Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-12-21
REMARKS OF MIR. II. w. billiard.
OF ALABAMA,
Is THE HOUSE, OF REpREsENrArIvEs, Dee. II, ls4s

IS THE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES, DEC TX, le49i
In regard 10 Sldrery and the Union
Mr.. billiard said The gentleman from Massachl-
sets Mr. Allen who has just resumed his seat affects to
disregard the declarations which several gentlemen nave
made to-day in this hail. relation the perlous condition
10 which the is brought on the ground that
they have spoken under the influence OF passion and nc
treats this impressive occasion with unbecoming lcvy III
kening the epessbe burst Of feeling which has more
than interrupted the course of this debate to the con-
trycd applause which brought of Oliver Godsmiths
earliest PLAYS into notice calmer man never addressed
him than the one who now rises speak upon this great
topic which has Unexpectedly been brought up for discus
sion; and say TO him and TO this whole House. that the
Union IF these States is in great peril II has been precip
tatcd this condition by utter oblivion on the part OF
gentlemen representing the saveholing States, OF Inc
feeling and purpose of the people OF the Southern portion o
this confederacy in regard the threatened cncroachnes
on their rights. have known throughout the entire
southern country settled and deep feeling upon the sub
ect 10 which have reerredthe attempt exclude slavery
from the territories of the United Staesas exists there
And solemnly Misunderstanding from thorough acqualn
with that people, people among whom was born
and have been brought uphat if this legislation is TO be
persisted in, USIoS CANNOT STAND The gentleman
Mr. ALLEN says that the Union in no danger; that the
gentlemen who have announced It's dangers could not even
CT the marble columns which support this hall
vet would remind him that the hand of child may fling
torch into temple which will reduce the magnificent sruc
tue into ashes Hc and his associates are heapng combus
tble materials against the lofty columns OF TINS Union
which the hand of child may AT any time fire. II IS tune Tor
every friend of the Union 10 speak OUT II Is 10 be res
cued from the perils which invest it, il must be done by
manly truthful bold declaration OF the sentiments Oh tne
employ no threatening language. know too well what
is due to Others from what feel 10 be due myself TO use
any other language than such desire others to use TO-
wards myself. address gentlemen who can comprehend
elevated considerations and who will act under the prompt
ngs Of patriotic sentiments At this solemn conuncfure In
speaking for the people, who have more honorcd
me with their confidence in sending here to repre-
them feel il TO be my duty to say, that while they
cherish profound attachment the Union they VIII never
submit any legislation which places their State in an nfe-
rior relation the other States of this great confederacy
They will never hesitate when the choice 10 be made
danger and dishonor They would regard dsso
ton of the Union calamity calamity too great TO be
estimated but they would submission to legislation
which at once depves them of their rights and degrades
them as still greater calamity. For my own part, have
never admired phrase which has become somewhat
that 1--WE shall be compelled calculate the value of the
Union"
The value of The Union which binds these States together
is incacuabe its priceless value dees oil the ordinary
methods of computation il is consented byi battles and
iumphs and gores which belong the past il embraces
people of kindred blood scattered throughout these States
speaking the language and holding the same religious
faith il nnumerable blessings 1t looks for
ward future still prosperous and more glorious thar
the past But though all this be may be destroyed and
will be- unless the measures which gentlemen in this
hall resolute 10 press at once arrested brave
generous spirited people, who comprehend their nights
and who know how important is for free States TO esls
the first encroacment of tyranny in whatever shape may
come will under the pressure OF great necessity break OIL
an alliance which employs the machinery OF common gov
eminent against the without pausng to cast up It's value
The Union government of consent not OF force. Nher
the soul of the Union fed how can longer survive =
When the fraernal affection which holds together in vii
ling association is destroyed what grde can be thrown
around these States strong enough 10 bind them is
avail that you point future Of CONFUSION and biooe
which lies beyond the hour of separation Anything il
10 be preferred ignominious submission TO tyranny
tyranny which revels In the mere wantonnsss ofssrsngh