The southern press., 1852-04-03
spsssl y M. |! i. lassrlsII, n esanss IIsa.


In The House Of Representatives., March 81. 1854
The House being In the Committee of the
Whole on the state OF the Union INIT HlB-
BARD in the chair) on the Homestead Bill
Mr.. INGERSOLL said
Mr. CHAIRMAN. II is not my purpose to dis
cuss the subject-matter now before the commit
tee. l Uflite
Ii an apology were necessary for the course
of debate which shall pursue, all will admit
that il might be found in the line of safe prece-
dents set by older and more experienced mem
bers who have addressed the House at its pres
ent session. ya.s
NY remarks may take somewhat of personal
turn, and If an apology for this were necessary
gentlemen will trust be disposed to grant it,
when they consider that have been honored
with seat in this body without any public
pledges, written or oral, and without public
address delivered upon the great questions which
have SO recently occupied the public mind both
North an South.
1t seems to me therefore due to the constitu-
ency have the honor to represent, constitu-
ency am proud to say unsurpassed by any
other in the Union in point of learning, intelli-
gence, industry, patriotism, and morals, that
should at least give them some acknowledgment
for the generous support with which they hon.
ored me on my election TO this body.
In the remarks which Ishal submit, ! shall
endeavor to respond TO what believe to be the
sound opinions of my own district and State in
regard to that "vexed question which has for
years past SO unhappily produced animosties
andheart-burnngs between the two great divs-
ions of our common country, and which sim
cerely believe has recently brought this Union
i<xxa ~.
Mr.. Chairman, the Democratic State Conven-
ton of Connecticut, which met recently at New
Haven, among other resolutions, adopted the
following: So s sa w
.Resolued That the principle Of strict con
struction of the powers granted by the Consti-
tn ion of the United States forms afundamen-
tai part of the creed of the American Democra-
cy, and that the application of this radical prnci
pie will maintain in their integrity the rights Of
the States, furnish the most effectual antidote
against the centralizing tendencies OF the federal
government, and will preserve the Constitution
and the Union, making confederacy OF States
equal to the task of bearing peaceable sway over
| the North American continent.
"Resolped, That the Democratic party of this
country is essentially, from ts principles and its
component elements, the true Union party-ab-
staining from the exercise of doubtful powers
on the part Of the federal government, and up
holding the rights of the States, it has preserved
the integrity of our political Institutions; that
| it has maintained the honor developed the
power, extended the area, and promoted the
prosperity of the republic.
Resolved, That the Democracy of Connecticut,
acting through their State conventions, have
never, amid all the excitement which has pre-
vailed for some years past, given the slightest
aid or comfort TO sectional animosity; and that
they have passed no resolution at war with the
creed of the national Democracy; and that,
having last year fully expressed their acquies-
cence in the compromise measures of Congress,
they can now proudly point 10 their official pro-
ceedings, for series of years, as unstained by
fanaticism, and embracing principles as broad
as the Union.
| "Resolred, That we will cheerfully abide by
the decision of the Democratic convention which
is to meet in Baltimore in June next; and thai:
from whatever quarter of the Union the nominee
may be selected, we pledge him in advance the
entire and hearty support Of the Connecticut
Democracy"
| Every word Of these resolutions subscribe
to, and am prepared to defend, and shall make
them sort of text for what may follow from
my lips to-day. IGtf
~
cuss the abstract question OF slavery, much less
TO affirm that | am in favor Of white or black
slavery, or 10 stand forth as lis champion; II y
n matter foreign TO the issue which propose Ia
make Nor is II necessary that should discuss
the mere question Of African slavery as II ex.
listed before the revolution, while we were
colonies as il existed in the United States after
we formed our Constitution, or as II exists now
in the South. IL Il n n curse, as some men
call IL. IL Is one which falls upon the STAKEHOLDER
and for which we Of the North are in no way
accountable, and which should draw from us
regret at its existence, and sympathy rather
| than rebuke, towards the descendants Of those
who with our forefathers fought shoulder 10
shoulder for that Declaration which made us
free, and for that Constitution which secured 10
us freedom. Il Is On evil, says the phIanthro.
pist Admit it--what tbeni Look into our
social system, and behold evil surrounding us
on every side. Why, sir, the very life which
men hold so dear Is made up Of evils and bless.
ings-there are the hopes Of youth blasted
the energies Of manhood destroyed-'he sor.
rows and decreptude Of old age-these. which
the good men enjoy, make up the sum total in
the reckoning Of human life and IL is the very
existence Of evil which makes man prize the
| good which falls to him. And IL this rule holds
| true IN me Social, how Ducn more shoulo we
look for Il in the political. which owes all Il
possesses 10 the socisl statel Who will tel
me Of political state ihat has existed from the
earliest dawn Of government. which has beer
free from evils The philanthropist nav, with
the lantern Of Diogenes, look for II, but in vain
| Mr.. Chairman, have watched the slavery
agitation, which has been and is 30 rife in oul
midst, with much solicitDde. A child Of CON
mon understanding may see where IL Is tending
and the point At which il will arrive. unless the
sober, second thought OF the North" nips ], nov
in is full-grown bud.
n have no sympathy with abolition agitation
or what, in The parlance Of the Buffalo conven
ton, goes BY the name Of Freesoil agitation
and believe The intelligent people whom re-
present agree with me In the views entertain
Of tie effects. ! stand not here 10 arraign tn
motives OF men. much less 70 question the homes
intentions OF those, many Of them, at least, VIII
, uphold politicians in the war they are eovertl
, making upon the institutions and The peace o
! the country. But when the Democracy Of IN
: North, in their efforts 10 preserve inviolate IN
constitutional rights Of the States are told here