The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-08-12

posing that he believes that the Missouri restriction was
constitutional ask my American friends upon this noor
they can venture 70 the country that in such an
event Mr. Fillmore would withhold from il his sanctonf
These are grave questions they questions which rise
above party neeesslne they are questions which address
men who not disposed be led away by party
biamen coyetous Of their personal character and
ngniy, and eoyetous Of preserving the dignity and
Mr.. ALLISON. VIII the gentleman permit to pro-
pound 70 him Question at this pointY would like to
know whether me gentleman from Alabama considers II
sufficient dissolution OF the Union should the
elections which about TO be had throughout the country
deee that point in sending majority to this House and
70 the Senate IL were possible that would vote in favor
OF restoring the Missouri Compromise
Mr. WALKER. 1 will answer the gentleman that ques-
ton in this WISE In the great struggle in 1850 took
the ground in my State that in my judgment, this
Unon-al glorious II had been, the object OF my love
and reverence filled as with the thoughts Of the
great deeds OF the who gave II to us looking upon it
Of only less value than principles which gave be-
ngI said then that rather than submit to unjust
promise would the Union shiyered into fragments
And say now--though am disunionist-that valu-
ing my own rights, and trust properly regarding the
rights Of othersyet say now ia all calmness and sol
emnness to northern gentlemen that in my Judgment if
the restriction referred 10 by the gentleman should be
newed upon the Southf that is be the finale of this
fierce sectional stret would lead disseyerance of the
Union say, further that in the contamination of the
event tho gentleman has supposed if my voice had po-
teneg II should ring from every htop and every vale in
the South would light the beacon fires Of revolt
every southern stream and IL need be- cut with the sword
the bonds that linked with oppressors Yet in saying
this would invoke Heaven to that dark day away
from US. would not only live in peace but cultivate,
far as we cam fraterla concord and harmony But that
only be achieved it only preserved by
mnation upon all sides award to each State it's full
equality and to the citizens of each State full and perfect
equality, with the other Governments not worth
living for fighting for unless the great objects of their
creation are carried out and with equality the lead
ing fundamental idea The States must not be shorn of
their sovereignty their citizens abridged in their rights
But sir TO return to the presidential election From
what have said It will be seen that cannot justify my
self IN voting for Mr. Fillmore What am to do2 Where
am TO go2 will answer the questsn | shall not sur
render any of what conceive be the great leading
damenta ideas Of the American party. stand now, on
that subject where stood year ago. make
der of what believe be the wise purposes of that party
But sir, for the time being, hold these things in
allegiance must let them bide their time trusting that
by the force and power of their truth they will make
themselves manifest in the settled policy of the country
hereafter. am of those who believe that no man has
right to abstain from casting his vote especially in such
times as these Hook this thing ofsuage which of
Legislative origin and which, given is right mpo-
sing duty upon the recipient always his suffrage
man cannot hold himself neutral in such times as these
Then, sir, where am to 60 and what to do2 The
committee will observe that in all that have said of Mr.
Fillmore am speaking of him he now stands Judge
OF no public man in this country by his anteceens it is
not only foolish but unjust and unsafe mede of testing
his fitness for Office not what Mr. Fllmores opin-
ions were in 1888 take him he stands take his
competitors as they stand He Is man of high per-
sona character man whose integrity beyond question
man who has worth of his own. Therefore sir give
him full credit for honesty in his professions
Well sir who is the democratic nominee? If were to
Judge either OF these two by the past should say
and say most truthfuly that they both dstasefu
me: could put my finger both of their records and
mo Objectionable points. But, sir when to ask
myself the question: which of these two flor choice
Is necessarily limited to them take answer it in
this wise In the first place the platform on which Mr.
buchanan stands verbose and unnecessarily long s
Is far more in accordance hmy opinions feelings
than that on which Mr. Fillmore stands take it sir that
MS party is more fully committed this time to those
principles and that policy which would secure the rights
all sections than any other party in the country
Mr. Bnchanans Character and public services have been
such as to afford some ground Of belief the country
least that he will not false to his professions He
bound himself firmly by the party platform That PLATFORM
IN unmistaka6e terms acknowledges the right of all the
oAtes OF TINS unoI and not only of the States in their
present organized government but it recognises their
TO speak, prospective right 1t recognises their equality of
gn.s IA the Territories and pledges the party to the adj
to the demands of the South Therefore sir taking these
two gentlemen from their present stand points looking
the conduct and principles of their respective
in view of the fact that the real between Mr. Bu-
chanan and the backrepubcan nominee and that there
fore should not southern man, withhold a vote
from that candidate who bring most strength against
one whose would be disastrous TO those
and fatal to the UnionI find that must out loose
rom party associations, and cast my vote where in my
judgment 1t my duty to CAT it. aud that is for Mr. Bu-
chanan. .....
think may say Mr. Chairman, without fear of contra
diehon that since have been member of this House.
there mas been no occasion wherewhsneyer could
my attachment to what believe be the leading idea of
the policy OF the American partyI was at all found lack
desire 10 carry their policy:
sri stand not here as partisan claim the right to ally
myself for the time being with that party which mysefre-
gdas the mostconservave TRUST preserve my own in
ovduay going with this with party to
the dictates OF my Judgment | neither throw aside
me party term OF American nor take up the party term of
ueuocrat simply sand--I fear | may say so-alone
someWhe of lshmaelte. Perhaps may be so in my
Smh district Were coyetous Of a longer service in this
nap feel assured that all would have to do TO attain
vat end would be to take in my hand the Fillmore banner
and canvass my district But know myself Mr. Chair
cannot be by ambifion
must do what conceive TO be my duty not merely as
southern man. but duty euoined upon me by the allie
glance owe TO the great organic law trust that in
taking the course have pointed out for myself tonight
am governed by suggestions Of higher patriotism than
that which generally rules parties trust that
how this may endwhether am borne down by the
whsming tide OF party wrath whether the very
TACT Of my own Independence may be allowed to preserve
my own huu.oe wayin any event the charge will not
be laid a. my door that have been either my
own sectional duties forgeul Of my personal respect
regardless OF the rights of portion OF confederacy
or that ever turned my back upon the claim which the
constitution has upon my allegiance H..a.
Mr.. Chairman, we have heard much tonight from the
gentleman from Tennessee Mr. READY the subject of
disnnion Time was SIR when that word grated on
American Time when no man allowed himself to
weigh debate the value Of the Union Time when
the Massachusetts and the acknowledged
the sovereignty Of their respective States Time when
the lao was obeycd throughout the length and breadth Of
this sndwhen every man. whether living North South
yielded ready obedience TO the of his State
legislature, and, above ALL when dreamed of
treason to the constitution of the United States These
times have passed away and present before the
people swayed by sectional hate having no thoughts in
com IS nm M nv ical