The daily union., 1856-04-03
SENATOR SLIDELDs SPEECH.

SENATOR sLIDELHs SPEECH.
The protracted and exceedingly able debate in the Uni
ted States Senate in regard to the action of the late naval
board has brought to light vast amount of important
information in regard to the RISE progress and present
condition of our navy. Such information and from SO
distinguished source, will, We are convinced not only
exercise sautary influence upon the officers that branch
of the public service but will 60 far to such
side preudices may have arisen from mistaken sympa
thy the side parte statements the other.
We do not hazard too much in saying that the speech
give this morning Of Senator Sidell this question:
will be read in oil parts of the Union with the deepest In
terest. The Importance Of the subject, and the ability
displayed by its dsting uisbed author will insure for it
wide circulation. Mr. Slde has brought to his aid in
this discussion sound practical sense much careful
tgaton and Judgment that cannot be led asray by
conflict between personal appeals and the sober
vctions of public duty His closing recommendation in
regard to the gallant veteran, Commodore Stewart will,
quite sure, not only be unhesitangy endorsed by
every member Of every branch Of the government but will
meet with hearty and enthusiastic response from
grateful and gratifed people.
After Mr. Sdel concluded, the debate was continued by
Mr. Butler and Mr. Clayton and Mr. Crtenden. The last
gentleman having alluded the construction placed
upon Com Perry letter by Lieut. Bartlett which had been
commented by Mr. slide the following discussion oo-
Cured:
"Mr. SLrDELL. With the permission Of my friend from
Kentucky, desire to state that Mr. Earstt in his oommu
ncaon the Herald pretended give from
letter written by Commodore Perry which totally differ
from what Commodore Perry had really written. al
luded it, because he had that letter.
because he assumed TO make statement OF facts which
evidence falsehood palpabe
the record.
"Mr. CRr1ExpEs. WE'LL sir II seems to me to be char
liable construction and of must suppose that the
officer quoting from memory He had read the letter
with hope and joy.
lie states what he considers TO be the substance, and
gives it 10 his words Ths may have been rery nds
improper but submit the honorable
from Louisiana hnself-l would prefer other Judge
whether situated this was his conduct, II he
the Newspaper letter. furnished the materials
is not susceptible of Interpretation mild than tbs.
affixed to it to-day? think there gentleman here who
would temper these things carefully and deber-
atey than the honorable senator bilnselE
"Mr. SLIDELL. The honorable senator from Kentucky
asks of me question and really feel very reluctant
but desire TO be frank and therefore shall reply
freely II this letter had been unconnected with anything
ese had not bad very OCCASION in the process
investigation which is not yet completed before the Com
mittee Naval Affairs, 70 Judge Of Lieutenant Bartetts
conduct might perhaps have arrived at charitable
concuson but there other circumstances connected
with bteutenent Bsres position ana career In the
which have induced TO draw this very harsh consruc
that he did not from mistake, but Intentionally.
wish to be frank and the question has been asked OF
will say that believe II not mistake on the part Of
Mr. Bartlett, but gross Misrepresentation, deliberately
made.
"Mr CRtrTESpEN. The honorable from Lousana
has stated his convicon have doubt with perfect
dor aud franknes Such declaration that which he has
made could proceed from nothing ee certainly from
aaery He ba. told his opinion and the ground for It.
So far IN haYo and IN
that be might place different construction -a
ruction perfectly consistent with the integrity and honor
Of Thu gentleman, considering his excited feelings this
sui ot There other reasons however. IL
that the from Louisiana does entirely the
letter. and the statement which has been read on
other circumstance. We cannot judge Of them because
have net beard them, and know nothing Of them.
" Now, sir, do not know what Commodore Perry has
said have expressed my high respect for him bot II
thousand which have reached not all untrue
mmodore Perry though he has not said 10 the letter
which has been read has said more, much more than that
letter represented to contain II may be There
Il but authority which clear satisfaoorly and
that h Com Perry himself when be shall choose speak on
the subject.
"Nr. sLpEtt. wish my friend from Kentucky TO un-
detand that the discussion In regard Commodore Perry
has been brought on, certainly not by me, and engaged
II very reluctantly
MIR. CRTTENDEE. so II is with me-
"Mr. SLDELL have abstaned heretofore from taking
part In the discussion account Of my relations to
Commodore Perry To-day the senator from Georgia intro
duced bis into the debate and declared that asserted
what he conceived to be good authority that Commodore
Perry had written ette couched in oerain language TO
certain lieutepant 10 the navy asked him for bis authority
and he gave the OF Bieut Bartlett who certainly
has had ample Of sscertanng since the publication
the Herald, that what there stated not correct
Under these crcumanc the charge having been made
the witnesses cited the part OF the senator from Georgia
could take other than that which has been
upsn and which, may say have been obliged take
with great reluotanee.
"hr CRrrTrspss The gentleman seems to me to have
said nothing but Whist scommendsb IN of the
connection in which he stands to Commodore Perynohng
which any senator might not have sad."