The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-03-18
speech az Nj. Brsskisrldge, 81 aeniusEy

| Settlers delivered in the House If RepreStn-
tdtiUeS, March4 1859.
Mr. BRECKINRlDGE. Upon the bill which
i, now before the committee have not Informed
myself, and do not propose TO discuss il at this
time. ] have, upon little reflection, doubted
whether, as Representatives, Kentucky, ought
10 vote for proposition the effect of which
might be to depopulate my own State. AT the
same time il seems that in reference to the pub
lie lands, we are to have grab game; and if
such a system is 10 prevail it may be that do
nations to actual settlers will be the most equal
mode Of distribution. As to this matter, do
not now propose to express any opinion; but
my object is to offer some remarks, chiefly in re-
ply to portion of the speech delivered some
time ago by the gentleman from Florida, Mr.
CABELL, At that time the bounty land bill.was
pendin before the House, and, feeling deep
interest in its passage, did not choose to re-
tard it by irrelevant discussion, and since that
time no opportunity has presented itself until
now.
1t Is not my purpose to enter upon all the
points discussed by the gentleman from Florida,
Mr.. CABELLs] Indeed that would be- an end
less task for, whatever else may be said of his
speech, it can justly challenge precedence as the
most miscellaneous address yet delivered in the
thirty-second Congress. | will not follow the
gentleman in his discussion of the comparative
soundness of the p rites at the North upon the
slavery question: but only remark that | still have
the same opinions on that subject which he con-
tesses ne held until few weeks ago. Nor will
now inquire why he has suddenly seen new
light and turned sharp corner nor why he re-
buked the Constitutional Union party of the
South for electing delegates to the Baltimore
convention, by the light of the same facts that
compelled him to declare the Northern Demo
Gratis TO be more trustworthy upon this subject
OF slavery than the Northern Wings These
are curious facts, and they furnish the materials
for useful meditation, but pass them BY Ny
object at this time is more limited The gentle
man from Florida, Mr.. CABELLl while can.
wasting the claims of certain Northern Wings
for the Presidency, and warning off the Const-
tutonal Union party from the Baltimore con-
vention, holds the following language in refer
ence TO that body. | quote from the report of
his remarks in the Daily Globe of the 4th of
February. Speaking of the Democrats, he
says:
"They will nominate some such man as vii.
liam 0. Butler, of Kentuoky--a man whose
opinions are not known, except that he has
happened to own some slaves, and who will be
sustained by Van Buren, & Co. as Southern
man with Northern sentiments, and by South
ern-Rights men as one of themselves
Again, sir, after blowing hot and cold upon
Gen. Scott through the greater part of a column,
but reaching the conclusion that it is too late for
him TO be elected, the gentleman adds:
"What the Democrats will do, | know not
They may go for Batter, or some other mum
candidate"
Similar illusions to these are scattered
through the speech. ! believe this is the first
time at this session that any gentleman has in
troduced the name of political opponent into
the discussions of the House in connexion with
the Presidency. The propriety Of noticing this
direct assault is so obvious that will not detain
the committee with an apology for doing so.
II would i'll become Democratic representative
from Kentucky to be silent under this attack
upon one of her most eminent citizens, especia-
ly since the recent action of the Democratic
convention of that State. address the com.
mlttee to yindicate the action Of the Kentucky
Democracy, and collaterally to justify their
choice. consider both assaulted by the Ian
gulge Of the gentleman from Florida And to
guard against all misrepresentation, desire to
ssy distinctly that have not introduced tie
question Of the Presidency upon this floor Ii
is not my purpose, in defending General Butler
against an unjust attack, TO disparage other
eminent Democrats, still less to bring him in
conflict with them. II is our custom in the
State Of Kentucky 10 defend and honor all our
worthy public men. II the occasion were suit
able, you'd willingly pay the tribute of my
regard 70 many names mentioned on the Demo-
cratic side in connection with the Presidency
There is the distinguished Senator from Michi-
gan, Mr. CAss, the man whose undeseryed
fate il was TO be defeated, although since his
principles have triumphed There are Others,
but ! need not enumerate them. The Demo
Ioro IA hoNa oLl A.sLx u
would adorn the Chief Magistracy, and admins.
Ter this government upon the strict principles
Of the republican faith, and am willing to trust
any that have been named
The gentleman from Florida, in connexion
with his allusions TO General Butler, thought
proper TO express preference for Mr.. Fillmore
for the Presidency. To this, of course, / have
no objection; but he chose also to contrast the
positions Of these gentlemen, particularly upon
this question OF slavery, and TO draw a conclu.
sion much TO the advantage of his friend If
he had simply uttered a eulogy upon Mr.. Fill
more, would have nothing 10 say. III he had
been willing even 10 take the penance Of eighteen
months or two years as a sufficient atonement
for the efforts of twenty FIVE years in an oppo.
ste direction, still would have nothing 10 say
but when upon this particular question he wishes
TO exalt very recent convert above an old
Christian, and when he proposes TO use my
friend as SCOT Of foil 10 set of the virtues and
merits Of his own, may be compelled to advert
TO their past history in connexion with this mat
ter. IL the retrospect should not be agreeable
TO the gentleman from Florida, he may blame
himself for having instituted the comparison.
First, as TO the specific charges have quoted,
pronounce the imputations Of the gentleman
from Florida TO be wholly gratutous and uu-
founded. ! hold him responsible for them be.
fore this House and the country, and demand
OF him to maintain or retract them. When he
says that the opinions Of General Butler are un.
known, the statement is competent as an ad
mission Of his own ignopnce--for no other
purpose The man Of whom be knows nothing
has been for more than forty years a we'll known
Southern Democrat He was for four years a
prominent member Of this body, during a most
important political era. lie was afterwards
candidate for governor Of Kentucky, when all
the issues between the parties were on the field
Of contest; and then, endorsed by the united