The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-04

Vlnton OF Ohio; and my reason, If any should be
required to fortify my memory on this point, for
observing this fact, is this had already come to
regard these two gentlemen among the most
experienced and prominent members Of our party
IN the House; and as one sat directly before me,
and the other Immediately my right, during
that session. in the House, will not appear strange
apprehend, when these two circumstances
taken together, that ] should not only mole but
member their absence on that occasion. Such is my
distinct recollection and without wishing to raise
any question Of memory between myselfand others
on thus or any other point, have no hesitation in
giving it TO you in compliance with your request.
As 10 the meeting held some time previous on
the "Orcgon question:, as it is Familiarity termed,
have to state that 1t is impossible that could have
confounded il in my memory with the meeting
first mentioned, as | did not attend that meeting,
and knew nothing Of its existence until a day or
two after it had been held.
am, very truly and respectfully,
Your obedient servant
JOHN W. HOUSTON
WIN. ScHouLER, Esq.
Mr.. HoUsToN. That is my letter, and have no
alteration to make in it.
Mr.. WINTHROP. There are other letters here,
sir. equally distinct and conclusive.
But the honorable member summons Mr.. 4. ID.
Culver, Of New York, late member of this House,
TO his aid and insists that Mr.. Culver has substan-
tiated his charge. Sir, / think it is in Sheridans
play of the Rivals, that Of the character.s made
10 say-"Whenever draw on my invention for
good current lie, always forge endorsements
well as the bll.' Now, do not intend TO apply
the offensive part Of this language TO the honorable
member. disclaim doing Still less do ! in
that the letter of Mr. Culver does little or nothing
to sustain the honorable members accusation, and
that he must procure stronger endorsements, if he
expects his bill TO pass current.
What says the Hon. Z. ID. CULVER in the letter
upon which the honorable member relies,
"In reply 10 your note Of the I4th, (says he,)
which came TO hand last evening, / would state
that was at the Wing caucus, in the northeast cor
ner ofthe CAPITOL on the morning ofthe 18th of May
1916 The subject OF our deliberations was the an
ticipated War bill. ! think Mr.. WINTHROP, Mr..
yIsros, Mr. Hunt, and yourself, and others were
present and spoke. The precise sentiments ad-
vanced by Mr.. WIsTHRoP ] cannot call to mind
but the prport, the general scope Of his remarks,
was, that we 1.-THE Whigs) must not oppose the
measure; that policy would require support it,
do not recollect his alusion TO the Federasts and
the war oflsl2" III seems that this impartial cross
examiner had asked some leading questions) 81
think Mr.. vISros took similar view. Yours was
quite the reverse"
Now, sir, in answer TO these tiinkings and indis-
unct membranes Of what Mr.. WINTHROP said,
and what Mr.. vISTos said, and what Mr. HuNr
said. have here a letter from Mr.. vISToS, TO say
that be never attended that meeting, and here,
within three feet Of me, IL DIR. VISroS himself 70
acknowledge the letter. and 70 repeat the assertion
While here, again, is another letter from the Hon.
WAsHISGTos HUsT, TO say that he absent from
Washington on the morning which the meet
ing was held, and did not return until the follow
ing day.
Mr.. Chairman, the most charitable explanation
that can be given Of this extraordinary and I'M
founded allegation which the honorable member
from Ohio has 30 perseveringiy brought against me,
n that suggested In the letter Of my late colleague
and friend, Mr. Hudson, who gives il az his opin-
ion that the honorable member may have con-
founded this meeting with which held in
regard TO the Oregon notice resolution, when he
was the open advocate Of measures that looked 10
war, and declared myself ia favor Of measures for
the maintenance Of peace
But leave the honorable member and his friends
10 find explanations for themselves. Il IL enough
for me 10 pronounce the charge 20 be false and 20
prove Il to be Having done this, now hold IL
up 20 the House and 10 the country az q fair sample
81 the charges which have been arrayed against me
from the same quarter. EI uno, disco onnss.
Sir, have done with these personalities. They
have not been Of my seeking. They are unnatural
and revolving 20 my disposition. ! am entirely
new 70 this style Of debate. During ten years
occupancy Of a seat in this House have never be-
iOrc had occasion 20 resort 10 H. trust that may
never have another such occasion. But could no
longer submit in silence 70 such gross and ground
less aspersions. Gentlemen may vote against me
whenever they please. There i Office in the
which oove,, or for which would quarrel with
any one for not giving me his support. But no
man shall SANDER me with impunity No man
shall Peryert and misrepresent my words and aois,
and alsfy the record Of nay public career, without
exposure.
That career has been one Of humble pretension,
and presents no claim Of distinguished service Of
any sort. But such as Il s, ] am willing that il
should be investigated. Examine the record
there may be votes upon il which require explana-
ton; votes about which honest men may differ;
votes ss 70 which myself may have doubted at the
time, and may still doubt. But examine the re-
cord iairly and canddly; nothing exlenuate nor
set down aught in malice; and you will find that
have neither been false 10 the North or 10 the South
% the East or to the West. You will find that while
have been true 70 my constituents, have been
All 10 faHa.Haa n. r..
This, at least, know, sir-my conscience this day
bearing me vitness-that have been true TO my
sell, 70 my own honest judgment, 10 my own clear
oonvicuons Of night, Of duty, aud Of patriotism.
And we all remember how justly a. well ar how
nObly, Il has been said.
''Ths above ALTO thine own he t,ue
And u must follow, AZ the ght the day,
Thou cans't not then BE- fase 10 any man"
And now, Mr.. Chairman, ] would gladly turn TO
serious consideration n the great questions of
the day, bot am admOnshod that my hour l. al.
must exhausted, and must reserve what had
proposed 10 say on these topics for another and
trust an carly opportunity. Having once swep,
this offensive rubbish Of personalities out Of my
path, shall longer be INSTRUCTED in dealing
with the weghter matters which are before Us.
cannot conclude, however, on this occasion, with
out few distinct declarations.
H. the fret place, sir, have no hesitation in say
ing, that the admission Of California into the Union
az a State, under the constitution which che has
hersclf adopted, IL, in my judgment, the first and
greatest measure 20 bc accomplished At the present
session Of Congress. For that ] am ready; and
shall bring TO Il whatever powers possess.
In the second place, do not believe that slavery
does now exist, or can ever exist, in any Of the
Territories recently acquired from Mexico, with
out the positive sanction Of law And such sane
ton, J. Tor one, shall never aid in giving.
In the third place, cir, while reserve 70 myself
the full liberty 10 act and 10 vote upon every CUES.
ton which may hereafter arise, as my judgment
Al the time and under the circumstances, may die
tate, have no hesitation in expressing my opinion,
that the plan proposed by the President of the
United States Is the plan 20 which we must come
at last for the settlement Of these exciting and diff
hcult questions do not Say that IL 10 the plan Of
ell others which some Of US could have wished to