The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-06-02
speech of Hon. III. Marshall, Of Kentucky

COMPROMISE MISUNDERSTANDING CONGRESSIONAL
cAUcUs--THE PRESIDENCY.
Speech of Hon. III. Marshall, Of Kentucky
Ia the House Of Representatives. May 26, 1852
The House being in the Committee of the Whole
on the state of the Union, on the Indian Appro-
priation bill
Mr.. MARSHALL, of Kentuoky, said
Mr.. CHAIRMAN IL do not know that | shall
occupy even the time allowed by the rules of
the House, and | should not have desired the
Hoor-as | speak without notes-but for the
idea that reply is proper to an extraordinary
speech which was read few days since in this
chamber by my colleague from the Hopkinsvie
district. The corrected proof sheets of that
speech now lie before me, as the speech is to
appear in the Congressional Giobe, and In
pamphlet form, for general circulation. ! have
waited to see the remarks of my colleague, as
he might choose to correct them, before at
tempted to reply at all for though heard the
speech, and thought the scope of remark was
on the EXTREMIST verge allowable in Congress
sonal debate, was DESTROYS of knowing eractly
what would pass to the records Of Congress,
that should not reply to matter which after
wards might assume a new and unexpected
shape Remarks which, under other crcum-
stances, would have been exceptonable and Of
fensive, are so qualified in the course Of the
speech, by reference to the past friendship which
has existed between my colleague and myself
by professions of continued and present feel
ngs of respect aud kindness towards me, and
by disclaimers of all intent to give offense, that
feel compelled, as one who will not take ottense
where none has been intended, TO overlook pc.
culiarites Of expression which are seemingly
personal, but many of which, | observe, are
qualified in the edition Of that speech which is
now before me- shall answer it, then, regard
less of its form.
confess that ! have been at some loss 10
ascertain the exact object my colleague wished
to attain by the delivery Of that speech. As an
argument, he has spread over ten columns of a
newspaper what might have been sensibly ex-
pressed in half dozen sentences.
| Mr.. GREY. 1t will take you very short
time to answer it, then.
! Mr.. MARSHALL. WerS ! to conhne my
reply to Il mere answer to the argument, the
task might be discharged with facility in five
minutes, for there is little of substance in that
department of the speech requiring a response.
! But my colleague has travelled out OF those
| bounds which, under any view, were necessary
to an explanation of bis own position and course,
to assai me and my courses and has brought
IOTWdIu Nllab llS taiio phSSaGoo VI my fNIfipal
history in Kentucky, which shall be compelled,
at more length than is agreeable, to notice.
Mr. GREY. | have already said that ! in
tended no disrespect, and that | would produce
nothing which you were not understood to ad-
nit.
Mr. MARSHALL. ] understand my col
league disclaims all disrespect. ! have already
accepted his disclaimer: but in my answer to
his remarks, ] shall be under necessity in
Justice to myself to notice much as is iOriAen
The excuse of the honorable member for
making this speech is found in the appearance,
some three or four weeks since, of Gan Address
to the Wings of the United States" signed by
myself and others. He has, very curousy
construed that address as a covert attact upon
his popularity in Kentucky He charges that it
was rriten by me and he has risen from a
study of that paper with profound conviction
that if tie statements it contains are believed at
home, he will be prostrated forever. | am not
surprised at the sensitiveness of my colleague.
know that his position before The people of
Kentucky is one that he may be called upon to
defend, and should not blame him for trying it
in advance; but do think he is censurable for
attempting to produce the impression on the
mind of Kentucky, that my object in signing the
address was 10 assaI him, and the rest of my
Wing colleagues who remained in the caucu-
of the Goth Of April. He has assumed that he
is called upon to speak, not only by sense of
duty to himself, but to the caucus--to the
Wing party of Kentucky, whose prosperity
through the future he would have us believe to
depend on his own fortunes, and from he pro
prieties due to his colleagues here, on account
of his responsibility as Lord Protector of that
part of the Kentucky DELEGATION which, being
new to these scenes, he gathers under his wing
"as hen gathereth her brood" Laughter. |
know that my colleague holds high, most
exalted standing; but, sir, dicclaim at once
at the threshold--the design he imputes to me,
of desire to assail it. In signing the address,
never thought of him; and his notion that the
body of respectable gentlemen whose names are
appended to that paper, because the occasion,
in their opinion, called for an appeal to the great
mass of our party | say, the idea that they were
used by me to assail my colleague at home, re.
minds me of
"Oeean into tempest tossed,
To wait feather or to drown fly" Laughter, ]
Mr. GREY. ask the gentleman to allow
me for moment to interrupt him.
Mr.. MARSHALL. | have but short time
to speak, and find that have much want to
say. hope my colleague will not interrupt
ne. did not interrupt him during the deliv-
to ascertain the real object of my colleague in
making that speech but think it may be ac-
cepted as fact that his main object was to in
dorse the address, and to renounce from his own
mouth all the propositions made to the Wing
caucus--to assert, before it becomes too late
the fact that his position rs On my line and that
| his opinions run, quatuor ped,6ts with those OF
the eleven gentlemen who signed that paper.
Mr. GREY 1t will be remembered that dur.
ing my remarks requested my colleague to cor
rect me if | did him injustice; for such was not
my design; and | wish to say that, in my an
swer to that address, took The construction
,chich is put upon The language of that address
the limitations, deductions, and conclusions
which are drawn from il, and the manner in
which il was put together. | will refer the gen
tleman TO an extract which read in the Globe
of yesterday morning, from the speech of the
honorable gentleman from Tennessee, Mr.
GENTRY He says:
"You know, Mr.. Chairman, that there is q
great deal in lie manner of stating truth, as