New-York daily tribune., 1856-03-29
FROM WASHINGTON.
MR.. HARLAN'S SPEECH-.FILLIBUSTER-
ING IN THE HOUSE

ING IN THE HOUSE.
Editorial Correspondence Of The n Y. Tribune.
WASHINGTON, Thursday, Msrch27, 1885,
Judge CoLLAMER came into the Senate to-day
too sick to 90 on with the Kansas debate; so he
was allowed 10 take his turn when the subject next
comes up, and Mr.. HARLAN Of Iowa obtained the
Hoor for maiden speech to-day. He is tall,
muscular, strongly built man, with countenance
expressive of earnestness and resolution. The an-
ticipatons of his friends were high but think his
speech more than fulfilled them. Yet be has no
oratorical graces-at all events displays none
and be began to speak 80 low that feared the au-
dieDce would not be able to understand him He
soon warmed to his work, however, and spoke loud
enough, in a clear, strong voice, not straining it
nor hurryipg out his sentences, but speaking sue
eincty, deliberately and emphatically. Promising
that he had cherished doubts as to the propriety
and safety Of discussion, respecting Slavery,
until the Presiden. had opened the whole
subject in his Messages, Annual and Extra
ordinary he went on to state that the fact Of the
invasion and subjugation of Kansas by Missouri at
her Legislative Election last March, was no wise
disputed near the scene of action. He had heard
il discussed by citizens of Iowa, OF Missouri, and of
Nebraska as well as of Kansas, some justifying,
others cODdemning it, but none denying nor affecting
to doubt ts occurrence. Nor was it disputed
along the Missouri that the object of such invasion
was the establishment Of Slavery in the Territory
Nor could it be plausibly contended, in view of all
the facts, that this assumed legalizatOn Of Slavery
in Kansas was in accordance with the will of her
people. Had it been, the Territorial Legislature
would have promptly ordered an election for Ceun-
ty and other Officers, instead Of proceeding to ap-
point Judges Sherifs, &c, for not less than two
and practically for four or five years. Had it
been, the Governor would not have found it neces-
cary to call in hundreds Of armed MlssOurians to
help enforce what he declared to be the laws
of the Territory. The bare fact that the
People of Kansas could not be relied
on 10 uphold and enforce what were
styled the Territorial laws of Kansas, proved
that they were none OF her making, but imposed on
her BY external force or fraud. So the threats Of
tie President TO let loose the frontier army on the
Free-State men Of Kansas proved that they were
known to be large majority Of the People Of that
Territory, for otherwise no such resort to external
force would be deemed necessary. The President,
therefore, had set us an example of Slavery agita-
tion, ard this on the side of minority as against
the majority Of the people Of an embryo State.
He (Mr. II. would therefore follow in the foot
steps Of the Executive, and endeavor to set forth
the true relations of this subject to the Consti:u
tion and the public well-being.
Mr. II. proceeded to trace the history of Federal
legislation respecting Slavery in the Territories,
showing that restriction had been the rule and toll
erance the exception so far as regarded terri
tory previously free, 10 the passage OF the
Nebraska bill. But will not attempt to follow
the thread of his argument. Suffice it that it
worthily epgrossed two hours, and was heard with
unalloyed satisfaction By the friends Of Free Kan
sas 10 the close. Mr.. Harlan was born and reared,
believe, in Kentucky studied for the Congrega.
tional ministry, and as pioneer pitched his tent
in Iowa where he was some years ago elected
Superintendent of Schools BY popular vote of the
State. He was chosen to the Senate in place of
A. c. Dodge something over year since, and first
took his seat on the assembling of the present
Congress.
When he had concluded, after smart colloauy
with Senator BUTLER, the subject was postponed
to next Thursday-One week-when Judge Col.
LAMER has the door. Mr. GBYER of Missouri is