The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-03-02
speech OF Hon. r. r. Rhetf, OF South Caro-
lima.
~ RERLY TO MR.. CLEMENS,
IN SENATE.-February ~, 1852.

Mr.. RHETT. Mr.. President, probably owe
an apology TO the Senate-at least think il
due 10 myself TO state, that the reason why
have not responded sooner 10 the animadversions
Of the Senator from Alabama lMr. CLEMENsl
and those lin n milder strain) Of the Senator
from Michigan Mr.. CAssl was, that was not
in the city Of Washington at the time when
they were uttered in the Senate; nor did know
Of the personalities which the Senator from Ala
bama had used towards me until Just on the eve
Of my departure FROM home 10 return 20 Wash.
ington. After had been here for several DAYS
| read them, and | have since been watching the
current Of business, under the hope that the reso.
luton upon which these animadversions were
made, would come up for consideration; and
that could then address myself with propriety
10 the Senate, upon the animadversions Of the
Senator from Alabama; but after waiting some
ten days or fortnight, find that might wait
much longer in vain; and therefore the only
course left 70 me is 20 throw myself as now do.
TO make my response, upon the indulgence OF
the Senate.
In order that the Senate may appreciate my
position, I will read an extract from the speech
delivered by the Senator from Alabama. had
hoped that when the alteration between the
late Senator from Mississippi Mr.. Footel and
myself had closed, that il would be an end, 80
FAR a. ] was concerned, Of any contention on
this floor. ] deprecste all such contention from
the bottom Of my heart. ! have been for twenty
years in legislative bodies, and ] have 30 de.
meaned myself, both in my personal and private
intercourse with other gentlemen as well az 10 my
oficin intercourse IN my representative capacity
as 10 bring myself IN serious conflict with none
But now, in consequence Of having announced
upon the floor Of the Senate, opinions which
sincerely and conscientiously entertain, in the
discharge Of my public duty, find myself the
subject o. vituperation, assault. and caluinny
There is bat one course left for me- / must de.
fend myself and ny position.
The Senator from Alabama, in the speech 10
which | refer, used the following words:
@The scene we witnessed the other day during
the delivery by the Senator from South Carroll.
ma Mr.. RHETTl Of his harangue, surprised no
one here; but il would have been matter Of
profound astonishment 10 the country IL they
could have been spectators Of what occurred.
There was the Senator from Massachusetts,
Mr. SUMNER, the Senator from Ohio, Mr..
CHASE, and the Senator from New Hampshire,
lmr HALE gathered about him in a sort offra-
lernal mig, while the eountenance Of the Sena.
Tor from New York Mr.. SEWARD was radiant
with gladness. Thus was exhibited the specta
Gle ofan extreme Southern Senator depouncing
in no measured terms, the government Of his
country, and declaring himself disunionist. ON
account Of alleged wrongs heaped upon him.
with four as rabid Abolitionists as this land con.
tains drinking in HE words with eager approba.
tion--applauding, cheering, and encouraging
him. AL this was nothing new TO us, however
strong IL may appear 10 the plain and honest
yeomanry Of the country. Nor was It, when
calmly considered, at all unnatural
"A fellow feeling makes US wondrous kind.
There is sympathy in treason as well as
in knayery; and those who are earnestly striy-
ing 10 accomplish the same end need not quar-
rel about The separate means employed"
This extract, and others that ! shall read to
The Senate, are taken from the speech printed by
the Senator himself, and circulated under his