The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-05-29

to it's reference, aud then make any remarks ne
thinks proper.
Mr.. SUMNER. have but very few words
to add, and then propose to move the refer
ence of the memorial to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
The PRESIDENT. The memorial has first
to be received before any motion as to its ref
erence can 10 entertained. The Senator pre-
senting a memorial states distinctly it's objects
and contents then it is sent to the Chair, II "A
reference Of it is desired. But it is not in order
to enter into discussion of the merits OF the
memorial until it has been received
Mr.. SUMNER. do not propose to enter
into any such discussion. have already read
one part of the memorial, and it was my design
merely to refer to the character of the memori-
alists--a usage which | have observed on this
floor constantly, to state the course | should
pursue and then conclude with a motion for
reference.
The PRESIDENT The Chair will hear the
Senator, if such is the pleasure of the Senate if
he does not go into elaborate discussion.
Mr.. SUMNER. have no such purpose.
Mr.. DAWSON. Let him be heard.
Several SENATORS. Certainly.
Mr.. SUMNER. | observed that this memo.
rial was commended by the character Of the re-
gious association from which it proceeds 1t
is commended, also, by its earnest and persua-
sive tone, and by the prayer which it presents.
Offering it now, sir, desire simply to say, that
| shall deem it my duty, on some proper occa-
sion hereafter, to express myself at length on
the matter to which it relates.
Thus far, during this session, have forborne
With the exception of an able speech from my
colleague, Mr.. DAvIl,] tho discussion of this
al-absorbng question has been mainly left with
Senators from another quarter OF the country,
by whose mutual differences it has been coDpli-
Gated, and between whom | have not cared to
interfere But, there is time for all things.
Justice, also, requires that both sides should
be heard; and trust not to expect too
much if, on some other occasion, bespeak the
clear and candid attention of the Senate, while
| undertake to set forth, frankly and fully, and
with entire respect for this body, convictions,
deeply cherished in my own State, though dis
regarded hereto which am bound by every
sentiment of the heart by every fibre of my
being, by all my devotion to country, and by my
love Of God and man. But, upon these do hot
now enter Suffice it, for the present, to say,
that when shall undertake that service, be-
| lieve shall utter nothing which, in any just
sense, can be called sectional, unless the Const-
tuition is sectional, and unless the sentiments of
the fathers were sectional. 1t is my happiness
to believe, and my hope to be able to show, that,
according to the true spirit of the Constitution,
and according to the sentiments of the fathers,
FREEDOM, and not sldterH is NATIONAL; while
SLAVERY and not freedom is SECTIONAL. In
duty to the petitioners, and with the hope of
promoting their prayer, | move the reference
Of their petition to the Committee on the Ju-
dietary.
| Mr.. MANGUM. | do not rise with view to
make n question of the reception OF the memo
rial. know it is the settled practice of this
body to make that question on petitions upon
this subject, and lay the motion to receive it on
the table but that has been departed from, and,
| think in all instances, as far as regards this
very Christian society--the people usually called
Qnakers-who are most exemplary and most
excellent people, when petitions have been re-
ceived from them. So think Congress should
do; and | am under the impression that there
has been no exception to the rule. They are a
law. abiding people; they are conscientious upon
these questions, and ought to be treated with
the fullest degree of respect. | hope there will
be no objection to the reception. After it is re-
ceived, shall follow it with motion to lay the
memorial upon the table.
Mr. BADGER tits received.
The PRESIDENT. 1t is already received,
if there be no objection
Mr.. MANGUM. | move, them to lay the
memorial on the table.
| MIR. HALE. If the Senator will allow me- |
want to correct him in the statement of fact.
Mr.. MANGUM. withdraw the motion for
| the present.
| Mr.. HALE. The Senator says that no ex-
cepton has been taken to the reception of petit
tons upon this subject
Mr. MAMGUM. From the Society Of
Friends.
Mr. HALE. Oh, did not understand that.
Then, the rule of the Senate will be, that
Friends are entitled to petition, and nobody
else.
i Mr. CLEMENS That is it.
Mr.. DAWSON. The motion to lay the petit
ton on the table ia Withdrawn, and desire to
say few words. If it be the desire of gentle
men to reopen this discussion, especially with a
solemn manner, and heart filled with Christian
feeling, which seems to be OVERLOOKING the Sena.
tor from Massachusetts; if he desires to make
a discussion of this subject, now is the time
Let there be no evasion, no escape from the
present crisis, no motion to avoid what you in
tend to do, prior to the nominations which are
to take place. Come out manfnlly, boldly and
present the question to u.s. | dislike this man.
ner of proceeding-this throwing dust and
| clouds over what you intend to do. Let there
be none Of this deception, either religious or
political. Let there be manliness let there be
earnestness |, for one, am prepared to meet
this question:: and | am one of those who never
intend to seek any mode whatever, by which it
can be evaded. If gentlemen desire to throw
fi-e.brands into this country, let them do it;
and if they are more Christian in their feelings,
and their hearts more pure than mine, want
them to bear them out. trust, if the Senator
from Massachusetts desires an occasion to dis
cuss this question, that we will give him the
opportunity. Let the petition be presented;
let him set down the day for discussion, and not
seek to avoid it by saying, now do not desire
to discuss it. Now, sir, " is the accepted time"
Let it be met, and let it be made test question
here, and see how the different sections of this
country stand upon this question. Let there be
no double dealing in politics or religion; no n.y.
pocrsy of the heart, or hypocrisy in political
action.
trust my friend from North Carolina Mr.
MANGUMl will let the friends of the repeal Of