The southern press., 1852-03-20
speech Of Hon. W. A. richardson, Of Illinois

In Reply 10 Mr.. Breckinridge, Of Kentucky, con-
corning Judge Douglas, The Democratic Re
pieio, and the Presidency: Delivered IA the
House Of Representatives., March 10, 1852.
The House being in committee Of the whole
on the state Of the Union
Mr.. RICHARDSON said During the brief
period have served as member OF Congress, |
have never upon any occasion, arisen TO address
the House with so much regret as | do upon the
present occasion. / shall not allude to the
question which is involved in the bill under
consideration The Democratic party of the
State Of Illinois demands of some Of her repre-
senlatives, when her favorite son has been as
&f.H upon this floor, 10 repel the charges
made against him, whether made directly or in
directly. That Democracy have some right to
be heard. In all times past-in all the disas
tiers that have beset the Democratic party
whether veal or woe has attended 1.-THE Dem
ocracy Of my State have ever stood forth, and
have never given way in the darkest hour Of
battle. For fifteen years, no son Of hers has
contributed so much 10 produce these results
as my distinguished friend Judge Douglas
In behalf Of that Dcmocracy-in behalf Of that
leader who has led them on in so many con-
tests, and to victory appear here to-day.
Sir, il is not remarkable that the Democrats
Of Illinois should be attached 10 Judge Doug
las. Twenty years ago, be came among them
friendIess and pennyless young mechanic.
Unaided by anything, except by his own talents,
he has risen TO the position.he now so ably fills
at all times struggling, at all times battling
for the doctrines which have been, and are,
near and dear 10 Democrats. l. Il, then, re-.
markable that that Democracy should be at
tached 10 him Is ii remarkable that they
should expect his successor upon this floor,
when by imputation his fair fame is sought 10
be sullied, TO defend him
Sir, the gentleman from Kentucky Mr.. BREcK.
IERIDGE, in his illusions the other day, drew.
in glowing and eloquent colors, pictures Of the
struggles Of the Democracy Of his own State.
Sir, il Is true that that Democracy have struQ-
ged and have fought; and the Democracy Of
this nation have not been unmndful Of the en-
ertions Of her leaders. On more occasions than
one, the Democracy Of my State have aided her
sons in their aspirations, both 10 secure nomi.
nations and then elections. That distinguished
son of Kentucky, Col. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
for his Jong service here and for his vaor on the
6eld-had nowhere more zeslons or ardent
friends than that Democracy vhisi was led by
the Senator from my own State. The gentle.
man whe was defended the other day by the gen
tleman from Kentucky, Gen. Butler, has found
in that Democracy warm and reliable friends
both before and after his nomination for the Vice
Presidency. We have not been unmindful Of
them, while we have looked with hope and ex.
pectation that the clouds that lowered over
them were soon 10 pass away. And when, in
the recent struggle, her Democracy came out
victorious, no son Of hers anywhere rejoiced
more than did had hoped and trusted that
The time was come when that Democracy were
permanently in The ascendency.
! am not here now, Mr.. Chairman, for the
purpose o. assailing anybody. II is not my
haoit 70 90 So am not unwilling at any time
TO engage IN contests and controversies with
political opponents, but not with political friends
My object, my mission, as a Representative in
Congress, is peace; all Of our missions sho.ld
be peace among ourselves, IL we believe tb.t tbo
doctrines we advocate will advance The great Ia.
terests Of our country. for unless we have peace.
these doctrines cannot be In the ascendant. Sir
entertaining this belief I was sstonished the
other day, when an assault was made by Dem
ocrat from Kentucky upon Democrat from III
nois am not here to follow the example ther
set me- | mean to confine myself 10 egitimat,
defence, and TO defence only. | know that IL
these wars we might do some mischief TO polit
zeal friends. do not choose 10 do so. Il !.
not my purpose 10 do so. II IL not in accord
spce with my feeIings--with my views While
] say this, must be permitted 10 make another
remark Wherever and whenever any gentle.
man wishes 10 make any assault upon the Sen.
atOr from Illinois, desire that he may do Il
openly and boldly, that II may be met admitted
explained, or denied II any gentleman has