The daily union., 1852-10-13
speech Of General Pierce.

We do not remember 10 have in any oi our ex-
changes the following remarks made by Geoeal Pierce
in the Senate in 1882 They throw no new light on his
position but only earm what he had before said on the
subject 10 which they refer.
Some OF the southern Seward men, notwithstanding
the position which General Pierce had maintained up to
the beginning of the session which commenced in De
cember. 1885, pretend that his votes on certain petitions
presented in January, $780, indicated change in his
tmenis The question that time in the Senate was as
to the disposition which should be made OF abolition
petitions, and General Pierce adhered as the following
remarks show, TO the ground he had previously main
tanned member Of Mr. Pinckney's committee OF the
House OF Representatives.:
Ia Senate, IaMsday, February 2i. 1889
Mr. PIERCE presented the memorial Of Georgs Gates and
Others, legal voters Of the town Of Antrim, New Hamp-
shire praying for the abolition of slavery this District
Mr.. p said that the memorial came to him, accompa
MED by letter from highly respectable Clergyman.
siding ia his native county. The letter says Though
we that your views may correspond with
those Of the petitioners they have doubt OF your read
ness TO present respectful petition coming from any
ZION of the citizens Of New Hampshire
certainly task present the memorial, and yet
cannot, in justice my convictions OF duty, comply
with the request without expressing my deep regret that
these petitioners many Of whom am actuaed by
pure motives, should far mistake their moral
sponsbtes and the power and duty OF Congress in ela
ton 10 this subject
do earnestly hope that every honest man. who has sin
cerey heart the best interest Of the slave and the
may longer be governed by blind zeal and Impulse
but be led examine this subject full of deicacy and
DANGER in all ts bearings and that when called upon
lend their and influence to the of agitaton
they may remember that we live under written cons
tuition which is the panopy and protection of the South
well the North that it the entire Unon and is
equally guarantee for the unmolested enjoyment OF the
ctpati sof and
that they will longer close their eyes the fact that
far those in whose welfare they express much feeling
concerned, this foreign Interference has been and
inevitably continue to be, evil, and only evil Having
former occasion, expressed my views somewhat at
LENGTH will detan you further than notice
neous statement which has been made, and thousand
times repeated, with regard my and that Of
the Representatives OF New Hampshire in both house Of
Congress We have been charged with having denied the
right Of petition and although the charge wholly with
foundation, have doubt that, from its frequent
repetition, it may have had influence upon the minds
Of many honest and patriotic So far from having de
MED, have uniformly asserted and maintained this
right But after deoamaton and argument had been
hausted both sides OF the quesonafter the memorials
had been referred to select committee during the twenty
fourth Congress- and elaborate report sent forth the
American people-we thought 1t our duty take such
with petitions OF this character as would enable
Congress proceed with the consideration of subjects
necessary and Legitimate legislation The whole question
since that period has been with regard the distos
tion OF memorials ,ohn reeersd; and denunciaos
false representations VIII drive us from course demanded
alike by regard for The proper and necessary Legislation
of Congress- the rights of the South and the ofhe
whole county Alter the declarations which come
from high sources during the session. in both ends
OF the Capitol encouraged TO hope that the agitation
of this question in New England for political purposes
Will that there viii be attempts deceive
and excite the people by incucsng the preston thar
their right to petition has been invaded.
On motion by Mr. WILLIAMS, of Missssppi the Que ion
oil reception W laid IN he iabl