The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-04-15
Mr.. SMITH said.

Mr.. PRESIDENT: do not know but that this
subject has already been sufficiently discussed
to enlighten the deliberations of the Senate,
and to conduct us to such results as shall ac-
cord with the public interest. l am strong
friend of this measure, and do not intend it
shall be killed off by unnecessary or protrac-
ted debate. If, therefore, the Senate will in
dicate desire to bring the question at once
to the test of vote, will resume my seat.
Mr.. GWIN. Agreed! let us have vote.
Mr. COOPER. desire to address the
Senate on the subject, and cannot consent to
forego the privileges of the floor.
Several SENATORS, to Mr. SMITH. Go on!
Go on!
MIR. SMITH. must, then, throw myself
on the indulgence of the Senate in submit
ting few remarks, which trust will be ac-
corded to me, if for no other reason, in con-
sideration of the fact that l seldom obtrude
myself on the notice of this body, and never
except to discuss some matter Of practical i'm
portance. have taken no part in the dis
cusson of variety of questions which have
been raised here touching our foreign relations,
and which have occupied large portion of
our time during the present session, to the
exclusion of this and other matters deeply
concerning the welfare Of the American peo-
pie. But though we are brough; very late to
an examination of this bill, | hope enough of
time and opportunity remains to enable us to
make an enlightened and proper disposition
of the question b, fore us. And what, sir, is
that question! 1t is whether we shall now
alopt amea ure commended to cur confidence
H. lal. of Of tl,a OH "A
most experienced members of this boty.
confess, Mr. President, have concluded,
contrary to my first impression, that it is my
duty to acquiesce in the result of those de-
liberations, and to give the bill before us,
with slight exceptions, my cordial support
1t is true did, very early in the debate, ex-
press the opinion that it would be impracti-
cable, during the present short session, so to
arrange and settle the general plan and de-
tails of bill as that it would command the
support of the two Houses of Congress. |
therefore insisted that nothing more could be
done than to make provision for such surveys
and explorations as would be required for a
proper and just appreciation of the subject by
the next Congress. But the Select Commit
tee, at the head of which my honorable and
excellent friend, the Senator from Texas,
JMr. RUsK,l has been placed, has satisfied
me that was mistaken. They have brought
before US bill which seems to me to have
been we'll considered, and to be substantially
right, both in its general plan and details. |
am, therefore, for pressing this bill to vote;
/ am for taking the judgment of the Senate
on the subject, and let those incur the res
possibility who would defeat the measure and
postpone even the commencement of this work
for two years longer. Be it remembered, ii
we do not act now, no bill can be got through
the next Congress until July or August, 1854,
and that little or nothing can be done to ad-
vance the measure until the spring of 1855.
Hence, sir, ] rejoice at the success of the COM
mttee, and desire to proffer to them my
cordial thanks for their indefatigable labors.
df nothing is now done on this important sub
ject, no one can think of laying the blame at
their door.
Irepeat, Mr.. President, consider this bill
substantially right. do not mean that either
the general plan or details are such as would
have proposed. l suppose if every honorable
member were to be charged with a subject
like this, susceptible Of an infinite variety o!
plahs anu ueta's' eaoh "ouiu ouoPe "'uS
nre having a specific character, and differing
from that Of every other member. If we are
to await until every member has before him
exactly the scheme he would prefer, I'VE should
wait until the end of time. | feel myself
under an obligation to lay aside my preferen-
ces and my notions of what would be best in
dealing with such subject. II | can find
in the bill plan that is practicable, and which
does not compromit any great public interest
or violate any fundamental principle, it will
be enough for me. / shall feel it to be my
duty to accord to it my support.
And what, Mr.. President, is the object con
,templsted by this bill, and what is the schem,
by which that object is to be reached! The
former is one Of the most magnificent which