The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-12-31


the floor of the Senate gave rise to very warm
debate, and was carried at last against a. strong
minority vote, as follows.
,YeasMesrs. Baldwin, Bel, Bradbury. Bright, Cas-.
Dodge of Iowa. Douglass, Dgseas, Fech Greene Hamia,
smith, Sgll5, Steward, Sturgeon, Underwood. tpbam
Wales, Walker and Whteomb-S3.
e Gsoas cane eB s1 a q RSsP B0and Bat
Huner Mas9n, Morton, Pearce Rusk, Sebastian, Turney
The ground was taken by some that this was an
unusual proceeding, and an Infringement of the
rules of the Senate without sufficient reason, for
that the Vice President had power to grant the ad-
mission. But the main ground of opposition, led
by Mr. Clemens, the new Senator from Alabama.
was that Father Mathew had signed the O'Connel
address, insulting to the Southern States, and CON
tanning an exhortation to all Irshmen to Join the
abOlitionists. The slave question became thus
direct subject Of debate, and it was aggravated by
an expression Of Senator Seward Of New York
which was interpreted to mean that for these very
acts Father Mathew especially deserved the honor
proposed.
1t was alleged on the other side that the Father
had carefully abstained while in this country from
all Interference by words or acts with this question
and had devoted himself exclusively to the duties
Of his mission. Mr.. Butler, of South Carolina, tes-
tilted to the berality of the sentiments of perfect
non-interlerence expressed by Father Mathew in
letters to South Carolina. He voted on other
grounds
Mr. Clemens Mr.. Calhoun, Mr. Foote, and Mr..
Mason of Virginia, strongly opposed the resolution,
which was, however, supported by Mr.. Clay Gen.
Houston, and Mr. Downs of this State, in addition
to Mr.. Seward, but on different grounds from him,
and carried, as stated above.
The following are the remarks of Mr. Downs in
voting for the resolution
Mr.. DowNs-Mr. President regret that this
resolution was introduced. In much that the Sen
tor from North Carolina (Mr Badger has said
against the expediency Of adopting such resolutions
l concur. Under ordinary circumstances | would
vote against such resolution. 1t is said that the
only precedent for such case is that of LAFAYETTE
II this be So need we fear that the precedent viii
be often invoked2 While applied to such cases
only as Lafayette and Father Mathew, can there
be unreasonable objection to t? Another case such
as these may not occur for half a century, and
when it does, can see no dangerin following the
precedent.
II l thought for moment that there lSvas any
thing in the past history Of the individual % whom
tins resolution applies, or that there was likely to
be any thing in his opinions advocated, or in his
conduct In his proposed visit to the South inimica
to our interests or hostile to our opinions, then
would certainly be one of the first to oppose him
But is this the case / think mott It's said that
long ago, before he came to America, he EXPRESSED
opinions opposed to slavery Well; suppose he
did IS It reasonable or proper in us of the South to
require Of him to retract these opinions
lie comes among us, hotasa propagandist either
OF religious or political doctrines but on benevo-
lent mission Of humanity, to make mankind better
and happier, ike the Saviour of the world who
preceded hiIn-on a mission scarcely less divine.
lie has, when approached, refused to commit him
SELL or IN any manner to interfere in public affairs
or opinions on that subject in our country. Is not
TINS course which all must approve Off Could
he with propHety, without defeating the success
OF his mission, have pursued different course
I or myself, confess, coming to the United States
for the benevolent purpose he did-an object TO he
accomplished in particular section or bv no par
tlcular party sect but throughout our broad land
from North to South and from East to West, and
by the cooperation of the Tell-disposed of all-if
he had taken any part in political discussions, or
obtruded his opinions on all occasions should not
have approved of his course even if il had been in
favor OF our side of the question: but should have
considered him wanting in that wisdom and dis |
eretlon necessary for the success of his mission
Besides, sir, of the South believe ourselves to
be right In our opinions on the subject Of slavery
that our course will bear the test Of scrutiny and |
examination; that people abroad entertain errone-
Gus opinions Of our Institutions which would be |
removed by visiting our eoujtry and ascertaining |
the true state OF the case. w Gould it not then be |
InexPedient and unwise to ask Father Mathew, |
before he has visited section of the country, |
and had an opportunity Of judging for himself to |
change opinions previously formed?
Would the world say this was the conduct of a |
people confident of the Justice Of their cause or
would notlt rather say there is something to con
ceal, or there would not be such precautionl For
myself, do not believe that he a9evineed any dis
position TO interfere in our Institutions on the con-
aTV, 1t seems 10 be admitted on all sides that when
approached by the abOlitiOnsis on the subject he |
refused to concur with them in their views, or give
.hem any encouragement. But, even if he was so !
disposed, have too much confidence in the Justice
Of our cause aud the strength of our institutions to
suppose he could do us any harm.
Mr.. President l shall vote for this resolution |
upon another ground. This distinguished gentle |
man is upon mission which consider of vast i'm |
porance to the people of the United States and To
all the world. believe bis efforts are to be of i'm
nense advantage, and concur in the object of them,
and wish them success, and am disposed 10 ad |
vance them IN every possible way presume there
IS NOT single individual in this Senate but will |
use his utmost endeavers to promote that object
Mr. President, | cannot see the necessity for |
olerlng this resolution but since it has been offer
q, let 1t be considered and passed. | beg NV
Southern friends to reflect upon the rejection of his
resolution, before this venerable gentleman makes
his departure to own section Of the country Ne
Is engaged IN benevolent mission, and perhaps. If
he is so unapprovngy received by the Senate oftbe
nlted states, 1t will lessen the good effects of lis
mission, and paralyze his efforts and take away he
great advantages that will accrue to the United
States through his exertons, and to our section ~
well as to Others
ask my Southern friends if the movement will
not be imPotici To give their Misrepresentation Of
'he genuemans conduct would be as much as to
say that he ought not to 90 among us. am sure
none ol them oppose the resolution on this ground
put stun thus may and fear will be the effect of its
rejection do not wish, when he is about TO cross
our borders, to push him back with an inbospitable
and unkind hand. l wish to cheer him on n biS
good work. l do not intend to do ANYTHING tbat
Will seem like repelling him from nv SHE
want MN to 90 there. | think can saw, for the
people my State, that he viii be received Win
open arms and the kindest greetings and viii NOT
10 anything here opposed to such feeling
some members of the Senate seem 10 he Dismissal
20 vote against the resolution in consequences ~ ths
speech made In its favor by the Senator from New
no Rofk, INT Seward and the grounds taken bv him
~ NY ihlna mas not been Influenced By that fact.
5nihA Of ms effort very much as the Senator from
W iSsissipp has characterized il. VerV ikelv be
loo n'at ground to start this opinion and 10 throw
~ 10 iaise position and weaken our csuse do
llol WISH Or iniend 70 be influenced BY him IN aIiv
way; do not wish 10 fall into, perhaps. he very
zap re mas set for vs. wish 10 vote on this As on
an olher occasions, entirely uninhuepced bv what
ne says Qf does. II he thinks shall vote against
TINS resolution because he advocates H. / wish for
one, 10 show him that he cannot influence me IN