The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1856-06-11
SPEECH OF
SPEECH or
The lion. HENRY NJ. FULLER,
II THE House or REPRESENTATIVES,
May TO- 1856.

80 ASSN'
Mr.. FrLLER, Of Pcnnsylyania. Mr.. Speak
er, desire to submit some remarks, partly
OF personal, aud partly Of a general charac-
ter.
Sincerely do regret the necessity which
compels me TO occupy the public time for
any purpose Of individual defense; but cir
cumstancps have occurred, declarations have
been made here and elsewhere, congressional
letters have been written and widely circu-
lated, now producing false impressions, which
Justice to myself. and proper regard for my
constituents, as well as thuse with whom
am here associated, will not permit me to-
pass longer in silence. should have solicit
ed an earlier hearing, had not private business
Of an important character, together with sick.
ness in my family circle, summoned me
home, and detained me away most Of the
time since the organization Of the House.
Ga the first Monday Of December last,
came here to discharge the duties Of an
American Representative. came here dis
approving the territorial legislation Of the
Thirty-T Congress; bni, in view OF ex-
isting and prospective difficulties, had de-
termined TO let il alone. Nv disposition was
for peace. desired tn forgive aud forget
past olienses heal, nut to inllame, wounds
which had been inhicted-to compromise
sectional differences, and TO plant myself
Sth my party upon broad, national plat
form, embracing all sections Of the Union,
and conservative OF the rights and the inter.
ests OF the whole country. Little supposed
{, then, that we were entering upun drama
in the performance Of which ! shuuld un-
willingly become a prominent actor. The
partialiiy of friends assigned me position
TO which felt | could lay no claim. The
people, in consequences Of past legislation,
and IN expectation Of orr probable action,
were in state Of high excitement. Delay
in the organization led TO declarations Of
opinion, and av0wals Of intended action. |
was unwilling 10 become party IN making
up a case for the North. or IN making up
case for the Suuth; but determined, 50 lar as
Law IN nv power, to put an end to an un-
profitable cOntroversy--to make sacrifices, if
need be, TO restore harmony and secure the
public peace. In advance Of my coming
here. | had so declared to my friends at
homes
During The course ul debate here, felt
myself called upon 10 cmbody these sefti-
ments in public ayowal 20 the House, de,
rlaring that should leave this whole ques.
tion uf slavery whore the Constitution had
left it-with the people Uf the States where
it was tolerated. to regulate aud determine
for themselves. Tia; Tor evil or for good, il
was their concern, MT mine; and whatever
individual sentiments | or my people might
entertain upon The abstract question Of mur.
ais. or Of private rights, il was nnr plain duty
to leave the subject with all It's accountabi.
/ liiy, and every remedy il might require, @
tie wisdom and tie conscience Of tiusc upon
whom Providence and the Constitution had
cast It's responsibility.
Il These we're not recently formed Opiniuns.f
4 Ny own limited experience. and the history
uf the country, had satisfied me that the
agitation of this question, IN Congress aud
out Of IL, had produced, aud was producing,
nothing but evil aud mischief. heaft.burnings
and bitterness; that il had been. and must be
utterly barren Of bubble good, iniurions TO
both sections, and il continued, would be de-
sifuetive Of the best interests OF both races.
believe, further, that rthis agitation should
cease, the generous influences OF our free
institutions in carrying our people inward in
their career VI high aud rapid advancement,
would lift up the slave, improve his condi.
ton, relax his bonds, aud ultimately send
| 4 Sec Appendix, (l.) See APperiia, co