Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-12-22
Speech of Hon. James Hughes.
Deliueret in the House cf Representatives, at
 dianapoiss on tue 24th inst.

dianapoits, on tue 24th inst
 GENTLEMEN: 1 have come to the capital our State, not upon a political mission, nor mingle in the discussions of public meetin out upon professional business, and to ren my acquaintance with two old fomiliar fren called John Doe and Richard Roe. trust however. that 1 may not live to $ the time when I shall be indifferent to the W; fare of the democratic party, or unwilling to my humble part to promote Its success, in wh ever walk of life 1 may be found
 You have come together tonight to ta counsel of public affairs, and to intercharl opinions upon the present coalition and fut, prospects of the democratic party. It is er nently proper at this time to do so. Men fr( every part of the State are here, fresh fir, the people, and it is right we should confer gether.
 Let us speak to one another kindly, but wi out reserve. If differences of opinion ex the first step towards concert of action must the utterance of our sentiments. 1 shall spe for myself alone, and plainly, for I shall spe honestly, but with no desire to wound the fe ings of any man. 1 propose to be very br and shall not attempt to play the orator, simply to state my opinions on some points importance.
 wish to hear a number of our friends fri different parts of the State tonight that we n collect, as far as possible, the sense of the par This is no time to enter into an elaborate ( cussion of public affairs, or to consume an e ming in set speeches from one or two persons In 1856 we met together in this hall, D claimed our creed, and went forth to victory Never was there a more devoted, united a gallant army than that which Ashbel P. W lard led in that memorable contest. Indi; achieved laurels then that should live forey green upon her brows.
 had the honor to draught the State pl form of 1856. On the slavery question, leading issue of the State and national electi, at that time, it was broad and Hnequivocal indorsed "the compromise measures of 1s and their application imbodied in the ! braska bill" Upon the construction of t famous bill some difference op opinion exist
 Some contended for "State equality, construction now established by the Dred Sc decision; others for squatter sovereignty former was more acceptable to the south, latter to the north Our platform left that qu ton to judicial decision, by which, it is nee less to say, the democratic party always abd The preference of our people doubtless was squatter sovereignty. We believed it the m expedient and equitable mode of settling | question of slavery in the territories. would most of us have been gratifed had | supreme court of the United States recogni. the legality of squatter sovereignty, yet e, | here in Indiana there were those who den it, and favored State equality. The Dred S decision has settled that question. That d, sion has been sanctioned and accepted by democratic party everywhere It is not in c hict with the Cincinnati platform. It i, doubtless be approved by the Charleston c vention. Let me remind you of the resolut adopted by our State convention of the 8tb January last, a resolution which no one opp ed-not even those shining lights that are u subsiding into republicanism, $ as kindred dr are mingled into one.n It is the unanim voice of the democracy of Indiana, expres in plain and vigorous language.
 l z. Resolved, That, in the late decision of supreme court of the United States known the Dred Scott decision, we recognize a le exposition of the doctrines of the constitut l of the United States and of the State of