The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-12-21

the defence OF their country but who have not been dis
FORE under the rule oil the Senate not entitled to
admission within this bar; shall vote itdowni II we
establish this precedent OF comforting privileges upon emf
nent strangers who visit country for purposes laud
ablesuely but no audabe certainly than the fear
less bravery OF those who calamity defend their country
how them shall we draw the line OF distinction. am
not, therefore, for embarrassing myself do not wish
to see the Senate embarrassed with these endless compli
cations Of individual merit i the Senate wishes any
from the establishment OF this precedent Why have we
moi sufficient one here before us today in the Discus
one, am not disposed q embark IA any such sxpeent
As my friend from South Carolina Mr. BUrLERT said,
do not wsh to be considered expressing any opinion
OF dsrespect or slight estimation for the reverend gene
man whose name is before us. esteem him highly for
his exertions in the cause OF benevolence wish only
70 keep the Senate clear from the which
have pointed out would PREFER therefore. to vos to
lay this resolution the abenot passing any judy
nent upon the individual, but upon the ground that Il b
subject not proper to be entertained by the Senate II
there no other gentleman who desires 70 Be heard upon
the Question will renew the motion 70 lay the resou
ton on the table. 8s1s f3AH
Mr. DOWNS said: Mr.. President, 4 regret that this
resolution was introduced In much that the senator
from North Carolina [Mr BADcEal has said against the
expediency OF adopting such resolutions concur Under
ordinary circumstances would vote against such
luton Il is said thai the only precedent for such
viii Be- often While applied y sucS
only Lafayette and Father Mathew can there be
reasonable objection to it Aaother such these
can see no danger in following the precedent.
II thought for moment that there anything in
the past history OF the individual to whom this reso9
ton applies, that there was likely to be anything in
his opinions advocated in his conduct in his proposed
visit to the South, nimical to interests or hostile to
oppose him. But is this the case think not Il d
said that long ago. before he came to America, he ex-
pressed opinions opposed to slavery Well, suppose he
Of him to retract these opinions He among u.s. not
propagandist either Of religious or political doctrines,
but benevolent mission OF humanity to make man.
kind better and happier like the Saviour Of The world
who preceded him-on mission scarcely less divine.
He has, when approached refused TO commit himself
that subject in country Is not this course which
all must approve Of! Could he with propnety, with
out defeating the Of his mission, have pursued
different course For myself, confess, coming to the
United States for the benevolent purpose he didan OBJ
ec to be accomplished in particular section and BY
party sect but Throughout our broad land
cooperation OF the we'll disposed OF a he had aken
any part in political discussions, obtruded his opinions
all occasions, should not have approved OF hrs course,
had been in favor OF side Of the question but
should have considered him wanting in that wisdom and
discretion necessary for the success OF his mssion.
Besides, sir, of the South believe ourselves TO Be
right in opinions the subject of slavery that
course will bear the test OF scrutiny and examination that
people abroad entertain erroneous opinions OF our inu
and ascerainng the true state OF the case. Would ~
not them be nexpedent and unwise to ask Father Ma
opinions previously iormedi Would the world ssy tks
was the conduct of people confident OF the justice OF
their cause; would not rather say there IL something
TO conceal there would not be such precauons2 For
myself do not believe that he has evinced any disPos
ton interfere in institutions. On the contrary, il
seems to be admitted on all sides that when approached
by the aboonists the subject be refused to concar
with them in their views, or give them any encourage
ment But il he was disposed, have too much
confidence in the justice OF and the strength Of
institutions 10 suppose he could do us any harm
Mr.. President shall vote for this resolution upon
had
mission which consider of vast importance to the people
Of the United States and TO all the world believe his
the object Of them, and wish them success and am dis
posed TO advance them in every possible way presume
there is single individual in thus Senate but will
his utmost endeasors TO promote that object 4
Mr. PRESIDENT cannot the occasion for offering this
resolution but, since il has been offered, le, be consd
cred and passed beg my southern friends 70 reflect up
the rejection oil this resolution, before this venerable
gentleman makes his departure to section OF the
country He is engaged benevolent mission,
haps he Is 50 unapPovngy received BY the ssnss, q
mission, and paayze his efforts and take away the great
advantages that will to the United States through
his exertions, and 10 our section as well as Others.
ask my southern friends If the movement will not be
mpolitc' To give their disapprobaton OF the gentle
mans conduct would be much as to say that he ought
not 10 90 among none OF them opposed the
resolution this grounds but still this may, and fear
will, be the effect Of lis rejection. do not wish. when
= him
in bis good work. do not intend TO do anything that
will seem like repeng him from my State. want him
10 90 there Think say for the people OF my State
that he will be received with open arms and the kndes
greetings; and will not do anything here ohensiveto
such feeling. .yN
Some members OF the Senate seem to be disposed 70
vote against the resolution in consequence OF the speech
made in its favor by the from New York, (r
SEwARD.) and the grounds taken by him MY mind has
not been influenced by that fact think OF his enor
very much the senator from Mississippi has characer-
lied it, Very likely he took that ground 70 star tnis
issue, and 10 throw in false position and weaken
our cause. do not wish intend 10 be influenced by
him in any way do not wish TO fall into perhaps the
very trap he has for wish TO vote this a. on
all other OCCASIONS entirely unnhuenced BY what ne
says or does II he thinks shall vote against this reso
luton because he advocates IT, WISH fer one, TO show
him that he cannot influence in that way any more
than in any other. wish him not to spring new issue
=, ...L -.
These are briefly the reasons which induce me 70 vote
against LAYING the resolution on the table, and to vote for
Il on its passage should be doing violence TO my own
feelings as well those OF the people OF my state,
vo,ed differently and against the cause OF humanity.
Mr. PEARCE | wish 10 relieve myself from any MIS-
concenon which the senator from Louisiana might have
win regarI 10 myself | do not doubt that Father
Mathew is entitled to the respect and gratitude OF all
men for his phlanthropic and benevolent exertons.
which have made him so useful 10 his fellow men. Il
do not question the purity Of his character, but consider
him entitled 10 the respect OF all. The motives which
induce me TO vote for the motion Of the senator from
North Carolina tMr. BADcERl are those which ne has
assigned think that the rules which we have adopted
which have been made with respect 10 certain persons
being admitted within the Senate chamberoughf TO
preserved. This is an evil precedent, and one which
will expand very soon, as to be OF very great neon
enip nee