The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-02-17
KANSAS AFFAIRS.
SPEECH OF

KANSAS AFFAIRS.
] ilog e SPEECH OF
Mr.. HICKMAN, Of Pa,
D.Evsred 1. the House Of Representatives.,
-ttTse Jsnuary 28, 1858. 50 ~. ,
/ 4 should not have sought the 6oor at
this time, but for, the fact that silence
would leave my views liable to an unpleas-
ant nnisconstruction. Twas an early, earn
est and sincere advocate of Mr.. Buchan.
ans election to the Presidency of the
United States, believing that his elevation
would largely promote the present peace
and lasting welfare Of my country. His
life had been public one, and his charac-
ter was that of an educated statesman
and just man. esteemed him az emil
nently worthy of the largest confidence
and warmest regard Of the American peo-
Pile, as could not doubt his administra-
ttion would Aide reflect his wisdom, expe-
rience,, aud nice appreciation of justice;
and that under it the rights of the people,
of all the people, would be scrupulously
regarded. I did not expect infallibility in
his management of public affairs, and do
not now expect it; and when l shall meet
with what I may regard as error, / trust
to be pardoned for the frankness with
which ] shall always proclaim my opin-
ions.
+ Until heard the annual message read,
l had expected to be able to yield to its
doctrines an honest and decided support;
but from It's Kansas policy ! must strong
ly dissent. / am unable to give 1t my
support. I regret exceedingly the ten
dency of the Executive Recommendation,
which, to nay mind, is to place the Presi-
dent in position of antagonism to the
majority in Kansas. 1t leads to an issue
between power on the one hand, and the
people on the other. In such case, l
never can hesitate in determining whose
cause l shall espouse, or what verdict l
ought to render, am not unmindsul of
the fact that the former is quite as likely
to triumph with the wrong as the latter
with the right; aud that the ambitious may
well hesitate when resolves on success are
to decide for whom to do battle. The
great influence of executive patronage,
the full extent of executive power in this
country is but feebly comprehended. We
are apt to underrate itvastly. If unscrn-
pulously exercised, it becomes crushing
despotism, as indefensible as that con-
trolled by the greatest of tyrants-com-
binatious can seldom resist it, individuals
never. Bnt these considerations, clearly
as they have presented themselves to my
mind, can never induce me to espouse q
political heresy. .agas aaaao
But the great danger surrounding our
1 institutions does not 80 much arise from
o want of public virtas as general intel
ligence, Few outside of public life watch
/ narrowly the conduct of their public SER
wants, and fewor still are sufficiently con-
versant with the machinery of Govern
| ment clearly to comprehend the. bearing Of
particular acts. If it were otherwise,
high officers of Government would be Less
powerful for evil, and public rights more
practically defensible, If, therefore, al
any time, resistance to gross and unpar.
donable outrage upon an admitted princi-
pie, shall prove unavailing, let not the
] otepse, on that account, be baptized and
sanctifed; let it rather be an evidence oi
the truth of my declaration, and q warn
] ing to those who are unwilling to part
with the sovereignty of the citizen.
i Ny opposition to the Presidents treat
ment of Kansas affairs does not arise from
hostility to slavery; it stands upon foun-
datien, the strength of which will be more
generally admitted. ] rest my resistance
upon the violation Of declared principles,
! of solemn pledges, and the guarantees TO
the nation. To ask me to sanction them,
with my views, is to insult me by suspi-
cions Of my integrity. Others may oct
differently. it Is not my province to judge
them. h g.eaA6, Nd rtal hssss
i . .e,sg a4ses 81 may stand alone. li.h "a
But would not change my free thoughts for
| - uV"N0'.',ns uiVn0' df i4r entt.si.,. sa rlf
| I am not blind to the fact that very
different motive will be asaigued for my
action. have too often seen 1t attribute
cd TO others, not to anticipate It In my
own case. But 1t has become stale ory,
and, i think. must soon prove barren
one. Ifdifieriug from my southern friends
on any point which Immediately or re-
motely affects the iaterests Of slavery must
subject me TO anathema, 40 DO II; ] must
bear up under Il; ] cauaot deny my con.
victions that ] may receive charitable
Judgment. ~ ess4 b,a aa,.
! do not oppose slavery whore II legal.
Ily exists, II is there matter between
the master aud the slaves II concerns thsn
alone; aud will not interfere with II or
them. ! yield ready allegiance to our
common Consultation. aud will support
all the laws made under Il - long as they
remain Ia force. to whatever subject they
may relate, or whatever burdens they nsy
Impose upon me. But when sny man. or
body of men, seek to plant that institu.
jtso, or suv oshar m INV aoil mr. wherA