justice
know it is thing simply to declare that the war is I'M
just and 10 seek the repeal of the law and another to be-
come traitor to the country in moral point OF view
by such overt acts in favor of the enemy those to
which have alluded Let it also be understood, that
Mr.. CRITTENDEN. regret that this debate has ia
ken this exclusive direction, passing entirely beyond the
point to which supposed il would Be limited in the first
obtrude any remarks of mine upon the attention Of the
Senate. | believe that the honorable senator s of too
liberal spirit himself, lightly to mpute 10 others any
want of patriotism, much less to great party like that OF
the wings He dsclams any such imRuation with re-
spect to them if understood him; What, sir! DO the
wing party patriotism and shall the wing party, in
retaliaon charge the democratic party with want OF
patriotism! Then who, in the name OF all that is vrtu
Gus has patriotism in this wide republic?
The gentleman imposes another limitation upon this
right of discussion relation to the which it seems
TO me cannot be maintained. ! may speak the more
freely on this subject, nasmuch as that, though my
opinions on the have been withheld, it has not
been my lot to participate largely in the discussion
many others have and doubt whether, in all the
archives of Mexico, from the fortress Of San Juan
lUoa to the city of Mexico, sentence, line, or
word of any poor remarks that made here, can be
found. And am equally well assured that no remarks
of my wing associates, democratic associates, have
been made for any such purpose OF encouragement 70
Mexico or Mexcans These remarks have been made
in the exercise of their constitutional rights here Tor the
benefit of country by the discussion OF mater
involving the interests OF our country ~,
Mr. FOOTE. | am very sorry to interrupt ue SENATOR
but had no reference speeches made here alluded
TO speeches made in various parts OF the United States
deliberately made crowds assembled Tor the purpose
Of beinr Northumberland which the speaker knew
would operate in Mexco therefore meritng all the de-
nuncations which heapcd upon them and only regret
hat INV powers of not adequate to the work
of s,iqmatzing them they deserve.
Mr. CRITTENDEN. ! accept the explanation of the
gentleman thought he had reference to speeches here
and elsewhere 1t that he had not reference to
speeches here Now that might be his limitation of the
INIT | n m tho anil alioyv N