Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-05-29

that could serve only to exasperate parties and
make the contest there more fierce than IL has BEEN
IL the South could have taken the view of the
case which have taken, it seems TO me il would
have been better for her. Then she would say,
"the South scorns to take advantage of the little
circumstances that might enable her 70 press her
claims upon reluctant and unwilling people
press the claim to impose slavery against their
will; we snatch at no such accidental advantages,
We see that the question is determined partly by
climate, and more certainly and decisively by the
majority OF the people; the determination has
been against slavery stand up in our Justice
and in our honor always untarnshed and constitut-
ing our great strength as Commonwealth and
States; and we gay we will make no strife about
it," If this element of slavery could be discharged
out of the case, put out of our minds, put out of
our debates, and we could look at this question
as it is presented to US, / think there is no one
here who would be willing to give his sanction to
an instrument which Is so stained with fraud, and
SO manfesly in violation of the rights of the
people of Kansas.
Why need we of the South be impatient and
anxious TO hasten the admission of Kansas into the
Union? Whatever constitution you put upo,
them now will not last but you will have two SEN
ators Immediately from there. Should the South
be in hurry to have two more such Senator'S here
as yon would now get from there? But these are
small matters. If the South could view this sub
ject as do, if they could have looked at this con-
stitution and the circumstances from which it had
it's origin and those which attend il, as do they
would have acted the very part which have in
dicated; they would take no iguobe advantage;
they would occupy no ignoble position Of standing
upon little points and nice estoppels. No, sir, the
South would say-it is in her character, in her
spirit to say so-we 60 upon great principles, and
We 20 for the truth. Occupying that position she
wOul1 Will and
honor seated upon her brow. That is her natural
and accustomed attitude, and in that attitude |
love to contemplate her. .."....
Sr, gentlemen of the South from whom it is my
misfortune to differ on this occasion, will do me
great injustice to suppose that it was my purpose,
in anything have said, to question or impugn the
purity Of their motives. They but follow their
honest convictions, as follow mine have en-
deavorcd to perform my duty as Senator belong
ing to the same section; my opinion and advice
have been given frankly aud independently; but,
| hope without any presumption. devouly
hope that whatever measure be adopted, though
contrary to my opinion, may turn out TO be that
which is most beneficial to our country. choose
to be in the wrong, rather than that my country
should suffer from my error.
am neither of the Democratic nor of the Repub-
lican party. wear party shackles. | am here as
the Senator of "Old Kentucky"-brave and noble
old commonwealth. My ambition is to act in her
spirit and by her inspiration. did not come here
to act in the character Of partisan. Long service
and experience in public affairs have divested me
of much of the misconceptiou, the prejudice aud
passion that belong to the part an; and upon
lately taking my seat here, probably in the last
term Of my public service, it was my intention and
my hope to act ntber the part of patriot than
that of party man. ....... ... .
! am true son of the South; may prosperity
fill all her borders, and sunshine forever rest upon
her head. But for all this, | do not love the
UNION the less. / am a true citizen Of the United
States; | Claim the whole of it as my great coun.
try; and for the preservation Of that Union which
makes 1t so, will always be ready to say and to
do whatever in me lies. 1t is in this spirit, sir,
that have endeavored humbly to do my duty
my duty to the South, and my duty to the whole
country.