The North-Carolina standard., 1849-01-10
RRMARKs on MRh sTETENson.

> 81.
Delivered in the House Of Commons, on January Sd,
l949, in reply to Mr.. Sattefthwaite, who desired
the ayes and noes should be suppressed npon the
amendment to Mr.. Steeless Resolutions. "a
Mr.. SPEAKER The gentleman from Pitt desires
that the ayes and noes should not be called upon
these resolutions, and he bases his remarks upon the
presumption that this call move of the democratic
party to embaass the actioHof his political friends.
And, MT. Speaker, he appeals to the patriotism OF
gentlemen this side Of the House. It is ques-
ton, he says, which perfect unanimity is desired
wcshould present bold and united front, and that
this call will have tendency to produce division.
Now, Mr. Speaker, is it not surprising that gentle
men over the way should so soon forget their own
history How long has itbeeD, Sir. since with the
GUOsced purpose of entrappng and involving in polti
cai7absurdity the democratic party, resolutions were
here introduced with call of the ayes and noes
Why, Mr.. Speaker, does the gentleman call to mind
no other period of our history when unaninity was
desired Has he forgotten that short time ago this
country was engaged In foreign war, and then good
men thought it patriotic that every American citizen
should stand shoulder to shoulder1 Has he forgotten
that that memorable occasion, when It became
necessary that North Carolina should furnish her
regiment for the war, and resolutions were ntrodu-
ced In this Hail to raise money for the equipment of
the regiment, that what is universally known as the
Mexican Preamble was addsd to those resolutions
the ayes and noes were demanded-and the demo-
cratic party placed in the unpleasant position which
required them to censure the administration, refuse
to vote the necessary appropriation! fFlere Mr..
y
Chair ruled that Mr.-Stevenson was in order; and
he thus proceeded am not surprised, Mr.Speaker,
that my remarks upon the proceedings Of our last
session, should have brought .the gentleman from
Beaufort to his feet. 10 would be we'll for that gen.
temans party just at this tme that this matter was
forgotten But, Sir, alfusion to their course
then, refreshing of their memory, all thatI de-
sired. Now, Sir, how have the gentlemen of the
other party used their patriotism in the call of the
ayes and noes this sesson-aye even upon this very
question The resolutions were first introduced by
my friend from Richmond-a good Whig, Sir; an
amendment was added by the gentleman from Orange,
which placed the democrats in the awkward attitude
of defeating the resolutions OF censuring Mr.. Polk
And repeat Sir, they called the ayes and noes upon
us, and exulted in the call. And although unanimy
was important then il is now, their pariotfsn
chuckled over our embarrassment.
Mr.. Speaker, how does the matter now stand! The
resolutions originally introduced by Wing, have
been referred to- committee of four, two of either
party to be altered pruned down. and smoothed over
so that the opinions of all might be met. The result
OF the fabors of the committee are before The
question stands upon the adoption of the resolutions
introduced by the committee. The ayes and noes
have been called And this call has brought upon
us the implication of want of generosity and pa
triotism. The resolutions embarrass some of our
friends of the other party. They wish to come to
their relief and take away the dssagreeabe necessity
OF recording their votes upon the journal. If do
this, Mr. Speaker, they must look upon it as debt
OF magnanlmlty on our part-not that they deserve
such generosity. 1t will be return of good for evil
anu 'iie gehtiemdh ifoHrlt VIII al once perceive
with what bad grace the appeal be has made to our
patriotism, &c. In matter of this kind comes from
from one of his party. = >N
But Sir, how will the great benefits of unanimity,
on this most important question, be secured by sup
pressing the cah for the ayes and noes Are we in
secret session Are our doors and windows clos
ed, that the will not go forth from this Hall
that the call of the ayes and not made, for
fear Southern gentlemen will be found differing upon
this subject The only of securing this unan
nous expression, SO greatly desired by all of US, is
for gentlemen freely, boldly and feahessly to record
their votes in favor of the resolutions And il, un-
fortunately, there should be three four gentlemen
upon the other side who cannot vote in the Affirmative
let the position they occupy be known. And, Sir,
have too high opinion Of the gentlemen, who
disturbed by this question, to suppose they would
desire to avoid the responsibility of an open and pub
lie action. -