The daily union., 1856-01-12
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Mr. SMITH. am speaking by unsnimous consent !,
The Clerk. II there Is no obecuons the gentleman VIII
pr eeed with his remarks
There otjecpoa.
Mr. SMITH. am obliged 10 the House Ia order that
may not be misunderstood will read what the honor
able gentleman from Louisiana Mr. EusTlsl DID say on
the subject o. the religious test la the ulole hna nun
using this language
What the construction which the American eandi-
date Tor Of tbst State placed the art
ice oi the Philadelphia patiormf We all know hst n the
early part Of his canvass that candidate Published letter
IL which he said that he never for Catholic.
Thank God that gentleman was defeated and ar he ought
defeat thousand candidates for governors and trust
that every who holds such odious and monstrou doc
honorable gentleman American candidate governor
OF Virginia, has met with
Twas asonished hear that doctrine from who
Of the secret organization which bitterly denounced the
religious opinions OF the Catholics in my district
Here member Of the American party holds doctrines da-
me,rely opposite 10 those Of that party published and
advocated in the gubernnto aud congressional canvass
OF Tennessee, But my astonishmen increased when
found dssmar doctrines endorsed by the hon-
orable gentleman from Alabama Mr.. WALKTH who is
acknowledged leader OF the know-nohing American
paryy What do see These gentlemen hold that il
the eighth section of the Philadelphia American platform
any thing, il declares principle which is not only
subvesve OF the constitution OF the United States but H
in the language Of the gentleman from Louisiana Mr.
Eusrs atoasroHs And yet what did hear in the next
breathf The democrats met here the Saturday night
before the of Congress and passed resou
ton In which they said in most respectful terms that they
congratulated the country the triumph Of the democratic
party ia many Of The States the principle Of civil and
religious liberty, which fercey assaulted by the
knownothng American party. Two gentlemen rise 10
their places and tell the House that the doctrine imbodied
in the eighth section OF the knownothng platform SUBJ
yelsve Of the constitution and that is monsousf And
yet they say they cannot unite with u.s. because have
congratulated the country on our triumph over that very
eighth section That is the effect Of It. We have it dis
closed and authoratively that the principle against
which fought and in the of which triumph
congratulated the country is not only subvesve Of the
constitution, but is monsrous principle!
want this matter to go properly before the country.
do not want to be placed in false position must use
what feeble have to repel the ingenious assaults
which be- and are made against the democratic
party. The black republicans, they called make
war on the constitution in reference to slavery The know
nothing or American party make war the constitution
in regard 10 religious oleraon That the latter ia their
national council made civil and religious liberty
Is admitted by two gentlemen of the paryone from
Louisiana and the other from Alabama. will say here
what have often said at hOmehat the violation of either
provision OF the constitution in reference religious toll
eaton or that in regard to slavery, is equally vital
Will vote for black republican would for any
man who did not tn toto repudate the odious eighth
ton Of the Philadelphia platform never fail to express
an opinion which may honestly entertain This opinion
Is one that ought to be expressed and clearly and for
chilly expressed These two parties repeat alike OBJ
Jectionabe SO long they retain in their ceeds these
ant-consutoual doctrines Ii the southern Americans
abandon the eighth section Of their national PLATFORM and
their other Objectionable doctrines then meet them as
political friends for it is equally important for
maintain that provision OF the constitution relating to
lgious liberation the relating to slavery Sir
voted against laying at resolution table for the
purpose OF giving those gentlemen fair chance. did
not DO It TO get any advantage OF them for seek
advantage Of any and particularly would seek
advantage from that party which fast fading from
ls,ence us the late know-nothing party did it in good
th In order to give them chance to show their hand,
and to remove the difficulties which exist here But
tue ssoushment of this side Of the House. enough
voted against the resolution to prevent s passage and
nm! nf rho hair
Votes did not change mine because change q
ote thai has been given with understanding of all the
acts of the case have done it, and expect
70 90 IT, have changed many votes when did
ersand the question: but that the only reason which,
IN my opinion would justify me in changing my votes.
Now, sir the intent of the American party indicated
by the gentlemen who have spoken in this debate is TO
cast the odum Of our upon the demo-
cratic party and upon the administration. As said be-
lore know that the President OF the United States de-
sires an organiEaonnot that he would interfere all
by any meansbut the Executive Of ths nation he de-
res 70 see the government on In the regular way and
lei te popular will have free expression through its
only legitimate channel That is his DESIRE apprehend
without even thought who shall preside over this
oody This is inquiry he has rgh, 70 make except
ina spirit of solicude for the interest Of the country
mere now, TO this House. nat believe there ought to
speedy organization more particularly view OF the
critical state OF foreign relations disclosed in the
residents message which we have really though Of
bc,Hiy, read. While believe that as firmly believe
,nnt TIE only party which the country is the
democratic party and believe that 1t is important pre-
serve u IN It's unity and its strength That was exhibited
at the incoming of the present administration desire
say word or two upon that subject and shall then have
done.
Those gentlemen who attempting here to cast odium
upon the present administration placing themselves
anunenvisble attitude before the country
the, viii be placed in days When this admins
aoon came into power 1t found the government to
common expression, lying loose all about IL found every
uep nnsnt OF u disorRanixed unorganized 1t found
tnisx secret inspectors OF the stalking the
OF Washington upon salary Of 100000 in the aggregate
without anything to do; Il struck them OF the list and
reorganzed every branch of the government and Of the
public service. Now, sir, yoa may with your
commitiees-l not who appoints them II he be
the worst enemy Of the northumberland let them 60
into their investigations Those In Investigations will only
show what have stated that the democratic party the
oby party that has shown capacity 10 administer
propey the affairs OF this government only wish the
opposon would examine the conduct and business OF the
Various r~.rments ofthis government
s hnye never ASKED thing the hands Of this ad-
mnisrauon have never hrd anything. do not want
anything But when see administraton assailed In
tins indirect which has been true the country true
10 he constitution and true To the principles and opinions
OF the very gentlemen who assa 1t upon the great question
OF the day, feel that silence would do injustice only
70 the administration, but TO the country. While upon
this subject may say that when ask these gentlemen
what objection they have TO the administration or to the
PRESIDENT they universally refer 10 appointment
nce want TO express this opinion here sir that think
~ unbecomng In southern sickle about the np-
pointmen Of any officer OF this government Why sir
willing that you shall have all the Offices The North
may have them all IL she them Give rs our eons-
faf'oaa rights and that is all that we ask Of you for
one stand here TO that the President may reject every
man Tor whose appointment ask, and viii COM