Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-05-29

ed, or would be made here or elsewhere.-
He did not approach Mr.. Brooks, or speak to
him. aud was not within fifty feet of the Sem
ator from Georgia. Mr.. Toombs. How such
an idea could have got into Mr. Summers head,
it was impossible for him to conceive. The
statement might carry an impression to the
country that he was aiding and abettng,. and
was IN fact participant, but that was an
tirelv erroneous idea, as he did not even know
that MIR. Sumner was in the capitol at the
time the assault was committed.
MI Toombs remark ed that he was in his
his seat at the time, and how could Mr.. Sum
ner suppose he sa W him near Mr.. Brooks, he
could not tell 1t might be that in the con-
fusion Mr.. Sumner mistook Gen. Gormah
for him. Mr.. Toombs further said, that in
expressing opinions about the affair at the
time. some gentlemen condemned it, but he
(Mr. Toombs) told NJ Brooks that he APP
proved it.
Mr.. Butler of So. Carolina, said he had Just
arrived in the city, but had he been in Wash
mston, he should have assumed all the re-
sponsibllity taken by his gallant relative He
denied in the most emphatic terms, the state
ment of Mr.. Sumner. that what he had said
in his speech strictly in response to what
Butler had said OH former OCCASIONS, He un.
derstood that the Legislature of Massachusetts
had passed resolutions in reference to the af-
fray, and when these resolutions shall be pre-
scented to the Senate, he would speak on the
subject as it deserved. Not single one of
the remarks in relation to him was a response
to anything which he (Mr. B. J said upon the
Kanzas question. HIS friends III South Caro-
lima, and some of his friends here, thought he
(Butler) had been remarks ably moderate in the
character of his remarks. He had scrupu-
lousy avoided saying anything to violate the
courtesies OF senatorial debate, and spoke
neither Of the Senator from Massachusetts, to
him. or about him.
Mr.. Wade said it was impossible for him to
sit still and hear such principles avowed as on
this occasion. AS to the facts in reference to
the assault, he knew nothing about them, and
had nothing to say on that point He was
here i'll pretty lean minority, not more than
about one fifth of the Senate entertaining
opinions similar to his; but when he heard tt
stated, that on this floor an assassin like, COW.
ardly attack had been made npon man I'M
armed, and having 10 power to defend him
self, and that he had been stricken down and
almost murdered, and then heard a Senator
say that he approved such conduct it became
a matter of some interest and importance to
all the members of this body, and especially
to the minority.
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 yindicate the
| rights of liberty of debate, and the freedom of
discussion, as lorg as live. If the principle
announced here is to prevail, let us come arm
ed for the combat. Although you are four to
one, am here to meet you A man can die
| in no better cause than in vindication of the
| rights of debate on this floor. If these are
the principles that are to be approved by a
vi A.
law of Congress, let it be understood.
Mr., Wilson thought the explanation of Mr..
Slidell was not inconsistent with ANYTHING
stated by his colleague. He had no idea that
Mr.. Sumner intended to place Mr.. Slidell in
false position. The Senator from Illinois
has, he SAID, also made his explanation, and
l see nothing iii that inconsistent with the
statement.of Mr. Sumner. He was stricken
down upon this floor, by brutal, murderous,
and cowardly assault.
Mr.. Butler, in his seat--''You are a liar %
| Mr. Stuart called the Senator to order and
stated also, that there was no question before
the Senate. 1t was evident the debate was
| getting acrimonious, and he hoped it might be
| postponed until the matter could be consider
! with more caimness.
Mr.. Butler apologized for words wi ich fell
! TFurrI him in eAUftcuenC, ana
said that in discussing the resolutions of the
| Massachusetts Legislature, if he should trans
! gress the bounds of Ropriety, it would be be-
cause he was provoked to it. He had never
been the agsressor, and he called upon the
! Senate to bear witness to the fact.
Mr.. Wilson resumed-His colleague had
stated the facts to the best of his recollection,
and 1t was not to be supposed that after such
severe blows, which had rendered him uneon-
sclous, he could be perfectly accurate in every
minute Uartipulor Ho did NOT vol; Ia, l, a
intended to do injustice to anybody, and when
ne was again able to take his seat, he would
be ready to meet the Senator from South Car
ollha, and others, in debate meantime, any
assumption OF superiority by the Senator,
might pass for what it was worth.
MI. Foster alluded to the avowal of Mr..
Ioombs, that he approved of the conduct of
Mr.. Brooks, and thought it was incumbent on
him, as he had not participated in de bate to
any considerable extent, to say a word as to
the reasons of his silence. If he remained
silent, some might think it was through fear
Oh IKE consequences to himself. He wished
10 d'saouse the minds of Senators, if any such
mlsapprehension exists. He had thus far mar.
ticipaled but slightly in debate because, being
new member, he thought it more becoming
Tor him to listen than to speak but when
such lntlmations as the Senator Mr.. Toombs1
mad made, were gwen, it might be supposed,
II senators did no. speak, that passion so
base and unworthy as fear, was the reason of
thelr silence. he now wished to assert his
entire approval of freedom Of speech here and
elsewhere to be maintained, at whatever cost,
and whatever might be the consequences. If
contrary doctrine, should ever prevail in this
country, there would be an end to liberty for
he believed that the liberty of the press, liber-
ty of Speech and the liberty of the people
would live and die together.
Mr. Trumbull expressed desire to speak
on the topic about five minutes, but the hour
had arrived for considering the special order.
Mr. Hale moved to postpone the special or
der, to allow Mr.. Jrumbull to speak.
The motion was negatived by the following
vote:
YsGs-Nessrs. oollamer. Foote Foster Hale Hamln.
Haran Seward Toombs Trumuul Wac Wilson-11
Nays Messrs. Adams, Allen BsLof Tenn, Be iamin
Biggs Bright, Brown, Butler, Cass, Critenlen Dodge
Douglas Evans, Fitzp ltrick, Geyer, Hunter lversop
Snhnspn Mason Peirce, Pratt, Reid. slidel. Stuart,
Thomson, Toucey, Weller, Wright, Yuee--29.
Mr.. Cass made further representation in
reference to the correspondence of Mr.. Cramp-
ton, which, he said, misrepresented him.
The Presidents veto Of the bill for the inn
provement OF the mouth Of the Mississippi,
was discussed without action. Adjourned.
VERMONT STATE CoUNuIL.-M ontpeltey, ",
May 27.-The American State Council of
Vermont held its annual session at this place
to-day. A large number of delegates were
present. The following State ticket was put
in nomination
For Governor--Ryland Fletcher OF Caren.
don.
For Lieut. Governor James NJ. Slade of
Middlebury.