The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-27
HEmARKs OF ma. DOUGLAS,
or ILLINOIS,


day, December %, 1891. n
Mr. President; 1t Is not my intention to go into an
elaborate discussion Of the known as The Com
promise nor Of the resolution presented by The senator
from Mississippi, MIR. FooTE AT the close oil the
long session which adopted those measures, resolved
never make another speech upon the slavery question
the halls OF Congress regard all discussion OF tha
question here unwise miscbievoUs, and out oil place
Yet in the OF this debate certain points have been
presented 10 the public view IN eonnexion win my
course which require me briefly 10 respond and ~ N
doing So am constrained 10 refer somewhat IN deia 10
myself my votes, speeches. and general course Of con
duct trust will be attributed to no spirit OF egosin
my part, but TO the necessity imposed upon me by
others 10 vindicate my action and character.
The senator from Texas, Mr. Housros, IN the course
of his speech took occasion say that he the only
senator holding seat upon this floor who voted Tor
all the OF compromise. That may be SO, oI
aught know 10 the contrary But the inference drawn
from that remark, and the distinct idea conveyed by IT.
do great injustice me- aud perhaps TO other senators
voted, sir Tor all the measures OF the Compromise but
one and undertake 10 say, regard to that one, That II
was well known TO the Senate before the passed.
and at the time II passed, and has been distinctly pro-
claimed TO The country SINCE that would have voted Tor
the fugitive slave law II could have been IN the Senate
at the time, aud that was anxious 10 be here iof The
known because had declared in debate prior 10 the
passage OF that because every senator both sides
Of the chamber who conversed with me knew that was
friendly the measure; and because when returned
home before my constituents assumed the Tespon
sbllity of an affirmative upon the bill Yet, sir, the
imputalon has been repeatedly made by implication on
this floor and express terms by the partisan journals
that all those whose not recorded on the passage
OF the bill lodged the question: Whatever political sins
may at any time have committed, think may safely
cert that doubted my willingness TO assume
the full of responsibility resulting from my Of
fetal position. The lodging oil votesthe attempt to avoid
responsibilities part of my system OF political tactics
nd yet sir the SPECIAL organ OF The administration has
several accused me- IN connexion with the
distinguished senator from Michigan with having lodged
the this bill In order TO put this accusation TO rest
once for ALL aud forever have concluded TO give
detailed of the circumstances which accustomed
my absence at the time the bill passed. although il may
subject me the modification of exposing my private
and pecunary affairs 10 the public view. ] had la pecu-
mary obligation, maturing IN New York. for near four
a cScaso y that my public
duties with reference TO these very compromise qes
tons might render t'mproper to leave The city when the
Maury president Of the Bank Of Metropolis, TO arrange
the matter for temporarily until my official duties
would enable me to give il my personal attention. Feel
ing eBtiiey under this arrangement, thought nc
more of il until, the day the debt became due,
ceved from Mr. Mauy expressing his deep regret
and notification that. IN consequence OF the unexpected
absence oil majority OF the directors OF his bank thai
day, he was unable to carry out the arrangement thus
found myself suddenly placed in the position in which
was compelled to go TO New YORK instantly, or TO suileI
endorser TO be greatly impaired. Immediately passed
around the chamber and inquired of several senators
each side friendly 10 the fugitive bill whether could
venture be absent three four days for the purpose
attending this item OF business, and received from then
the uniform that the discussion would continue
ut least week, and probably two weeks longer, before
the voting could begin. Relying implicitly upon hi,
assurance, went from the Senate chamber directly TO thu
, cars and, riding all night arrived IN New York thu
next day Meeting several Illinois friends there, | wa,
enabled TO meet the obligation, and avoid protest du
ring the three days grace allowed me by law. While
dining with hese friends the House on The day
had concluded my business, oil them alluded Il
the fact that the fugitive bill had been ordered TO be
crossed for third reading in the Senate expressed m,
surprise and doubted the correctness OF the statement
He then showed me the paper containing the teegraph
I announcement when | Immediately rose from the table
and told my friends that must leave for Washington
that afternoon, order TO be able TO Uoie for the bill
ats final passage the next day will take the liberty
OF mentioning the names OF OF the gentlemen
whom this announcement, was made Among them wal
Judge Dickey, of the northern circuit of Illinois; Mr.
McEiIoy, the district attorney; Mr. Cook, the sheriff
Cook county; and, believe, Mr.. Gurnee, the presen
mayor OF The city OF Chicago and several others OF th
most respectable citizens OF my State. | left New YorL
in the tye-ocock that afternoon and, after rdnt
all night my arrival here the next day. found tina
the hnal vote had been taken the day previous.
medlatey consulted with my colleague, present
ME- SHIELDS j who authorizes me TO say that he dis
unciy ecolleo,s the conversation IN which expressed
deep regret that could not have arrived here time Il
for the bill, and that intended then 10 ask OF h,
Senate permission 10 explain the OF my absence
IN reply TO which my colleague suggested tina. such al
explanation would be entirely ssary. for the
sou that 1t well known to the Senate and the
try that in favor of the bill. and for the furthe
that all probability the bill would undergo some
ame ndmen in the House of Representatives. which would
require il be returned 10 the Senate for concurrence
when would have an opportunity not only OF speaking
>
OF my colleague and Tor that made explanation
at that lime few days afterwards, you well know
(Nr SHIELDS being IN The chair) and many othe
senators may recolec taken i'll, and rendered in
capable OF being IN the Senate but few times during III,
residue OF the session. confined TO my bed TO
several weeks, extending beyond the ad Ioummcn hay
ing been rendered cripple by surgical operation OF
one hip, So as ! was able TO be removed, | wa,
taken home under the and kind attention Of one
my colleagues of the House of Representatives Every
where my route found the most boiserous and de
iemlned opposition to the fugitive law; bu, nowher,
was the excitement fierce and terrific az at Chicago
where had recently taken up my residence Ther,
the press and the pulpit bad joined the work OF mis-
representation and denuncation. spirit of determined
resistance bad been melted and seemed 10 pervade III,
whole community The common council OF the CITY, IL
the fngtIyeslave law violation OF the law OF Coo
and the constitution OF the United States, calling upor
the police OF the city 10 disregard it, and the citizens no
to obey IT. The next night meeting of 1000 peopl,
assembled and in that meeting in the midst Of the mos
terrific applause, 1t determined to defy DEATH thu
dungeoa, and the grave, in resistance TO the execution
The law. walked into that meeting, and from the stan
gave notice that the night would appear there
and defend every of the Compromise and espe
cisy the fugitive slave law, from each and every OBJ
lection urged to IL and called upon the entire people Of
the city TO come and hear | told tina, body OF mer
there assembled IN the face OF their denuncaons and
their threats, that was right and they wrong anc
II they would come and bear me, would prove il Il
them.
The next night in the presence OF 900 people, in thai
immense hail. with the city council and the aboionists
TALLY surrounded in the by large body of armed
negoes. including many fugitive slaves stood. and made
the speech which now hold 10 my hand, and which
caused 10 be Land upon the table of every senator and OF