The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-06-07

temen named by my colleague myself included, TO
plain their positions these questions that Is matter
which win take Of itself Ny purpose IS 10 address
myself entirely that portion Of his remarks which
lated TO that distinguished Pennsylvania, James Blu
ehanan.
deeply impressed with the idea that is work Of
supeerogaton for TO 70 the rescue OF the noble
and glorious stand which the democracy OF Pennsylvania
has taken aud maintained aressy and boldly beor the
country In every crisis where the constitution or tue
Union assailed endangered call the attention OF
the House and the country the fact that OF all the north
States there Is which has eonessedy been more
undertaking IN its defence Of national doctrines than the
State which have the honor in part 70 represent say
conessedy because the evidence OF this is 10 be found not
only la the tribute paid TO the record of Pennsylvania by
the sound men Of all parts OF the Union but by the UNI
ceasng and reckless attacks made upon the democracy OF
that State for their and fidelity in times OF
trial. in resisting the onsets OF natcisn by the leaders
OF aboltionsm Pennsylvania has always occupied TINS
position and standing il in the of the Union
between the North and the South she has been enabled TO
the advance Of abotonism and to protect with
her gigantic energies and imposing example those nsi-
tions which constantly imperiled in the of po
ca events The record OF the democracy of Pennsylya-
mia is luminous It's acts and deeds are known through
the length and breadth Of the country. should only
that record, and weaken its powerful force, by
attempting TO defend il from assault from any quarter For
its high position before the country for Its long line of
brilliant acts, known and recognised throughout go-
rious Union we stand this day indebted the firm
consistent and fearless course OF James Buchanan than
any other man living
defence. That is not my object lie is understood at this
day as have already stated to be prominent candidate
for the presidency presented by his great State with
unparalleled unanimy In forty years OF public service
he has made record which, emphaticay say here needs
vindication at my hands. Upon that record he
stands before the country but as public opinion, with
great propriey in exciting crisis like the present. is
necessarily drawn to close and scrutnzng investigation
Of all the acts and opinions of public men, to mis-
of these opinions deem 1t necessary here
and in my place, and for the last time, as far as may
chanan.
The public life and character of this distinguished gen
eman completely identified with the history of the
democracy of his native State that it is impossible to sepa
them and could not defend the without defend
ing the other My object now is not SO much even to
offer defence Of Mr. Buchanan 1t IS to expose the char
acer of the covert attacks that be made upon his
public life and political position, designed to have inu-
rious effect upon the country at this particular crisis In
the other wing of the Capitol he has been associated with
the ablcs nteects Of the day in supporting constitutional
principles Sir you recoect this well as do and
will not the time of the House by rehearsing his
record ama it is to the people of the country but
at to the charge of my colleague that in 1919
Mr.. Buchanan acted the chairman of a committee at
meeting held Lancaster Pennsylvania in which certain
resolutions adopted denouncng the Missouri Com
promise. Those resolutions are as follows:
Reolced, That the representatives in Congress from this
district be- and they hereby most earnestly requested
their utmost endeavors members Of the national egs
ature to the EXISTENCE of SLAVERY in Of the
Territories States which may be erected by Congress.
Resotced, That in the opinion OF this meetng the mem
bers of Congress who the last session. sustained the
JUSTICE humanity and patriotism in opposing the intro
ducon of slavery into the States then endea vored be form
ed of the Missouri Territory entitled to the
thanks Of every friend Of humanity"
fmy colleague unfortunate in his illusions to 9TH
| think will be able 10 show he has been to Mr.
Buchanan the speech which he pronounced Saturday
will add much to his reputation. 1t is somewhat
markable aud unfortunate for my colleague, that in
speech made to vincae his character from charge
founded upon false and spurious document he should
in the speech rake against Mr. Buchanan charge
founded upon a document equally false and spurious.
Now sir, am enabled to state unquestioned author
y, that the declaration that James Buchanan chair
Of committee which framed those resolutions is
founded and untrue. undertake here in my place say
the House and the country that Mr. Buchanan did not
report the resolutions referred that he not the
chairman of the committee by which they reported
aud that he them until they appeared in print
But suppose he had reported temsuppose he had been
chairman OF the committee which reported them appeal
the South TO whether this fact should stand
against him with the long experience OF his life before the
country. ........
But Mr. Speaker this accusation belongs the class of
idle reports invented and circulated to damage him
in the estimation of the American people Sir all these
accusations whether asserted anonymously publicly,
triumphany answered by the record Of his public life
do not deem il necessary, Mr. Speaker, TO 60 into
examination Of the other allegations Of my colleague in
reference TO Mr. Buchanan So much stress to have
been laid upon the particular charge which have just
answered that thought il worthy OF this special motive
As to The rest confess my astonishment that my col
league should have deemed IL necessary refer to them
All such accusations these against Mr. Buchanan
answered by thirtysix years Of devotion to the consu
uon OF the Unied states.
They answered by the fact that twenty in
the Senate Of the United States he among the first
northern 10 resist the inroads of abolitionsm.
They answered by his opposition TO the circulation
Of nsurrectonary documents through the mails Of the Un
ted States among the slaves Of the South.
They answered by his determined support Of the bill
admitting Arkansas into the American Union.
They answered by his eloquent support Of the bill
admitting Michigan into the Union,
They answered by his early support Of the annexa
ton Of Texas.
They answered by his perseverng support Of the f
gitiye slave law.
They are answered by his energetic efforts TO effect the
the federal authorities the Of her prisons for the deten
ton Of f~gitive slaves.
They are answered by his carly and unyeldng opposi
ton TO the Wilmot proviso.
They are answered by the assaults which have been
made upon him by northern fanatics during than
a quarter Of century.
They are answered by the encomums Of the true and
national Of every section Of the country in which be
is repeatedly designated distinguished for bis capaci
ty-disngushed for his high Observation-Disclosures
for his high eoquencc yet distinguished still for the
pure morality Of his life and the stern patriotism Of his
character"
They are answered by the fact that while member Of
proposed TO extend the Missouri line the Pacific amid
the delight and gratitude OF national men Of ell parts Of
tho Union.
They answered by every he gave In the Ameri
Congress the question Of slavery and by the fact
that Of all northern men, be has been among tho most
prominent In asserting and defending strict construction
Of the federal constitution
They answered by the construction which he placed
upon the compromise OF 1850 In the letter nd
dressed by him in November OF the year to the poo
pie Of Philadelphia in which he declared that the Compro
miie had superseded the Missouri line or to use
-. l.. 49, F..N l.1N l.VI