The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-12-16

ing ears you refuse 10 hear-if YOU will not regard
the circumstances OF a people now thoroughly reused
me unjust measures with which they Threatened,
my mind Is made up 70 stand with the people Of that OPP
pressed section OF the Union IN resistance to your
ares and your power You have the majority but the
will Of amaority cannot disturb the great principles Of
the constitution nor can II interpret the constitution In
Our government we are protected against the tyranny of
popular malorty-the worst OF all tyrannes the pro-
visions oil the constitution When the power OF the
jory transcends the limits OF the constitution il ceases
TO be law, and becomes usurpation
Before resuming my seat, desire TO allude gentle
men will allow me. TO what occurred in the preliminary
meeting which nominated Mr. WINTHROP for the Speak.
eeIrshp lCnes Of Certainly, certainly" Go on y
When came TO Washington. Il my purpose to vote
for Mr. WErHRoP for Speaker. An accomplished
gentleman, admirably fitted IN every way preside over
body like this my personal friend could moi hesitate 10
vote for him When however, in the meeting 10 which
have referred, resolution was brought forward
which was intended as the basis OF an understand
ing IN regard TO- our action upon the dangerous ques-
ton OF which have just been speaking and when
found that we could agree upon nothing at that
expect the resolution to pass but Ibid hope that free
conference would follow, in which we might come to
some good understanding Failing in this withheld my
and know that this was felt far more by me than il could
be BY him. In the meanwhile having conversed freely
with several leading gentlemen from the saveholdng
part better disposition towards the southern States and
their rights than had ever observed before felt too
that the House ought to be oganzed and seemed
was evCiy way 70 secure speak
er friendly to the administration The administration ought
to be able TO bring its fairly before the country
and this could not do with Speaker and with commit
tees hostile to its policy did not doubt that when it's
measures We're fairly presented TO the country the people
would sustain the administration; for believe that its
measures characterized by honesty and by ability
In the hope Them that the dangerous legislation in refer
ence 10 slavery would not be pressed and that the ina
ence OF the southern wing members over that legislation
would be far greater by assocatng with than by drawing
of from northern friends determined to aid in the
election of our candidate for Speaker.
Now, gentlemen, have spoken out freely what felt
il to be my duty TO say. We must look the dangers
which threaten in the face The Union be saved
Do not suffer men. whose vocation it is agtate danger
GUS questions, to drive you upon fatal measures There
is patriotism enough and there is rmness enough to ar
rest the evils which threaten us. repeat what have
said-those OF who sit with you as representatives
from the southern States this side OF the chamber can
60 no further
The people Of the State OF Alabama look 10 this Con-
gress with the deepest interest They will hail with 10y
the triumph OF patriotic and magnanmous policy; but
if other counsels PREVAIL and your legislation should be
misguided as to deprive them of rights which they
hold dear, they WILL believe throw of the authority OF
government which has ceased to the ends for
which il was created.
still hope that the cloud which hangs SO darky above
us at this moment will pass away, and that country
will go forward in its glorious career enjoying the high
est internal prosperity and giving to The world the no
bles example that has been furnished of liberty and
order, oil strength and tranquility