The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-05-30

of Mr.. Slidell and sa,d b did, not ep,cr tho
chamber until tho affay wrs 0vr.
Mr.. Toombs Of Georgia, I'D hs vas In
his ssst st tho tine Of tbe adhy, and tho't
Mr.. Summer must have tnksu Gov. German
for him. he further mid that in expressing
opinions about tho aiiair ut the time, some
gentlemen condemned 1t, but he, Toombs,
told Mr.. Brooks he approved u.
Mr.. Butler said he had just arrived In the
CITY, but had he been in Washingt n he
should have assumed all the responsibility
taken by his gallant ~ relative. Mr.. b.
denied the statement of Mr.. Sumner, that
what he said In his speech was strictly in
response to what he, Butler, had said on
former occasion. He understood the Legis-
lature of Massachusetts, had passed resolu-
tions in reference to the subject, and when
those resolutions were presented to the Sem
ate he would speak on the subject rs 1t de-
served.
Mr.. Wade said il was impossible for him
to sit still and hear such principles ayowed
as on this occasion. As to tho assault, he
knew nothing about it, and had nothing to
saw on that point. He was here in pref
ty lean majority, not more than about one
fifth of the Senate, entertaining opinions
similar TO his, but when he heard 1t stated
that on this floor an asasin-like cowardly
attack had been made upon man unarmed
and having no power to defend himself, and
that he had been stricken down and almost
murdered, and then heard q Senator ayow
that he approved such conduct, 1t became
matter of some interest and importance to
oil the members Of this body and especially
to the minority. A brave man could not
defend himself against such an attack as
this, and might be overpowered by members
but overpowered or not, live or die, said
he, will vindicate the rights of liberty OF
debate and the freedom Of discussion 10 long
Us | live. If the principle announced here
is to prevail, let us come armed for the COM
bat. Although you are four to one l ain
here TO meet you. a man can die in no
better cause than in the vindication Of the
rights of debate on this floor. IL these are
the principles that are to be approved by a
majority, and become part and parcel OF
the law of Congress, let it be understood.
Mr.. Wilson thought the explanation OF
Mr.. Slidell was not inconsistent with any
thing stated by his colleague, lie had no
idea that Mr.. Scmner intended to place Mr..
Slidell in false position. The Senator
from Illinois has, he said, also made his ex-
PLANTATION, and ] see nothing in that incon-
sistent with the statement of Mr.. Sumner
he was stricken down upon this hoor by
brutal, murderous and cowsrdly assault.
Mr.. Butler, in his seat-You are liar.
Mr.. Stuart called the Senator to order
and stated also, that there was no question
before the Senate. II was evident that de-
bate was becoming acrimonious and he
hoped it might be postponed until the mat
ter could be considered with more calmness,
Mr.. Butler apologizcd for words which
fell from him in moment Of excitement
and said that in discussing the resolutions
ofthe Massachusetts, Legislature, ifhe should
transgress the bounds ofprdpriety; It would
be because no was provoked to it. lie had
never been the aggressor, and he called up
on the Senate to bear witness to the fact.
Mr.. Wilson resumed-llis colleague had
stated the facts to the best of his recollec-
ton, and il was not to be expected that
after such severe blows which had rendered
him unconscious, he could be perfectly ac-
curate In every minute particular-he did
not believe he had intended 10 do injustice
to ANYBODY and when he was again able to
take his seat, he would be ready to meet the
Senator from South Carolina and Others in
debate meantime, any assumption OF SUI
periority by the Senator, might pass for
what it was worth.
Mr.. Foster alluded to the ayowal Of Mr..
Toombs that he approved Of the conduct of
Mr.. Brooks, and that It was incumbent on
him, Us he had not participated in the de-
bate to any considerable extent, to say
Word as to the reasons OF his silence. IL he
renamed silent some might suppose II was
through fear of like consequences to himself.
lie wished to disabuse the minds of the
Senators, if any such misapprehensio ex.
lists. He had thus far participated but
slightly in debate, because, being q new
member, he thought 1t more becoming for
him to listen than to speak, but when such
intimations as the Senator Mr.. Toombs had
made, were given, it might be supposed if
Senator's did not speak, that passion so
base and unworthy as fear, was the reason
Of their silence. lie now wished to assert
his entire approval of freedom of speech here
and elsewhere, to be maintained at whatever
cost, or whatever might be the consequences.
II contrary doctrine should ever prevail in
this country, there would be an end to lib
erty, for he believed the liberty of the press,
liberty Of speech, and liberty Of the people
should live and die together.
Mr.. Trumbull expressed desire to speak
on that topic about five minutes but the
hour had arrived for considering the special
order.
Mr.. Hale moved to postpone the special
order to allow Mr.. Trumbull to speak.
The motion was negatived by ii yeas and
% nays.
Mr.. Cas- made further explanation in
reference to the correspondence of Mr..
Champion, which, he said misreprcsented
him. ...... ....
The Presidents veto of the bill for the
improvement of the mouth of the Mississippi
river was discussed without action,
Adjourned.
House. The telegraph did not furnish us
with any proceedings Of the House.
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