The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-03-09
DEBATE IN CONGRESS.

ne 1oltOwlng u0Oato looA PAoOO III In0
House of Representatives on the Kansas
questions:
MIR Smith, of Tennessee, said there was
a spirit of revolution abroad which, unless
checked. would eventuate in disuniOn. For
this spirit of revolution the representatives
of portion of the people were responsible
having started it on this floor. He was
opposed to dsuRion, and hoped it would
never happen; but he believed if the idea
should 90 abroad that dissolution of this
confederacy was impossible, it would only
lead to increased efforts to effect it. He
had 10 authority for saying that rejection
of Kansas. because of the slavery feature of
her Constitutions would occasion a dissolu-
ton. He would, however. tell gentlemen
that if disunion ever come, the States, and
not Congress, would bring it about. If that
time ever came (Which Heaven forbid) he
would be the last man to leave his post.
He then proceeded to argue that Kan
sas should lac admitted under the LecOmp-
ton Constitution. He said that respectable
free State men in Kansas took no part N
the scenes of violence there.
In reply to question, Mr. Smith answer
ed: Admit Kansas, and then you can with
draw the troops and let the outlaws there
cut each others throats in their own way"
MIR GiddiRgs--Wil you vote for a resolu
ton requiring the President to withdraw
the troops, i'll case Kansas is admitted.
Mr. Smith anSwered-Ycs.
Mr. Crawford said he would have so voted
. a year ago. Other Democrats also respond
cd to the same effect.
Mr. Giddings immediately gave notice of
II bill directing the withdrawal of the army
j from Kansas. .-.
Mr. Smith-If vote for the withdrawal
of tic army will you vote for the admission
of Kansas!
Mr. Observation-Disclosures
the Lrcompton Constitution Never,
never
Mr. Smith, proceeding. said there was no
cause for separation of the Democracy on
| this question.
| Mr. Harris, IF Illinois, replying to a re-
mark applicable to him, said the convictions
of his mind were the same now as during
the last Congress. lie objected to- Mr.
Smiths drawing differences from his speech
not justified by its language. lie main
tanned then, as now, that the people of
| Kansas are not allowed to manage their
OWE affairs. He would defend their rights.
! He denied following any mans lead. He
came l4cre without conference with his col
leagues, but subsequently he a>certained
tint they all agreed. He could not change
the 2o>ition he now occupied.
Mr. Smith centinucd.-The people of
Kansas, hc said, were begging admission,
bat they are opposed by members of the
House. and by the New York Tribune.
| Admit her, and the slavery agitation there
! is quietcd forever. lie remembered Fred
erick =. Stanton threw the first frebrand
into the Democratic caucus during Presi-
| dent Pierce's administration. He had now
| turned abolition lecturer, and had gone
| North. lie hoped he would otoy there Ho
! ~~..uludeu by saying that he did not " ant
the admission Of Kansas hampered 10y any
conditions, as lie believed the people of
Kansas could amend their Constitution
when they pleased.
Mr. Giddings delivered his views on the
subject of human rights, arguing in favor
of the right of all men to liberty. of which
they could not be deprived without violence
| aud gainst the hia her law of God.