The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-12-18
A sIGNIFICANT SPEECH.

In the of the very spicy discussion which took
place in the House Saturday last Mr. Smith, of Ten
nessee called the attention OF Mr. Campbell of Ohio, 10
certain remarks made by him some days since when he
withdrew his candidate for Speaker and amongst
other things, said
a 1t will be remembered that when the gentleman from
Ohio, Sir Campbel) to whom shall address question
the first prominent opposition candidate for Speakeror
there really many parties here amongst the know
nothngs and usionist that they have finally assumed the
Of the opposition the administration III cay, when
that gentleman declined the other day being further consider
ed candidate for Speaker in the handsome manner In
which he did he stated the House that he satisfied
he could be elected unless he gave his long
principles upon the subject Of slavery unless he should
agree propositions in reference to the formation of COM
mees which, in his Judgment would make him fit subject
for public contempt. a
These remarks would imply that propositions had been
that honorable gentleman either in relation to his
opinions upon the subject of slavery in relation to the
formation of the committees of this House, to his
election. Now, sir, know that such proposition ever
from the democratic party And want to know from
what quarter such propositions came. II any have been
made, where did they from? From what party and
from what section p
To these pointed interrogatories OF Mr. Smith the fol-
lowing reply was made by Mr.. Campbell:
'Mr. Campbell Some days ago, in good faith, with
drew far had power the obstacles to the organiza
ton the House, The effort has been made very ingeni
Smith, put the witness stand this morning. in order
that may be examined and crossexamined to what
meant by the remarks then submitted.
'Sir, let say that gentleman that have served
here for six years, and have travelled somewhat Laugh
ter take this occasion to inform him that do not now
recognise his right thus to inerrogate me- and that viii
permit myself be placed in that situation which mgh
produce obstacles to the organization OF this body
The business, sir, which the country demands at our
hands this fire and crossfre. am responsible, tell
the gentleman only to those with whom act politically
but my political opponents, for every thing uttered ON
that occasion take not back single word. bde my
time sir explanations, if any That time
is not now The only legitimate business of this body,
peat its organizations and decline be put upon the
for the purpose of producing discord between
the various parties Of the ilonse"
There are points worthy of attention in the reply OF
Mr. Campbel First he docs not controvert the implica-
ton that propositions had been made to him either to make
pledges his antislavey position or as 10 the ar
rangement OF the committees In the next place. he does
not dispute the fact asserted by Mr. Smith, that such
propositions had come from the democratic members.
With this admission that Mr. Campbell did not intend to
be understood that the propositions emanated from demo-
Gratis we perfectly willing to Hbide his time, and
await development which he clearly intmaes that he
will make In the time, that other inference, that
propositions which Mr. Campbell rejected as degrading
have been listened by Mr.. Banks who has succeeded
in obtaining twenty-sx than Mr.. Campbell is
in no respect weakened by his significant remarks of Sat
urday last