The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-04-26

have bssn nsmbsr Of Congress-, 10 devots my.
all occasions, and n Ill times. whenever topic
was before the House, TO confine myself and my
attention. If had anything to say upon it, to
the discussion of that topic, and that topic only
Nv excuse now for this diviation in this House
from the proper practice, and my excuse to my
constituents il what said before-that here, in
this Congressional Globe, to go down to pos
terity, are recorded statements against me, which,
if ! make an appeal through newspaper in the
form of u card or otherwise, save ut the bar of
this House, it is impossible for me to send
like record of, down to those who may possibly
be interested in my hamblo reputation, or who
may wish hereafter to be accurately informed Of
what led to this attack upon me.
Before go further, will say that have
taken occasion in this House before, to remark
that have but little respect for that chivary
which, before it assaults member Of Congress,
carefully consnlts the lines of latitude and
rongtude in order to direct it's assaults, and
which has billing, cooling tones for every man
south of the Potomac, but rough and rugged
buster for every man north. | need not, how
ever, have made this remark, in this case be-
cause the speaker Of this article before me, is
of an age, and in a position to protect him from
any personal assault Of mine-from any assault
here or elsewhere-for should as soon think
of vindicating myself in that way, from his re-
marks, as if were assaulted by my own grand
father.
There are in this article, Mr. Speaker var-
GUS allegations, and the first one which pro-
pose to notice, but which have before noticed
in this House. is, that certain letter which APP
peared in the New York Express, was written
or indited by me. That, in the most solemn
manner, have already denied upon the floor Of
this House, and any further contradiction would
be unavailing
My position here as an editor Of a public
newspaper at home, and as a member of Con
gress, has often embarrassed me and upon be-
coming member of the last Congress, took
occasion then publicly to say, that in political
or personal matters, or in anything appertaining
to persons, would have no concern whatso
ever, and be in no degree responsible for what
was in my paper because fOresaw if did
not adopt that course, ! should be holding per
sonal relations with gentlemen of opposite poll
ties, or political relations, which, from the
greater freedom of newspaper discussion than
that which exists upon the lloor of this House,
would very often pain and embarrass me.
That course have faithfully kept, and former
correspondents, wi o have been writing for the
New York Express, some of whom may be now
in the sound Of my voice, if called upon here or
elsewhere, will, under solemn oath, testify that
to them, upon all occasions, have said, show
me none of your letters; let me hear nothing Of
them--tell me nothing; you may write, for do
not wish to know anything of the record you
make of the proceedings in Congress" That
order, which had previously been given, embar-
rassed me in the three previous Congresses ex-
ceedingy, because there were often personal
attacks, perhaps, use harsh expression in
saying personal attacks-but personal comments
upon members of the House, which, in my own
heart, did not approve, and which would wish
to correct if had been at home. On account of
this, felt it necessary to say to the correspond.
ents of that paper, at the opening of this Con
gres', whenever there is anything in your letters
in the nature of personal attacks or assaults
upon members of Congress, before your letters
60 to New York, at least bring them to me, and
while will not be responsible for what you say.
or single sentiment you may utter, vet will
not approve of anything which may embarrass
my social relations by attacks in the newspaper
with which | am supp osed to be connected.
This letter, to which the honorable gentleman
from North Carolina Mr.. STANLYl alluded the
other day, was brought to me. No inconsider.
able portion of that letter struck out Indeed,
all the personal matters wished to strike out !;
but remonstrance was made to me, that the ru.
mors which were put forth in that paper were
rumors which were in the mouth of almost
every man--rumors, of course but the existence
of which could not deny in the form they were
stated. The letter went before the public; and
but yesterday, or the day before yesterday,
discaimed all personal responsibility for its
Statements facts, or allegations.
There is also connected with this letter an
editorial article said TO have been written by
me. This editorial article bears evidence upon
its face, in misocaiing the homes of members of
Congress that it could not have been written by
me. And, to add to the strength of this state
ment, before God, | say in the presence of you
all, that never one word or one item of that
editorial article, until it reached me in the New
York Express, and never read it in full until
first read it in the "Congressioral Globe" re-
ported here in the paper before me- These are
the facts of the case, which state fully and
frankly. But it is said, that there is remark
able similarity of language between that letter
and the language which used in the caucus in
the Senate chamber the other evening Hav.
ing seen the letter, and having been fired by
such Of its sentiments as felt to be Just and
true, 1t is but natural that in the warmth and
excitement or controversy 1 should have given
utterance to the same thoughts in the same
style; for TIE earnest, energetic language and
indignant thoughts were such az deeply i'm
pressed me when written--and they were the
language and the thoughts of many others asso.
ciated with me- Amusement, wonder, astonish-
ment, and passion have one common language,
and like swords that breathe, and thoughts
that burn" spring from the tongue of every
man when astonishing events occur. Hence
this identity of thought This accounts for it,
and nothing more.
Now, Mr.. Speaker, there are other insnua.
tons in this article of the Congressional Globe
in the main amusing, though enough insulting
and the first is, that | am no gentleman No
gentleman Well, that would indeed be a Sc
we're verdict against my reputation it the person
who renders it, was some Beau Brunmel the
head of some fashionaby constituted board
which had right to pass upon what constitutes
gentility. and to adjust the qualities and charac.
ter of gentleman. There is nothing on earth
more difficult to observation-disclosures every one
has the idea in his mind-the beau ideal of what
constitutes gentleman; but when you APP.
proach the language OF definition, of what con-