The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-08-26
CONGRESSIONAL.
SPEECH OF HON. VIM. BARKsDALE,
.ICKINS
Secretary.



On the presidential election delivered in the House o
Representatives July 20, 1856.
Mr. BARKsDALE said
To the Committee the Whole the Of the Union
propose speak Of the approaching presidential election
on which believe more than on any former election de-
pend the fate OF the Union the hopes OF country and
Mr. Chairman the hopes Of constitutional liberty, as In
yoved in the Of this experiment In representa-
tive government In past presidential contests parties
have been divided upon questions not affecting alike the
interests Of every section Of the Union is true but
ona in their character and all felt that the triumph OF
the did necessarily involve the degradation dis
honor OF the other Now however plainly local
and sectional in s character has been boldly and de6any
forced upon the country The coming conflict then, sir,
viii be tor the constitution for State rights and for every
thing in fact which Is dear and sacred to oneha Of the
confederacy.
without attempting discussion Of the details Of the DIFF
erent parties shall conue my remarks to the three prn-
cps Ones which seeking the confidence Of the
people and the control Of the government the knowuoh
ing black-repubican and democratic parties the know
nothing party s Of but recent origin Il came upon the
country the hour Of midnight and has concealed it's pur
poses from public scrutiny and investigation, In its be-
ginning II bad and far informed u has
It's signs grips passwords oaths and all the parapherna
liza Of organization. These cabalis,ic characters
may be useful In institutions purely socal and benevolent
but In political organizations they must WELD in
hoence for evil representative cannot suffer hmsef 70
be trammoed by them lie challenges the closest scrutiny
into his political principles and conduct In speaking Of
these parties the candidates under whose they
severaly rally, sha resort to facts and figures in the
designs OF the know-nothings fr5t kept hid from
public view but time developed that they sought extend
repeal the naturalization laws and 10 exclude foreigners
and Roman Catholics from Office Fruitful these topics
for thought and reflection is not my purpose now
at length TO discuss them. The following is the oath
which administered TO the initiates in many portions
Of Mississippi
"Oo.You do solemDly and unreservedy swear, without
hesitation, evasion, mental reservation, dvuge
sign password grip that you may receive expose
or cause To be exposed any paper or papers Of this order
that may come into your possession the OF
you here and furthermore that you will
for any person but native citizens 10 all offices Of
honor trust profit 20 the exclusion o all aliens foreign
and Roman Catholics in particular and should you
unit ustworthy, you will submit 70 have your
published In all the different societies throughout the
raj States in the Union not worthy trusted
either business office; all this you swear In the pres
Of God and on the flag Of your country"
II will be observed that they required to take this
obligation under terrible penalty, TO vote for but
uave-boru citizens for all Offices Of honor trust profit
10 the exclusion Of foreigners and Roman Catholics In
excluding foreigners and Roman Catholics from office then
they violating the spirit and genius Of institutions
and dsregardng the most sacred guarantees Of the cos
tuition.
But what has been the practical effect Of this organiza-
ou upon the country during the short period Of s exist
ence7 The following table win show that IL elected TO
this House ninety members eghtyour Of whom voted for