The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-06-08
CON CIR ESSI0N AL.
SPEECH OF MIR. PERKINS,
OF LOUISIANA.


OF LOUISIANA,
On the address Of the New York Representatives delivered
IA in the House of Representatives, May 81 1854.
The House being in the Committee Of the Whole the
state Of the Union
Mr.. PERKINS said
II rise Mr. Chairman suffering from much physical de-
blity to discharge what consider TO be duty. few
months since at the request of Speaker BOYD introduced
amendment originally moved by himself 10 the land
bill Of the gentleman from New York mr. BENNETT then
pending before this House When Offered it, did
occur 70 me that imposed upon me the responsibility Of
ts discussion. must say however that after an exam-
nation of its principles and the guards thrown around
their application feel myself under obligation TO the hon
orabe Speaker for having directed my attention to the
and nothing to which can object 1t Is my purpose to-
day to discuss this bill would have spoken on il last
week had not its consideration been postponed.
TIE Introduction Of the subject of which II treats by
gentlemen who have spoken In connection weh the Pacific
railroad and the fact that the public lands under dis
cussion OF ths time in the other branch OF Congress- and
are from peculiar circumstances attracting attention
throughout the country must be my apology for speaking
on the subject to-day. ra.s
There is imposed upon me- however higher duty which
must first discharge. observed in the lntegencer Of
this morning address, signed by FIVE gentlemen
members OF this body representatives from the State OF
New York, with only of whom have any personal
acquaintance and only two of whom are known to me by
sight An address from member of Congress to his
stituts is ordinarily document somewhat sacred in its
character The relation existing jusies freedom in the
treating of public that under other circumstances
might provoke criticism With the immunity of gentle
There sentiments and statements however in this ad-
dress which, coming from Washington and published by
request in paper of extended an influence ms the intel
gence the national organ OF great party in the country
make it necessary for me representative from Louisiana
and having the floor the morning of its issue to say
something will read that portion Of the address upon
which intend to remark @ 5 H .'ags
Events daily ranspng constran believe that the
annument of the Mssoucompromise act of 1920 the first
of series of measures long premedated and deliberately
pursued having for their object the formation of great
ton, southern party of which the present executive de-
signs to become the leader.
II proceeds
In order win the South and proptate the favor of her
citizens addition repeal Of the prohibition Of slavery
north Of latitude 3G deg 80 min designed TO obtain re-
garde to the national treasury additional ter
rtory from Mexico The Gadsden treaty recommended by
the President to the Senate for confirmation stipulated to
pay Santa Anna the entravagant Of $40 900 for
the slave States This treaty, modified in many essential
particulars has been returned to Mexico and ia in pro
gress OF negotiation i#1 81
If the address had stopped here although regrettng such
charge from such source should not have noticed it.
IL continues: -@" # f-#....
pursuance of the political scheme, it deter
mined early day. to acquire Cuba utterly reckless OF
consequences To that end gentleman selected to rep
resent this country at the Court Of Madrid whose appoint
ment occasoned alarm in the minds OF those who were a
quained with his disposition and political sen
Whether he attempted to open negotiations for the
poaceabe acquisition Of Cuba is not known but it n certain
that attended his efforts, If any wero made The
seizure Of the Black Warrior by the authorities at
Havana afforded Mr.. soue, are credbiy informed
govcnmen 50 nsolent in its tone, percmpor in manner
and cuehed in language Of character 50 nsutng as to
render compliance with his demands in the highest degree
improbable"
Sir this statement having appeared and finding 1t be-
fore me on my desk could to-day address the House
on another subject without first aluding to H.
MKNBER. Who are the persons signing IT
Mr.. PERKINS Gentlemen will find the names OF the
persons signing it appended to IT, in the National in'e-
1 gencer.
Sir know nothing Of these measures of these efforts
gentlemen speak Of Ia connexon with the formation OF
great sectional party Coming, ms do from the extreme
South have listened with deep attention to everything
that has been said affecting southern institutions and so
far as my constitutional convictions would allow me,
have united in the efforts 10 secure not sectional advan-
age but the enuncaton Of great constitutional right
If that sir of the alluded to by gentlemen
as designed to create great sectional party must der
with them in opinion.
With reference TO the additional territories TO be acquired
from Mexico reqardless Of expense" have nothing further
TO say than 10 point TO ut that instead Of the Of
S2O6ooooO demanded ri - Mexican government having
been agreed to- the la hn reduced during nego-
ations by the Presidel 1Ua advisers from S2ooOoooo
to Slo0000o0. This inN aea Nat,enuon AZ least 10
expense. f
| But Mr.. Chairman, pru .cea Tho sddrcg ssys tlst
\ "in pursuance Of the same ~ tM Feoeme H Vs. se
ermined al early day 10 acquire N5hA tcoAf.F &.
consequences what political srheias ~ i,1sns X
pfopitiate the South BY The passage - Nc Nepnak N
4 The purchase Of Mexican territory, regarus q 9Ns.
and the acquisition Of Cuba regardless OF con.
In order to build up great sectional party Of which Pre
ident Pierce might be the head Now, Er Chairman,
do mot stand here "a the special friend q this admnis
on to laud General Pierce any other man but hcre
"a mauifesty very wide difference between these gentle
men and myself ia our estimate OF both General Pierce and
his administration When the President acts In accord
anco with principles which believe TO be just and NATIONAL
give him my support When he utters asentment which
Is noble and patriotic adopt III and u u isis WITHIN my
line Of argument to do So repeat IL giving him credit
for having uttered It, With the political opinions how
ever Of these gentlemen with their disposition towards
/ the President have no concern.
But tho address proceeds and speaking Of distinguish
ed gentleman from my State engaged abroad in the
service Of his country and necessarily precluded from
making any defence for himself srragns before the country
his disposition and his manners AZ well as ms pohu
\ opinions.
sNow Mr. Chairman Of this have something 10 say, and
it is this that regard such attack as neither manly
chivalrc in accordance with that courtesy towards
persons IN Mr. Soul6s position which am led 10 believe has
been the Characteristic b gentlemen occupying prominent
positions upon this floor
Sir am not the particular friend Of Mr.. Soult am
not in correspondence with him knew him at the New
Orleans bar n younger member Of the bar would know
much older distinguished by his talent by his his
tory and in the estimation of my State and Il remaka-
BILE for anything by the admission Of ALL for his amaoe
and courteous department towards all persons As TO his
manners most certainly sir, never heard them before
made the subject Of criticism That gentlemen may dfer
with him upon political questions Is natural and such dlf
ference altogether proper subject OF remark put 70 90
beyond this in his absence and under the peculiar Cur
curnstanos in which he has been placed do not think IN
any degree just do believe II viii be Justified by the
/ reflection Of the gentlemen themselves.
But sir this address does not stop with this After de-
caring Mr. Sonlk be entirely unsued for the position
which be holdsa position in which they must excuse me
for saying think he has sustained himself IN manner
declare they do not that he has made effort
legitimate and peaceful but they