Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-03-27
ray of reason, would deny the validity of the


legislation
So much for this branch of the case. Now
in regard to the claim Of Governor Reeder'
I listened with great attention, Mr.. Speaker
to the report Of the majority of the Commit
tee of Elections, and was very glad that I
did not hear anything in it which seemed
to look as if the majority were disposed to
sustain Governor Reeder' claim to seat here.
1 was glad of it, because thought it indi-
Gated sense ofjustice on part of the major
ity of the committee which would be sorry
to see them want. 1t shows that, although
party zeal may infame mems sminds, yet there
is point at which all but the worst men
will pause. If this were not such serious
matter, it would be absolutely amusing to
think Of the idea of Governor Reeder claim
ing seat on this floor under the terms by
which he claims it. But it is, perhaps, too
serious matter to laugh at. 1t was said by
some one of antiquity, that he wondered how
two of the augurs who prophesied in the
Roman temples, could meet each other with
out laughing in each others faces. And so,
if there be members on this floor who urge
tAat Governor Reeder is entitled to seat
I say if there be such-I do not know how
they can meet and restrain their laughter.
1t is necessary to 60 beyond the very me-
mortal which Reeder presented, to show
that he has no claim to seat here. On
what ground does he object to the right of
Whitfield on this floor? On two grounds
the invalidity of the law, and the illegality
of voters. Put in logical form, the argu-
ment is this: No man, says Reeder, can
have right as Delegate from Kansas un-
less he be elected under valid electoral
law. Whitfield was elected under no such
valid electoral law; therefore, he has no
right to a seat. But, sir, there is stern
logic in truth which no man can overcome
which appeals to the hearts of all honest
men and which cannot be denied, refutcd,
or trodden down. Apply that formula to
Governor Reeder's case. Take his own log
ic: 'no man has right to seat as a Dele
gate from Kansas unless he was elected un-
der q valid election law: Governor Reed
er was not elected under any law, therefore,
Governor Reeder has no right to seat on
this floor" 1t would seem, sir, that no
member could advocate Governor Reeder's
right to o seat on this floor So far as it
may be supposed to be necessary to investi-
gate Mr. Whitfeld's right to seat, and to
take the proper course to obtain testimony,
I shall have no objection. But, sir, as to
Governor Reeder's right, it is wasting time
to talk about it. Therefore, so far as it may
be designed to examine witnesses on this
point, it would be waste of time.
I recollcct, in English history, when
Lord Give had subjugated some unfortunate
prince in India, whose palace, full of barbar-
ic gold, he occupied, that, from his alarmed
and supplicatipg prisoner he only took for
his private use million of dollars. After
ward, when he returned to England, and
when an investigation into his conduct was
called for, some member of the committee
brought up this charge against him. Give,
only remembering how much more he could
have taken if he had wished, could not con-
tain himself, but springing to his his feet,
exclaimed, with all earnestncss and sinceri-
ty, My God, Mr.. Chairman when think of
what could have taken, I am only astonish-
cd at my own moderation
But, sir, very much apprchend, that
when the excitement of the occasion passes
off, and reflection and calm thought takes
its place, that Governor Rceder will not have
the same consolation Lord Give had. In
like him, when he looks back to the time
and the circumstances under whichhe claim
ed a seat here, he will not be able to say
that he was astonishnd at his own modera-
tion.