The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-12-27
THE SPEAK ERS HIP.
LETTER FROM COL. H. MARSHALL

from the Louisville Journal, Dec. POI
We give below q letter from the distinguished rep
rcscntative of this district in Congress- contradict
ing certain ISLANDERS that have been written about
him and his political friends. Col. NJ. is an exceed
ingly able and perfectly straightforward man, and
we have respect for his past aud confidence IN MS
WAsgfyeros, Dec. y, 1850
see Il statement in the Times that the members
Of the Know Nothing party WHO were Wiling 70
compromise the basis OF the missouri re5triction
east their v0tes for me tor speaker
Az this il said by Mr.. Ballock who is here, it ia
proper to say that is just as erroneous "a language
can make it. The members VINO voted Tor me were
not willing to compromise the basis Of the Mis-
souri, restriet0 clause, but, to man, stood upon
the Philadelphia platform Of the American party,
and nil Of them knew that was my own position, de.
clared openly and above board u is due TO them
to correct the statement at once.
The Washington correspondent OF the Louisville
Courier says that l made oyertures TO the de-
mocratic party to unite on me, and was In.
dgnantly spurned. ] do not know who this
correspondent is, but more unbushng false
hood was never penned by man. d, not deem
it necessary TO defend myself from the calum-
mics Of the Louisville Courier, because oil who read
that paper already know somewhat the extent Of
the malevolence Of Its conductors toward me; but
when il has hireling here TO lie upon me and to
asperse my motives and conduct, il may be as well
10 enter cayeat at once against his misrepresenta-
tions which will be uttered and published to my
constituents in my absence.
The absurdity Of such falsehood appears at
once when you look at the executive action OF this
administration towards persons protesting my prin.
ciples and the offensive legislative declaration
made BY the caucus of the administration members
on which Col Richardson was presented as candi-
date for the chair.
This fellow has evidently heard jocular converse.
tons passing between myself and some Of the gen
tlemen Of the other side, in which have stated that
they had put II out OF our power with put seldegra
dalton to 90 to them and that the only way to orga
nize was for them to come to US and resciAd their
resolution, or abandon it by practical act. This
has been tortured by the Courier correspondent
into an overture by me to the democratic party to
come to my support
Il NAV as wen be said in this connection that
acquisced reluctantly in the determination of my
political friends to concentrate upon my name in
this contest, for, as yon well know, had no anb-
the slightest idea of my being elected Speaker and
] had my name withdrawn at the earliest moment
that it could have been done with proprety..
We are in a nice fix here. do not see how we
are TO organize the House any other principle
than the recession of the administration party from
the position they have taken, Tor vow that will
cast my vote for one OF them for Speaker un.
less they combine to press the plurality rule upon
necessary to choose between the evils If having
OF them or radical abolitionst in the chair. In
such case, might feel that the administration
candidate WAS preferable to the other but both alike
occupy sectional groundthe one'proposing to swear
by the Nebraska bill and tie other against 1t. Our
position is to abide by existing legislation without
regard to the opinion entertained heretofore OF its
expediency Or propriety, and to resist all further
agitation OF the questions connected with slavery.
1T will do US no harm should the House not be or
gained before the holidays. IL our political posi-
ton is not sound then our party should dsband in
the country. Ii it is sound, we should irmly main
tain it here. HUMPHREY MARSHALL.
MIR. BANKS VOTE ON NEBRASKA.
Correspondence Of Cincinnati Daily Gazette
WAsnfNGroN Dec. L. 1866.
I am authorized by MIR. Harrison, tho representa-
~ nAx. 81 30
that, in regard to his opposition to the election Of
Mr.. Banks, he is wholly Influenced by the course
taken by Mr.. Banks during the last Congress, In
gard to the Nebraska bill. Mr. Banks voted to take
1t out OF its place in the calendar and to give 1t
precedence over other matters. Mr.. Harrison be-
Geves il this had not been done that the bill would
not have been reached and consequently the wrong
committed by the passage of the Kansas Nebraska act
would not have been done. Mr.. Banks vote, given
on that occasion, II the reason why Mr. Harrison has
not voted for him. and why he will not vote for hi
II il due to Mr. Harrison that his constituents should
know why their representative has not thrown his
vote for the man upon whom the anti. Nebraska
members have concentrated their strength.
MR.. FULLER's POSITION.
In the House Of Representatives, on Wednesday the
18th instant,
Mr.. HRNRY M. FULLER said-Mr. Clerk, I
am not in the habit of being very much disturbed
by what may be said either Tor or against me but,
inasmuch as it was ntimated this morning by one Of
my colleagues that my position was misunderstood,
desire avail myself Of this opportunity, with the
indulgence OF gentlemen Of the House, TO de-
1t is conceded, l believe, that the difficulty
which lies at the foundation Of all our troubles
is the one question OF slavery. / desire
TO declare am opposed to the present agitar
in my humble judgment, no possible good can result
from that agitation in the present excited state OF
public feeling On the contrary, that all discussion
upon this subject must now result, as it ever has
hnr Itnd md Stan1s
popular discomfort, individual distrust, sectional
alienation and division. am willing therefore, to
leave this question OF slavery where the consti-
tuition OF the country has left 1t, applause, with
the people who tolerate IL, to control, regulate
and determine for themselves (Renewed ap-
planse) l shall not NEEDLE or interfere With the
subject. will do nothing 70 disturb any existing
relations. If it be an evil it is their evil il it be
blessing, it is their blessing i make no aggression
upon the rights or feelings OF any man, or Of any
section; nor will submit to any invasion Of mine
With respect TO past legislation there Is honest
difference Of opinion. supported the compromise
measures Of 1850, and was willing to regard them
flnality. | should have opposed the legi-lton of
the last Congress- ! do not endorse il now. Be-
lieving that agitation them as agitation now could
result In no public good, and having in view the
public peace and the public welfare, | am willing
that the past should bury its own dead, aud | de-
sire, forgetting former offences, to unite with my
fellow citizens everywhere in u patriotic effort to
bring back the country to that state Of good feeling
and social harmony which once existed, and ought
never to have been disturbed. believe that there
can be no doubt with regard to my sentiments on
this subject. If there be, am willing to stand up
before this great nquisition and submit myself ~
the heterogeneous Of the grand inquisi, ors.
Mr.. SHERMAN-I desire to ask the gentleman one
question. l. do so for the purpose Of information.
Would you he willing TO allow the institution Of
slavery to obtain an advantage. or be extended by
reason OF the repeal Of the Missouri compromise.
Iput the question to the gentleman with the greatest
respect.
Mr.. HENRY NJ. FULLEE--And will respectfully
answer IT. | will leave the matter to the people.
Mr.. SHEgMAS-What people?
Mr.. HENRY M. FULLER--lhe people who are TO
he Immediately effected by it, If Kansas--and
wish to he distinctly understood--presents herself
for admission into the Union, shall vote for her
admission, without reference to the question OF
slavery.
(This sentiment was greeted by clapping OF hands
aud cries Of "Good!t)
Mr. sAoE-would you vote for the repeal Of the
Missouri compromise.