Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1850-07-12
SPEECH OLE CHARLES DuRKEE,
OI W IOOO1NOIN,
In THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

OE w ICOONClN,
In THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
FRIDAY, June 7, 1850.
In Committee of the Whole on the state of the
Union, on the Presidents Message relating to
California.
Mr.. DURKEE said:
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: We live in the most interest.
ing period of the worlds history. Revolutions
and convulsions are moving the Old World,
while general political agitation pervades the
New. In both hemispheres the struggle is the
same. 1t is for constitutional liberty. There
is difference, however, in the modus opera1,di.
On the other side of the Atlantic the struggle is
one of physical force. Here it consists Of de-
bates in our halls of legislation, and discussions
through the press, and among the people.
This is as it should be. 1t will be recollected,
that at the close of the late war with Mexico, in
negotiating our treaty of peace, we pledged
ourselves to each other that. if we fought again,
we would fight on Christian principles Sir,
believe we are living up to the spirit of that
treaty stipulation. The war now waged in
these Halls, and throuhout the Republic, is, in
my opinion, conducted on Christian principles.
1t is movement of self-examination. 1t is a
warfare between Truth and Error-a contest
between Liberty and Despotism- 1t seeks in
formation. 1t seeks to understand principles,
in order to the diffusion of knowledge. 1t
seeks to enlighten the people as to their rights
and responsibilities.
Glorious warfare How much more honora-
BILE and becoming an enlightened people, than the
wicked Florida war, where we fought with the
weapons Of death against a savage people. 1t
was there where the American name was dis
graced, by shamelessly violating the flag of truce
in the seizure of the noble hearted Osceola-to
which should be added the cost of thousands IF
lives quenched in blood, and forty millions of
treasure worse than wasted The Mexican war
was similar in its origin, but more vast in extent,
and in its enormitles.
Thank Heaven, Mr. Chairman, these revolt
ing scenes have ceased. We have passed to q
more pleasing contest. And what more inter-
esling spectacle could we behold than that be-
fore us? Here the representatives of thirty
sovereign States are discussing the great princl-
pies of free goyernment-the duties and respon-
siblties of nations.
Sir, it was said by distinguished statesman,
on very interesting occasion, that when the
people weep at the loss of the founders of the
Republic, it gives evidence that the Republic it
self will become immortal. Notwithstanding
the present appearance in our political atmos-
phere may seem to some alarming, to me it in
dcates that we have already entered upon the
career of Immortality.
Mr.. Chairman We have entered a wide, as
well as an important field: in this long and pro-
tracted discussion of the rights of American
citizens This struggle may be considered the
second American Revolution. Ii is not, as many
have stated, sectional; nor is it merely the CUES
ton of African slavery that we are considering.
Its reteration of the principles of the Declara-
ton of American Independence; it is the send
ing forth of the great principle OF reform from
the bosom of humanity. 1t seeks to redeem the
ei.rht hundred millions that ere now crushed un-
der the iron heel OF D2spotiSm IN variety OF
forms. Ii is what Mr.. Jefferson forcsaw in
making the following remark: sNhen the war
is over, and freedom won, people must make
new declaration. They must declare the rights
of man, the individual, sacred above all craft IN
priesthood or government. They must at one
blow put an end to all tr;ckery of English law
which is garnered up in the channel OF ages, bind
mo the heart and will with lies. They must
perpetuate republican truth. by making the home
stead of every man holy thing, which no law
can touch, no iueele wrest from his wife and
children. Until this is done, the revolution will
have been fought in vain
These principles, Mr.. Chairman, the cham
mons of Land Reform have been diffusing
through all the State with unparalleled success.
The Young State Of Wisconsin, which It is my
lot to represent in part on this floor and sever
al other States, have embraced them. The
American is beginning 10 understand these
principles as in holy consonance with the OBJ
iects of civil government, which Is not chess
board for political gamblers, but divine prlncl-
ple. that seeks to enlighten the ignorant and
protect the week. But the progress we have
already made and the prospect in the still more
glorious future, has greately alarmed the leaders
of the old politicians. Just as the Republic be-
rins to use arms, its legs, and its reasoning
faculties, the cry is 'dssolution of the Union.
A general confagration suddenly threatens the
Republic. Then agitation must case-investi-
cation must be suppressed by administering an
opiate in the form of compromise. Why, sir,
these gentlemen were not alarmed for the well
fare of our country by the ''agtation' of the
Mexican war, Notwithstanding its bloody ter
rors! Hear the remarks Of a distinguished
statesman at Lexington, Kentucky lie said :
".This war is unlike that Of 1912. That was a
war of offence warof aggression, highly
offensive on our part. The Mexcans are fight
ing for their homes and freside! = Yet, if Con-
gress would only say for what object it shall be
prosecuted, no matter if it was cruel and unjust
the whole nation should give it its hearty sup
port Such was in substance the concluding
language of Mr.. CLAY. But, if we attempt to
discuss reform principles at home, the country
is at once in great danger Public discussion
and political agitation must be suppressed.
Why, sir, agitation is the life of Republic
1t is the very element that distinguishes a free
government from despotism The human
mind is an active principle, and, unless it be
constantly enlisted by the spirit of progress, it
will be sure to move in retrogressiye direction.
It cannot stand still. Then let US continue to
agtate the public mind in regard to every wrong,
until all the evils that afflict are redressed,
and our beloved country rescued from the cruel
hand of Oppression.
Let us, Mr. Chairman, look back at some of
the great evils that have grown upon US in the
absence of free discussion, and which, we are
told, now threaten the very existence of the
Republic. There are those now who deny the
principles of the Declaration of Independence.
1t pains me otind some such in this hall. Slave
ry, which was once universally considered a
vice. is now advocated as a virtue-nay, a reli-
gious institution. The slaves, in our own coun-
try, have increased from five hundred thousand
to three millions. Deeds that we have made nj
racy upon our statute books, are now licensed
by this Government in this national District.
Here. Tor the sum of four hundred dollars year,
YOU can carry on, as others ere now doing, I'M
der the very shadow of this Capitol, traffic in
IL. IL: Il. and chill