Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-01-18
Remarks
of Col. E.. ID. Baker, in the House Of
Representations, December Is.

his remarks that "he ,cas for disunion."
Mr.. Baker, of Illinois, said, although
among the weakest and humblcst of the
northern men, | cannot reconcile it TO
my sense of duty, to permit the obser-
vations of the honorable gentlemen from
Georgia (Mr. Toombs TO pass, without
immediate and distinct reply; and while
know him to be one of the most elo-
quent and gifted of the gentlemen of the
South, it is precisely for this reason |
shall utter this response, without unreas-
enable excitement, and trust in becom-
ing temper.
| avow myself, in the first place, as
decidedly in favor of what is called the
Wilmot Proviso. II embodies princi
pie approved by my judgement, and dear
to my heart; and vet, may say at once
in answer to questions such as those pro-
posed to the honorable gentleman from
New York, (Mr. Duer,) that have not
sought to make this test i'll the selec-
ton of Speaker, or the organization Of
this House.
would have cheerfully voted for the
honorable gentleman from Georgia (Mr.
Toombs. and on yesterday voted for
the distinguished member from Kentucky,
(Mr. Morehead.) Sir, in voting thus, as
in voting for Mr.. Winthrop, | have desi-
red to select Wing as speaker, known
to me and to the country. have not
asked, and would not ask, that his opin-
ions upon the subject of slavery should
influence him in the selection OF commit
tees; but do desire that he should be a
Wing, constant and reliable, and with
this have been and would be content.
desire, in the next place, TO remark
as to the threats of disunion, listened to
so painfully, and so intensely. Sir, de-
ny that the great body of the people
from the North have wished TO raise
such question, or to excite nnreasona-
BILE agitation; nor when the scenes and
speeches of this day shall be spread be-
fore them, will they believe our brethren
of the South TO be in earnest.
Mr.. Wallace, of South Carolina. We
will teach you that we are in earnest.
Mr.. Baker. | would be obliged TO
gentleman if they would tell me how this
knowledge shall be impaired
Mr.. Wallace. When said they
would teach you, spoke in the name OF
the people of The South, and in my opin-
ion they will have their rights in spite 0
the North; and il is that we intend
teach you.
Mr.. Baker. Sir.I profess myself sill
unable TO learn from the gentleman's o.
PLANTATION how we are to be taught
The North will stand by the Conslituion,
and thus stand by the Union. WeSlll
think, and act, and vote upon the rovl-
so as Jefferson did. We will be gtern-
ed by the majority of the people 0 this.
Mr.. billiard denied that majority Of
the people had right, under theConstl-
tuition, to divide it.
Mr.. Baker. repeat it, sir, Eve will
be governed by the will of theynaJorl'y
of the people, constituionally oppressed;
but neither for the District of Columbia,
or New Mexico, will we desfs or even
dream of dissolution Of thu Union.
Gentlemen, when you thrhien dis
solution of the Union, we SILL dlsclalm;
but no fervid declaration, noicry appeals
to southern feeling, no scemn lnpoca-
tons to the Almighty, q if indeed ne
was God of Discord' will make us
believe that here, III thu Hall, there is
one man who chamber in his secret
heart purpose so accued and so dead
ly. Sir, we do not bieye the Union
can erer be dissolrs. No evidence
shall convince us, uni the deed is done;
yet if such a thing bRossible, we shall
not shrink from thecalm expression of
our deliberate judgeent. Weaare here
as freemen, to spealor ireemen; and we
will speak and act, becomes us, in the
face of the world ar of posterity. Gen
tlemen, who is the among us, amid all
this talk of dissolion, that does not love
i, the Union! Is tire man in this vast
assemblage, WHOM the coolest reflec
ton, would motive his blood to cement
it! Is not thisur country, is it not all
our country! (pplause.)
Sir, confe this response gladdens
my heart; anil reproached myself tina,
: could wav in my confidence but for
, a moment. i was a mournlul spectacle
to true-rrded man, when threats of
disunion, trce and bitter, could draw
forth shou OF applause from gentlemen
: on the sid of the House, as triumphant
as if disron were already accomplish
, ed. Anyet, sir, the echo conlradicts
the uttence. This shout for the Uni
will be ken up by the masses until il
becom perpetual anthem of hope and
4 joy.
> It'll swell among the mountains of
the rrth and travel with the winds "a
/, cros.he prairies of the West. 1t will
revoerate through all the vast extern
: sio Of the contederacy, and be repeat
3 edy thousand advancing generations.
e s in the name of the men of the North
e sudely attacked, and speaking what /
low to be their sentiments, | say dis
luton of this Union is-must be-
hall be impossible, as long as an Amer
ian heart beats in an American bosom,
pr the Almighty sends His wisdom and
His goodness to guide and to bless us.
The delivery OF these remarks was