The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-01-22
ELOQUENT SPEECH
OF Hon. Lawrence M. Keitf,
OF SOUTH CAROLINA.


OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
In our abstract of Congressional proceed
ings for Saturday last, we spoke of the able
and forcible speech of Hon. Mr.. Keitt, of
South Carolina, after being called out by a
speech of Mr.. Walker, of Alabama, who
alluded to Mr.. Keitt, as certifying to divis-
ion, on principle, in the ranks of Democra-
cy, in u speech delivered by the latter gen
tleman at Barnwell, South Carolina. When
Mr.. Keitt got the floor he spoke as follows
and with an effect that will not be forgot
ten:
Mr.. Keitt said Mr.. Clerk, the gentleman
from Alabama, Mr.. Walker] has dragged
me into this rambling discussion; and as
will not allow any party-and particularly
the party with which am cooperating
even through implication to be wronged
through me, 1 choose now to speak for my
self. The gentleman quotes from a speech
made by me last fall, before q, portion of my
constituents, at Barnwell court house.
will say that I advanced no opinion in that
speech which / wish now to retract, and
made no statement which am disposed to
qualify.
The gentleman from Virginia Mr.. Bo-
cock is correct in saying that do not tech
nically belong to the Democratic organiza-
ton. Sir, wear no party collar, and nev-
er will wear one. | never will abdicate my
individuality, or merge myself in any party,
so as to commit self-abnegation. Twill sup
port any measure which is just, wise and
constitutional, come it from what party it
may and I Will resist any measure which
is the opposite to these, however emblazon-
ed it may be with party insignia, and how
ever authenticated by the stamp of party
council. l am content, sir, to express here
my own opinions, and those of my constitu-
ents, which l may legitimately represent.
l advise gentlemen to some modesty and
circumspection in uttering the oracles of
party. A few years ago you had men who
could speak fof party. You had men whose
splendid intellects and lofty patriotism made
parties. Parties were then based upon prin-
ciples, and their organization was the breath
of these men. Now men are the breath of
parties. Now parties make men then men
made parties. But those times are gone,
and those great names are only Illuminated
with historic glories.
repeat, then, sir, that cannot be quoted
as a member of the Democratic party to
show want of harmony in its ranks, as [
am not strictly in its organization. l will
say, however, that have hitherto support
ed it upon this floor, and / expect to con-
tinue to do so. have given it my support,
and shall continue to give it my support,
because it approaches much nearer to the
true policy of the country and the principles
of the Constitution than any other organized
party in the republic. 1t is the only party
which, in circling round its mighty orbit,
touches the poles of the Constitution.
In the speech to which the gentleman
from Alabama Mr.. Walker referred, con-
lemned the doctrine of ''squatter sovereign
-y." In my speech on the Nebraska bill,
N 1854, on this floor, condemned it. The
gentleman from Virginia Mr.. Bocock] can
say whether he approves it or not. Gentle
men from the North can say how Jared the
discussion upon the bill with them. will
lot enlarge upon these points now; but as
soon as the House organizes | shall take all
,arly occasion to present my views upon
hese various questions.
Mr. Brooks said: Will my colleague al |
ow Inc to ask him-and l do it by way of
suggestion-ifhe he does rot approve of the
principles of the resolution of the Demo-
,ratic caucus, and of the Presidents mes
age!
Mr.. Keitt said: l do most cordially. l |
hank my colleague for the inquiry, as it |
.nables me to take up the glove SO courtc |
,usly thrown down by the gentleman from
North Carolina, Mr.. Reade.l l say to him
hat, in my judgment, his party-that Is, |
he American or Know Nothing party-is !
sullty of civil and religious persecution. |
This | will show. The Know Nothing par
Y binds its members, understand, to vote |
Lcainst all members of the Roman Catholic
Church. Il not this making religious
est ! and are not religious tests prohibited
" the constitution Let us examine this
What is sufrage' 1t is political eontri-
.ance to collect and express the public opin-
OH and the public will. Is the right of suf
rage natural or conventional right >
t is the latter, beyond doubt. If so, from |
What do YOU get it, From your organic !