The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-24

ton 10 the latter, anu smong otner tnlngs Bald
"That many friends have fallen on from the
North il true but the South has not always
stood by her friends in the North. But we have
very many faithful, tried friends some. who
have fallen fighting for Southern rights. There
are some in this chamber who have given testi-
mony for us, and manifested even Roman firm
ness. and will do so yet know And there arc
men out of this chamber, whom ! could name
such men as George NJ. Dallas, James Buchanan,
Levi Woodbury., and a host of others, good men
and true-for whom would, in my own humble
mode, vouch as soon as would for any Southern
man. They are apart Of the history OF the
country and thinking that, for the moment, my
friend from Alabama was mistaken-for cannot
believe he intended to do injustice in making the
sweeping remark which, according to my under
standing would exclude from us the hope Of
having any friends north of Mason and Dixon's
line TO stand by our rights and vindicate us when
asssied by our enemies simply make these
suggestions to my friend from Alabama, who,
know, will take them in good part
In conclusion, will say that painfully regret
the whole of this affair and hope that in a few
minutes something like the previous good feeling
will be restored among u.s."
Mr.. Butler of South Carolina was sure that
the Senator from Illinois, in making his disavow-
al did not intend anything offensive to the Sena-
tor from Alabama. You are right, said General
Shields, did not. Mr.. Clemens was glad TO hear
this ststement--was glad that this episode was
happily ended. He continued
g may not be right in saying that the entire
body of the Northern Democracy are against us,
but am not wrong in saying that there is not a
Legislature, Democratic or Wing, north of Ma
son and Dixon's line, that hiss not instructed its
Senators to do what the Legislature of my State
has declared to he cause for the dissolution Of
the Union
This brought Mr.. Dodge of Iowa to his feet,
who, with an air of injured innocence, thus vindi-
Gated the Immaculate orthodoxy of his State
"You are wrong. The Legislature of my State
has never done it, And MIR. Bright of Indiana,
too, came to the confessional, saying, al enter a
similar disclaimer for my State.'
MIR Clemens, rendering them the slightest poe
sible butte of thanks, was proceeding in q strain
of remark calculated to disturb the harmony be-
tween the two sections of the Democracy, until
even his fiery friends from the South thought it
time to stop him. Mr.. Davis of Mississippi thus
smoohed down his ire
81 would say, then, and say it TO him with the
more confidence on account Of the high regard
have for him, and the sympathy ! have in his
present position. am myself subject to the same
feelings Of excitement, and esDaniallp op this orb
ject. Ii is subject on which we all feel and feel
deeply, and on which are apt to speak strongly.
But is 1t well to reopen the wounds which have
already been inflicted in this sectional strife to
the Union2 Is il we'll to point to the wrong-do-
ings of others, that they may recriminate on us,
and widen the breach which already exists, and
increase the danger which already threatens US
ask my friend to calm himself, in order that his
may only be applicable to SO much of
this discussion as has bearing on his position in
connection with this resolution
MIR. Clemens wrath was so far assuaged that
he closed his remarks without further denuncia-
ton of his Democratic brethren of the North
"Mr Downs The whole object had in rising
was to express my disagreement with the senti-
ment uttered by the Senator from Alabama in re-
lation to the Northern Democracy. We all know
that everything which is uttered here goes abroad
and wish to say, without attempting to contra
dict what the gentleman from Alabama has said,
that such is not my opinion that do not approve
of what he has said; and thought it proper that
some member from the South should seize upon
this occasion and use it to our advantage. | am
glad that the Senator from Alabama did not pro-
coed in the course of his remarks. He did indeed
proceed far enough to lead to the impression that
other members from the South might be disposed
to 90 as far as he did Itwas for the purpose of
that, and nothing more, that rose"
After few remarks from others, Mr.. Clemens
again rose, and said eEs
ain relation to what said in reference to the
Northern Democracy, hold myself prepared to
prove that we cannot at any time rely on any body
at the North. do not mean to say that there are
not here and there in different States individuals
who are willing to 90 with US but hold myself
prepared to prove that we cannot rely upon either
party. hold myself prepared to prove that what
the Senator from New Hampshire said is true
that both parties have been Dragging for abolition
votes and the question now is, which will 20 the
fnrthest7 hold myself prepared to prove this,
and in all probability shall prove it before the
close of the session.
think, sir, the Senator from New York is per-
fectly right, He complains of my age -
MIR. Dickinson Only officially.
Mr.. Clemens. Well, | will make no such CON-
plant with regard to him; but would observe
that the Legislature of the State which he repre-
sents have for three successive sessions adopted
resolutions against the institution Of slavery. l
know that be is sound and that one or two others
here are sound on this question | know there
are men scattered through the entire North who
are with US, but their Legislatures against us
heir people are against us and SO far as that goes
maintain that it is true, and am ready to prove
il. The Senator from Louisiana will not dispute
It, for ID Is fact as notorious to him as to me.
do not mean to say that there are not some Sena-
tors who are sound Oh this question believe the
Senator from Michigan Mr.. Cas-
is and believe the Senator from Pennsy lvania,
over there Mr. Sturgeon, is at least have seen
no disposition on his part TO trench on the rights
Of the South; but that does not make the people
they represent sound We know that they are
not sound on the question"
Mr.. Clemens states the tratb, and they misera-
bly, msrepresent the sentiment of the free States
who attempt TO cover it over. They are traitors
10 the North, and the worst enemies of the South.
He closed his remarks by an explanation, which
was the result of an interview between himself
and Mr. Foote who, in the blessed character of a
had taken the fiery young Senator
out few minutes before, and doubtless given
him such counses as experience and chastened
spirit might suggest
"Now. sir, / shall do what some of my friends
have suggested | should do, and that is, to make
an apology to the Senator from Illinois ] am
told that my manner towards him was too much
excited, and think il was.-l am sorry should
have said anything of that character, when his
intentions were not in the least offensive. am
persuaded that ought to have met his advances
with more cordiality a. the time. regret that
ANYTHING of the sort should have occurred and |
will make him one of the promises of the Senator
from Mississippi when he promises not to speak
so much Laughter. promise that | viii en-
deavor to keep my temper
OF course, after these very profitable and perth
nent discussions, highly amusing and edifying to
the crowded galleries, the Senate passed the reso
luton, only three Senator's voting nay.
We have taken no notice of an episode in this
episode speech made by Mr.. Dickinson, of New
York, in which he glorifed the Union, let fly his
arrnws Mt Northern pikafnra aiming NOW and