The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-17

more. My colleague Gen Shisdsl truly unfortu,
nate man, Elected to the Senate You wl not permit
HIM to sit here, and you refuse him the privilege OF re-
signing The Senate pertinacously refuses nun ehe'
alternative. He shall not STAY and shall not nave per
mission to co. Ii ii there were preconcelted
that he should not be allowed to leave this
Senate without being kicked out SIR, ask why the
name of Reverdy ohnsoa is not called py sne secretary
has resigned How has he resigned by sending his
resignation TO the President of the Senate. Why was
James shiedss nams called oy Tue secretary Does not
Secretary of the Senate to decide this question against
my colleague If this system Of persecution is to be
red on by the Senate against this gentleman-
Mr. MANGUM / Call the senator to order will
not sit here and listen to charges of this description.
Mr.. FoorE. | charge the Senate with persecution.
Mr.. MANGUM. call the senator to order
Mr.. FOOFE ! call him to order. 1t is persecution
Mr.. MANGUM addressed to the senator from MIsss-
s'pP phrase % which the reporter was unable to hear
PRESIDING OFFICER The senator from Illinois,
if no point Of order is made, will proceed.
MIR. DOUGLAS. Sir, perhaps used harsh express
sion; but il il is not persecution, why does the Senate
make this dstcon! The senator from Virginia has de-
MED the right OF senator to resign to the Senate Do
filled and these lobbes crowded to hear the vaedc
tory of the distinguished senator from Kentucky. who
had resigned his seat in this chamber and resigned to the
to him. He resigned TO the Chair Was It asserted that
he had right to do so bel eve, sir that several
distinguished senators at the last session of this
made then. Only a few days ago an honorable and
accomplished senator from Maryland resigned to the
cabinets and. sir his name is dropped from the records
of senator's. | ask why the name of my colleague is
not dropped aso and whether this distinction did not
Justify me, in the face of what [ see around me- in
saying that here was something that to my mind resem
bled persecution Yes, sir, persecution OF man whose
misfortune IT was to be born IN foreign and man,
sir, who has shown his devotion to this country think
by many titles and by many glorious deeds those
OF any living Still, sir that is not to be per-
mitted have extended to him the decent coueses that
have been refused TO mortal belore not sir
the courtesy which you have but few days ago extend
ed to late member OF this body, now men her Of the
cabinet; upon resgnng his seat Why is this distnc-
ton! Why is this pertnacity manifested to pronounce
condemnation upon my colleague, and to nfc AN injury
upon the State which represent There is be-
fore you No man can pretend that his object is to vnd
cate the constitutions man can contend that his OBJ
ject is to purge the body no can contend that the
decision that you are about to make can have any pac
teal effect upon this body 1t is not designed for that
What, them is it designed for' Is to fix brand upon
distinguished citizen and gallant soldier Is it to aim
an insult at Of the sovereign States of this Union
Is that that induces you to violate every practice that
the Senate has heretofore adopted in similar Never
before did you refuse member OF this body the right of
resignation Never before did you Persevere in al ming
blow at sovereign State, after the subject-matter
voved in the question to be discussed had ceased TO be
practical question before the Senate. trust, sir, if
have shown any degree OF feeling upon the subiec-f
have said word that seemed uncourteous TO the body
that shall be pardoned Certainly, sir, wonld not do
willingly. hold in too high reverence this body.
hold in too high regard every member OF it, to say word
that might offensive disrespectful Bat, sir,
believe in my heart that fragrant wrong is about to be
done to my State, and to her representative. who has
poured his blood for the honor and fame of this coun
try. And sir believing this, feeling it deeply trust
shall be pardoned for showing some feeling this
cason.
just been addressed the Senate by the honorable
tors from Tennessee and Illinois, do deem neces
sary make extended address support of the prop
ositoh before 1t is surely duty, in my Judgment
without DELAY, to The executive of The State of
Illinois to be informed OF the resignation of the seat in
our body lately occupied by General SHIELDS 1t has
been shown most conclusivey by the senator from Hi
nos in the course OF that very animated speech which
many of US have listened with much pleasure and all
as suppose. with the sentiment of decided admiration
of the cosency OF its argument and the burn
ing eoquence which marked it from beginning to end
that the motion Of the honorable senator from New
Hampshire is in strict accordance with the usages of
this body, and not Objectionable in itself either grounds
OF justice or public convenience.
Sir, if the question before could be settled by the
vote OF this vast audience including only the Senate
ITSELF but the brilliant and crowdel assembIagc which
surrounds all Sides colenl the motion OF the
honorable senator from New Hampshire would be carried
by an overwhelming majority
Mr.. HAMLlN (in his seat) here said word or two
inandible to the reporter and was heard to laugh
Mr.. FOOIE. intend to be heard, and respectfully
heard; and shall, therefore, wait until senators shall
cease to interrupt - am resolved on this occasion
Mr.. President TO speak plainly upon the question be-
fore us as have heretofore done point which
has arisen in the have not the honor of possessing
an intimate personal acquaintance with Gen SHIELDS,
do believe have ever conversed with him in my
life for five minutes continuously, but have long known
and warmly admired his public character and his achieve
ments in the late with Mexico have secured for him
my permanent gratitude as patriot, and my highest
respect a
Sir, if the motion of the senator from New Hanp
shire shall not prevail, perfectly with the honor
able senator from Tennessee Mr.. TURNEY that il will
be better Tor those who entertain the opinion expressed
by hour or two snce-tha have lost our iuris
dicton the whole subectmaer of the present in
vestgatonnot to vote al all apon any resolution pro
posing further action thereupon but, though may
hereafter vote upon propositions seeking to amend the
resolution reported from the committee shall certainly
not participate at all in the final upon that resolution
Certain gentlemen seem to he disposed to find fault with
the honorable senator from Illinois for undertaking to
assert that the treatment heretofore inflicted upon the
distinguished gentleman who has lately resigned his
seat among us amounted 10 persecution; and he was
even called to order tor using strong term. Well
sir ay be that honorable senator's who have arraye
themselves heretofore against the claim of Gen. SHIELDS
to seat IN this body have not intended to prosecute
hm-have not designed to do him injustice-have not
even been conscious thai their conduct towards him was
the least degree dlscourteous Or unkind; but vet
have hesitation in saying that the of opposition
pursued so zealousy and persevernely both in matter
and manner, lis but eeby portrayed by the objected
to. Why, sir what is persecution, il this man has not
rial has been violated order to Cypress and de-
grade him No one deny that spirit has been
hblted by gentlemen the other side OF the chamber
from the beginning OF this investigation up the present
moment, indicating anything but good will and generous
sympathy towards the honorable claimant
| shall not, sir, trouble the Senate with specific
recital OF all that has occurred usying in the use of
sary. All our acts before the country and an un-
peOple will fail IN