Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-12-12
PERSONAL EXPLANATION.

Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker: 1t seems sir, it has
been the object of some gentlemen here to make a
record AS far as ! am concerned, sir, | care little
OF nothing about record here; but if record is to
be made up 1 want it should be made faithful and
true record and especially SO far as gentlemen are
concerned vino so anxious TO make themselves
4 record in the proceedings of this House l desire
the record made to the facts. do not intend,
At least So far l am concerned, to have false
cord made upon me. If the powers that be, think
to impart such record upon me, they mistaken
their aim, for will resort to every fair means in
my power TO vindicate what consider TO be fair
record of these proceedings
The UNION AND AMERICANS report of the debate
Of Tuesday, which has been sent out from this
House, the individual liability of the banks, has
this statement:
oAIr BRADFORD would 90 upon the record cheer
fully, in favor of this individual liability clause.
He would never cast his vote to shield from legal
penalties these lOahng, lazy, lounging, sWindllng
genIry, who stood refusing to pay their honest
debts"
Now, did not understand the gentleman from
HAYWOOD, as using this language at all. under
stood the gentleman from haywood to say that par
ties who were indebted TO the banks of Tennessee,
were living examples of 'lazy, Longing, lousy,
swindling gentry; that they had crept into banks
with their notes, and were refusing TO pay their
honest debts" That is what understood the gen.
tleman to say. When the Reporter comes to report
L
never been troublesome with speeches. But, sir,
there is point beyond which gentlemen cannot pass.
do not intend TO be imposed upon by any man, or
set of men. l have rights here, sir, and think
have generally in my life, exhibited the ability to
yindicate my rights As for the position IN which
am placed by this report trust there has been no
combination for the purpose of placing me in a
wrong position TO the people and the backs OF len
nesses But what must be the conclusion drawn
from this report Ii says:
MIR. KING next took the floor against the amend
ment reviewing sundry considerations, which hau
been advanced in support Of this clause, and de-
tending the people, merchants, bankers, and legls
lators of Tennessee, from the general charge Oh
swindling
Sir did not vndicate the banks. l never have
vndiCBted them. have never had occasion to do
so. have never been The tav rite OF any bank or
banking association Of Tennessee. On the contra
~, from the days Of my bOyhoOd-from the time
quit The pillow, the age OF Is years. the banks have
been against me. They have opposed me all oc-
cRsiOns; and as late last August, they not only
opposed my election, but they slandered and caum-
mated my character, and if they had had the cour
age, they would have aSsaied my person. But that
would have been dangerous business. But now,
IN some quarters, 1t has been insisted on that was
bank pet. 1t Is false, sir. | do notdefend banks
did not defend them in the debate to which refer
defended the people. l defended the merchants of
he state OF Tennessee. ! defended the planters
the mechanics, and the agriculturits of Tennessee.
defended the poor man, whose energy, industry,
irugahy, and general good character nave obtained
for him accommodations from the banks of the
The country, TO aid him in his honorable
progress to that position of responsibility which be-
longs to the honest man of wealth. These are the
classes of men that have attempted to defend from
gratuItOus aspersiOns on this floor
Further speech here seemed to be directed 10 the
gentleman from Maury, Mr.. ThOmpson.1
! Nr Speaker, desire that these remarks shoul =