The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-01-16

W 'S"'Sh, tiIdtI StItlcIIleu "cTc 10
the support Of the Kansas Nebraska bill bv
as many different roads. There is but Que
heaven, and but one sound, constitutional,
and national principle in the Nebraska act :;
and the sooner we all agree to stand upon
that principle, and approach it by the same
road, the better will it be for the Democratic
party.
Mr.. Speaker, the discussion which has
occurred upon the Presidents message, par
tlcularly that portion of it which relates to
matters III Kansas, was not unexpected by
me. 1t was expected, because of the deep
hostility which knew to exist at the South,
us well as at the North, towards the President
and the Democratic party. To be frank,
expected it because Of our weakness in ce:-
tam points, which exposed us to attack, and
even invited it.
The presidential election has resulted in
rcpulse of the Republican party from the
decaying citadel OF the Constitution, but rot
in rout of It's forces. They have been
beaten, but they are yet uncongucred. 1t
was evident, even before the meeting Of Con
gress, that they were marshaing their hosts
for another onset. Their organization is
undisturbcd-thc mor0ic of their troops pre-
served-their leaders confident, and still
trusted. The smoke of the battle had hard
" arisen from the field before observations
were taken of our line with the caution and
sagacity Of practiccd stra,cgists and it is il
vain to disguise it-our weak point has
been detected.
also expected this discussion, because
of the prying vigilance of another organiza-
ton which, because of its having its hand
against every other party, and particularly
that which at this time happens to he in
the ascendant, may appropriately be called
the Ishmuciitish party. They, too, have
discovered our weakest point, and have al
ready twice attempted to break our line and
bring our two wings into conflict with each
other. The gentleman from kentucky, Mr.
Ii. Marshall. who is their distinguished
and recognized leader, made the first charge :;
and that was shortly succeeded 10y the follow
ing resolution Of the member from Teuncs-
see, Mr.. EthcriIge I
"Resotrcd, That this House Of Represent
ativcs regards AL suggestions and PROPOSE
tons of every kind, by wllomsoever made
for renewal of the African slave trade, as
shocking to the moral sentiments of the en-
ightcnrd portion Of mankind and that any
action on the part Of Congress conniving at,
or lcgalziny, that horrid and inhuman traffic,
would justly subject the Government and
citizens of the United State to the reproach-
cs aud cxccration Of all civilized and Chris
tian people throughout the world"
This resolution, as it was doubtless intend
ed, fell as a bomb-shcll into the Democratic
ranks. Opposition to Democracy is always
motive enough for him. Iapprehend, how
personal character united with party pur-
pose in producing that unnecessary and in
oprortunc resolution. A diversion was ne
cessary to conceal the magnitude of the
gentleman's political sins. lie had reason
to believe that his soundness upon the slavery
question was doubled not only here, but in
his own State, and even in his own district.
l5y creating new issue, and one upon past
Issues, his prospects of reelection might i'm
prove. The argument he has furnished to
to the enemies Of the people who have hon
ored him, the acknowledgment which by i'm
| plication he has made that the buying and
selling Of slaves is morally wrong, and the
apparent Difference to Republican whims.
failed to restrain a bid for continuance in
office.
Had there been proposition before this
House to repeal the laws, or before the SEN
ate TO annul the treaty which refers to tho
African slave trade, could have heard the
views OF the gentleman from Tennessee with
patience, had concurred with him in opin-
ion. In view, however, Of the fact that our
laws denonnce the traffic as piracy, and i'm
pose the sevcrest penalties upon offenders
that their repeal is notoriousI y impracticable
Il can but regard the introduction of the
resolution as intended for selfish and partv
purposes, or as an unprovoked and volun-
teered rcbnkc Of distinguished chief mag
lStratc OF State, whose genius or patriotism
will compare with that OF the member from
tennessee, AS light to darkness. regretted,
MIR. Speaker, that any resolution was offered,
and that any passed this House. After the
passage of that presented by the member
from Tennessee, no other was necessary.
AS minor proposition it was included in
the major OF the same character. Through
am snre 1t was not so intended, vet ap-
pretended that it might he construed into
implied censure Of the Governor of the State
which have the honor in part to represent.
l was unwilling 10 occupy position which
might be 40 construed, through may differ
with his Excellency in the proprety and
opportuneness of the recommendation. I
was unwilling to seemingly reflect upon the
origin OF an institution which is inseparabIy
interviewer with the fabric of the society in
which live.
The resolution Of my friend and colleague
MIR. Orr was intended to disembarrass such
OF our northern Democratic friends as had
voted against the resolution of the gentle.
man from Tennessee, and to guard then,
against misrepresentation which might lie
made cooperate against them and the Dem.
cratic party.
l have said that the party with which /
affiliate, has been sagacionsly assailed l,y
each of the other parties, which, in thir co.
operation against the Democracy, paradox.
calIy illustrate the affinity of hatred. Nor
have their efforts been altogether unsuccess.
fpl; 'and'I call upon the bona .fde Demo.
Gratis of our whole country insfa ntl0 n ,cloes