Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-07

Debate In the House OF Representatives,
MayS1 1855.

trespass on its time, at this late period Of the
session, with extreme reluctance, because the
subject to which | intend to refer has an age
which ought, perhaps, to prevent its further
introduction here.
1t will be recollected, Mr. Chairman, by
the committee, that in the discussion on the
l. compton question, participated. | would
not now advert to it but for certain personal
aspects, which make it necessary for me, 10
view of a proper selt-TesFect, to notice it.
On the Goth Of March last, | addressed the
committee on the Lecompton question, at
length. 10 tho progress Of my remarks on
that occasion, reviewed the sntect dents Of
certain gentlemen. and presented them to
the consideration Of the country, under q
sense OF duty to the position which | occu-
pied. These remarks we're, it will be recol-
iected, noticed at the time by various mem.
beers, especially by the gentleman from Hi.
nois, Mr.. Marshall. While spoke on the
Goth Of March. it was the pleasure OF the
gentleman Mr.. Marshall on the 3lst of
March-fve days thereafter, at night ses-
sion, when | was not present-to indulge III
a criticism on that speech; which criticism,
| understood from friends, did not call for any
notice from me. His speech, delivered on
that occasion, was not published in the Globe
till the l6:h of April. 1t had passed from
nv memory, aud nothing had occurred to
induce me to examine his remarks. | was
informed by gentleman who heard those
remarks As delivered on the floor OF the
House, that they did not call for my atten-
ton, and | was never induced by circum
stance t. examine them as published, till very
recently, when friend called my attention
to the subject. | looked at single para
graph cf the speech, and presumed, from
the representations Of those who heard the
speech, that it was unnecessary tor NE to
notice 1t.
Mr.. MARSHALL, OF Illinois. ! wish to say,
Mr.. Chairman, in this connections it Is
most pertinent at this time-that at the time
the gentleman from Virginia made the
charge, | denied its truth on the floor Of the
House but | Was not permitted to take the
floor and 90 into the matter at length. | got
the aoor as soon thereafter rs | could, and
notified the gentleman from Virginia before
| got the floor, and on the same day that
expected it, that | would allude to the re-
marks which he made in regard to that mat
ter. could only get the floor late at night
the night before the vote was taken. The
gentleman from Virginia asked me if 1t was
important that he should remain, and told
him that be might determine that matter
for himself that intended to refer TO his
speech that the charge which be made
was untrue; and that intended to comment
upon it.
MIR. SMITH, Of Virginia. If the gentleman
had not interrupted me, be would have seen
that there was no necessity for the Interrupt
ton. The gentleman certainly did, as | have
done to him ON this occasion, give me notice
that he intended TO advert to my remarks
but on account of my health, it was not very
,reeable or perhaps not prudent, for me to
remain out late at night. inquired next
morning whether or not anything had fallen
from the gentleman requiring my attention,
and was informed that nothing had. | was
going on to make statenent-and beg the
gentleman not to interrupt me unless it Is
clearly necessary, as / desire to present a
connected whole of the question On an ex'
animation Of the gentleman's speech, l found
that il it had been spoken as 1t was pub
lished, my friends could not have represent
ed to me that there was nothing in it requr-
| ing my attention. And hence | was led to
infer that, as is too frequently the case, the
gentleman published one thing when he had
delivered another. ! am the more particu lar
| in presenting this aspect of the question,
because | want tue committee and the COUP
try TO understand that am not one of those
who are in the habit of lying still under criti'
cisns that do not think do me full and pro-
per Justice. OF course, the committee will
understand, that, at this late day of the ses-
sion, | have no disposition to indulge 10 a
class of remarks beyond what is indispensa'
bly, necessary to right understanding Of the
position ! occupy and the course pursued.
90 the occasion when addressed the COM
mttee, ! made an extract from Judge Doug
lass speech OF the l2th Of June, 1851 and
commented upon it in a manner that | am
now going to- show:
"Of the KANSAS question, bat li'tle need be
said at 'ae present time. You are familiar with
the history OF the question and my connection
with IL Subsequent reflection has strengthened
and confirmed my convictions In the sOundness
OF the principles and the correctness OF the
course have ielt II my duty TO pursue on that
subject"
That is the quotation which made. then
commented on II as follows:
What has occurred sinse 10 induce change
of this course. tear ambition has done lis
work | fear imaginary private grieis have
been actively al work. have heard OF meet
ing OF the Illinois delegation 10 consider OF the
policy to be pursued give al least one gen
teman from Illinois notice that ! shall bring
up a matter in connection with the movement
OF bat delegation in reference 10 this detection
on the Kansas question, when nave an oppor-
| tunity TO do So
Mr.. Chairman, | wish the committee to
understand that this extract from my Kansas
speech is the sharpest criticism which made
upon the course of Judge Douglas. | said ::
Il fear ambition has done its work" Z"
fear imaginary private griefs have been &C
lively at work" And if the gentleman can
put his finger on any remark IN the whole
Of that elaborate speecb.of mine, which is of
sharper significance than this, should be
glad if be would do it, This, and my array
of the history of the past to confront the
doings Of the present, was the utmost point
of my offence. What follows? | went on,
and said
Il will say this, in conclusion, that the dele
CATION from Illinois, or portion OF them at any
rate, met together here, when Congress assem-
bled, TO consider the course which certain gen
tleman in the other end of the Capitol should
pursue, and the means he should use 10 secure
his reelection to the United States Senate. |
say that much and ! will make cut the case
when have the time. | say that certain extra.
ordinary action has resulted in a concerted