The Ohio union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1849-1854, 1852-06-02
SPEECH
F
l'kr. O. II. I~ngeTsOll, Of Connecticut,

4ueStlOH.
The House being in The Committee Of
The Whole on the state Of The Union (Mr.
Hubbard in the chair on the Homestead
BILL
Mr.. lNGERSOLL said:
MI. CHAIRMAN: Ii is not my purpose
10 discuss the subject,matter now before
the committee.
If an apology were necessary for the
course Of debate which | shall pursue, all
will admit that it might be found in the
line Of safe precedenTs set by older and
more experienced members who have ad-
dressed the House at its present session.
My remarks may take somewhat of a
personal turn, and if an apology for this
were necessary. gentleman will, | trust,
be disposed 10 grant it, when they con-
slider that | have been honered with a seat
in This body without any public pledges,
written or oral, and without a public ad-
dress delivered upon the great questions
which have so recently occupied the pab-
lie mind both North and South. 1t seems
10 me, therefore, due 10 the constituency |
have the honor 10 representa- constit-
uency | am proud TO say unsurpassed by
any in this Union in point of learning, in
telligence, industry, patriotism, and mo.
sals-that | should at least give them some
acknowledgment for the generous support
with which they honored me on my cleo
ton to this body.
In the remarks which shall submit, |
shall endeavor to respond 10 what | be-
lieve to be the sound opinions of my own
district and Stale in regard to that "vexed
question which has for years past so un-
happily produced animosilies and heart
burnings between the two great divisions
Of our common country, and which sin.
cerely believe has recently brought this
Union upon the verge Of dissolution.
Mr.. Chairman, The Democratic State
Convention Of Connecticut, which met
recently at New Haven, among other re-
solutions, adopted the following;
"ReSOlued, that the principle Of strict
construction Of the powers granted by the
Constitution Of the United States forms a
fundamental part of the creed of the
American Democracy, and that the appli.
cation of this radical principle will main.
tain in their integrity the rights Of the
States, will furnish the most e~iIeciual anti.
dote against the cenlrali2ing tendencies of
the Federal Government, and will pre-.
serve the Constitution and the Union,
making a coniedcracy Of State equal to
the task of bearing peaceable sway over
the North American continent.
"ResolUsd, That The Democratic party
of this county is essentially, from its prin-
ciples and its component clements, the
true Union party-abstaining from the cx.
ercise Of doubtful powers on the part of
the Federal Government, and unfolding
the rights of the States, it has preserved
the integrity of our political institutions;
that it has maintained the honor, develop.
cd the power, extended the area, and pro.
mote the prosperity Of the Republic.
"ReSOivcd, That the Democracy of
Connecticut, acting through their State
Conventions, have never, amid all the ex.
element which has prevailed for sumo
years past, given the slightest aid or com.
fort 10 sectional animosily; and that they
have passed no resolution at war with the
creed Of the National Democracy; and
that, having last year fully expressed their
acqniescence in the compromise measures
of Congress. they can now proudly point
to their official proceeding, for a series of
years, as unsiained by fanaticism, and
embracing principles as broad as the
Union.
"ResoiUed. That we will cheerrully
abide by the decision Of the Democratic
Convention which is TO meet in Baltimore
in June next; and that, from whatever
quarter Of the Union The nominee NAV be
selected, we pledge him in advance the
entire and hearty support of the Connect
lieut. Democracy"
Every word of these resolutions | sub.
scribe 10, and am prepared to defend, and
! shall make them a sort of text for what
may follow from my lips to-day.
Now, Mr.. Chairman, | do not intend
TO discuss the abstract question Of slavery
much less 10 affirm that | am in favor Of
white or black slavery, or to stand forth
as its champion; it is matter foreign Ia
the issue which | propose 10 make. Nor
is it necessary that ! should discuss the
mere question Of African slavery as it ex.
lated before the Revolution, while we were
colonies; as it existed in the States after
we formed our Constitution, or as>it exists
now in the South. Ii il is a curse, as
some men call it, it is one which falls IN.
on 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 symathy rather than rebuke,
towards The descendants of those who
with our fOrefalhers fought shoulder to
shoulder for that Declaration which made
US free, aud for that Constitution which
secured to us freedom. 1t is an evil, says
the philanthropist. Admitit-what then!
Look into our social system, and behold
evil surrounding US on every side. Why,
sir, the very lie which men hold so dear
is made up Of evils and blessings-lhey
are the hopes Of youth blasied-lhe ener.
gies Of manhood deslroyed-the sorrow.
aud %decrcplitude of old age-these. will
'he good men enjoy, makes up the sur
total in reckoning of human life; and it i,
the very existence of evil which maker
man prize the good which falls 10 him.
Aud If this rule holds true in the social
how much more should look for il in The
political, which owes all its possesses tC