The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-11-27
speech by senator Footc.

From, the Montgomery (4dEa.) Journal, Nov D.
Al the request of many Union men, of both par
ties, Senator Foote, the gallant champion of the
Compromise in Mississippi, who arrived in town
on Thursday, on his way to Washington, CONSENT
ed to address the Union men of this State at the
Represen ativcs' Hall, which was rendered for the
purpose The large assembage organized by
calling the old veteran Union Democrat, Colonel
Rose, of Coosa, to the chair.
Governor FooTE spoke at some length, and made
full review and expose of the causes and reasons
which induced the issues OF the late canvass. he
showed that the spirit of the convention which is
sued the southern address was for the preserva-
ton of the Union; and further, that the Nashville
Convention was called for no disunion purposes,
but to unite the South platform that would
resist the Congressional usurpation of interference
in the institutions of Territores or, other words,
the Wilmot proyiso; but that, unfortunately, it
was perverted from its original design, and fell into
the hands of talented and unscrupulous faction,
who endeavored TO use it for revolutionary pur-
poses-to dissolve the Republic, and establish other
forms for the qualification of personal ambition.
lie also showed that the object OF Mr.. Rnett and
others. avowed by them was disunon per Sc.
For this purpose they opposed the passage of the
Compromise, and desired the non execution OF the
Fugitive Slave bill. In this connection he showed
that the Fugitive Slave bill was carried out IN good
that the secessionists lamentcd its execution by
the Executive, and denounced his call on Con-
gre5s for military aid as infringement OF State
rights Mr. Foote, in this connection, gave the Elk
ecutive full credit for its patriotic desire to
cute the lava, and declared that no Administra-
tion since the foundation of the Government, had
exhibited such fidelity in the discharge of its con-
stitutonal duties, with patriotic eye to the we'll
being of the whole country The Compromise
was a reputation of the Wilmot proviso, and
defeat of the Buffalo platform, and gain fer the
South. Slavery exists and is acknowledged in
Utah and New Mexico, and the line of $50 30
would have put the proviso on all that territory.
The Texas S 0,000 900 boundary bill was also
gain to the South, by enabling Texas to pay her
debts which obstruct emigration, and forwarded
the progress of several slave States for admission
in the Union. 1t was the desire of the people of
Texas, and their right and wish was final in the
matter. The law in respect to the elave trade In
the District of Columbia was but reaifirmation of
the old law of Maryland, which has always been
in existence in the District. The Compromise,
as a whole, was gain and advantage to the South,
and the object of the leaders Of those who OPP
posed it deliberate treason. They were hos
tile to republicanism, and desired revolution.
which would bring about new forms, and place
themselves in power, at the sacrifice OF the dearest
interests of the people. In this conhexion, his
invective was terrible. He warned the Union men
not to have any connection political assoc
citation with these men, that they had as many
forms as Proteus, that their object revolution,
and for it they would now be good protested Demo-
crats, and would acquiesce in the Compromise to
gain strength and power to accomplish their OBJ.
iect. He further stated that the Union of
all parties in Mississippi and Georgia had aban-
doned old party affinities, and had united in the
patriotic object of common defence against the
common enemy. These had not abandoned their
designs, but were seeking to make the Democratic
party their cats. paw in schemes of disunion and
treason. He specially, and with much force and
eloquence, warned the Democratic Union men
against their wiles and their attempt to gain in
fiuence under the name of Democracy.
The speech was powerful review of the
issues and at times intensely forcible and eloquent
in defence OF our beloved Union.