The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-08-01
MISCELLANY.
Speech of Hon. p. S. Brooks

Speech of Hon. p. S. Brooks,
On resigning Ais seat IN Congress delip-
cred an the House. Of Representatives,,
July IA, 1856.
Mr.. Brooks said :
Mr.. Speaker Until this moment have
felt that there was proprety in nv re-
manning silent, and intrusting nv defence
to friends who arc ADLER and more learned
than myself 1 havo heretofore felt that
other and higher interests than any which
affect ME personally were involved in the
proceedings Of this case. The interests of
my constituents, Of this House, and Of all,
indeed, who arc concerned in the constitu-
ton itself, i'll my view, have been Intimate
ly and inscparab!y complicated.
Here Mr.. Brooks WAS INTERRUPTED bv Mr..
Giddings, DC.
Sir, am indebted TO the House for cvcl.
this much courtesy. was about remark
ing that there were higher interests than
my own involved in this matter ] have
been content, therefore, meet personally and
in silence all the consequences of these pro.
cecdings.
- Some time since n senator from Massa-
chusetts allowed himself in an elaborately
prepared speech, TO offer 4 gross insult to
my State, and to a venerable friend, who is
my State Representative, and who was alb
sent at the time.
Not content with that, he publis he'd to
the world, and circulated extensively, this
uncallcd-for libel on my State and my blood.
Whatever insults my State insults me. Her
history and character have commanded nv
pious veneration, and in her defence hone
/ shai, always be prepared, humbly and
modestly, 60 perform. the duty of son.
sinould lave i5rteted my own scIcrcspcct,
and perhaps, the good opinion of my coun
'trymen, if had failed 10 resent such an in
Jury, by calling the offender in question TO
9 personal account. 1t was a personal af
fair, and lin taking redress into my own
LANDS meant no disrcspcct to the Senate
'ot the United States, or to this House
':Nor, sir, did design insult or disrcspcct to
the State of Massachusetts. was aware
of the personal responsibilities I incurred,
.and was willing to meet them. 1 knew,
too, that was amenable to the laws of the
country, which afford the same protection
to. all, whether they be members of Con-
gress or private citizens. did not, and do
- not now, believe that could be properly
punished, not only in a court of law, but
here also, at the pleasure and discretion Of
the House. l did not then, and do not
now, believe that the spirit of American
freeman would tolerate SANDER in high pla-
ces, and permit member ofCongrcss to pub
D" aish, and circulate libel OH another, and
then call upon either. house to protect him
against the personal responsibilities which
Tho had thus incurred.
. But if had committed breach of priv
Slege, it was the privilege Of the Senate and
: 4lnot,of this House, which was violated.
was answerable there, and not here. They
rlhad no right, as it seems to me, to prose
,cute me in these halls, nor have you the
1igftin law or under the constitution, as /
!. respectfully submit, to take jurisdiction over
Offences committed against them. Theeon.
, sstitu.ion does not justify them in. making
such request, nor this House in granting
sit. II uhhappily, the day should ever come
when sectional or party feeling should run
- SO high as to control all other ,considera.
tions of public duty.sor justice, how easy
70; wiutit be 10 use such precedents for the ex.
H,cassof arbitrary power, in nitbeNI IIousc, te
y expel members of the minority who pay
have rendered themselves obnoxious to the
pseEaaing spirit Of the House to which
.tsthey belong. - r,..,..a
70 Matters may 60 smoothly enough when
one House asks the other to punish a mem,
ber who isn Offensive to- a majority of its
.ssoRmBody; but how will it be when, npon
: . ssienee Of insulted dignity, demands are