Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-01-29
MIR. narsbalI's Speech.

1t is earnestly to he hoped that whatever
opinions men may hold on the Interior ques-
tons relating to the future of slavery, there
will be none of that impracticable disputa-
ton about abstract points in that future
which utterly defeats practical craftsmanship
now. While none are more ready than our
selves to meet any particular question arising
out of our relations to slavery. as we have
shown in relation to Kansas, we are still to
the last degree avcrse to occupying the
country with contests about our remote
opinions on this subject, whatever they may
be. The error on the part OF Mr. Washburne,
in opening an extreme debate, should not
have evoked the error of Mr.. Marshall in
replying to it II we assume party lines now
on questions expected to arise in 1865. we
may as we'll abandon the country altogether
to The current misrule of those who daily
prove themselves competent only to involve
us deeper and deeper in trouble.
The country needs practical statesman ship.
1t needs such action as the great body of the
Opposition has taken for year or two past.
put in the form of positive legislation. If we
could have controlled the action of the
government, none of the infamies Of the KAN
sas business would have been enacted. Our
foreign relations have suffered every loss and
every disgrace for the reason that the course
we advocated could not be followed. and,
veXatiouS "a somerof the troubles have been,
in and OF themselves, firm and temperate
President might have averted serious
difficulty, and might have saved hvo-thirds OF
our enormous expenditures for quasi wars
More important than all these is the tariff
question, and the protection OF industry with
the maintenance OF revenues. On this point
we are in harmony with great body Of the
southern people. and, If in harmony on these
great questions. why excite antagonisms
about points which may never become
practical. as they certainly are not now
practical? There is the utmost need OF
thoroughly correcting the course OF the
government on the management of the reve-
nue. system, and union tor this purpose is a
high and solemn duty on the part of the entire
body of the Opposition. Some will doubtless
rant about the effort to combine the Opposi-
ton as willingness to sacrifice principle for
the sake of official emoiuments, and 9hcse
pests of political life are unfortunately too
numerous, but every man OF conscience and
capacity for affairs knows that the most
necessary work we have had in hand tor "A
quarter of n century now awaits US on this
very point
Mr. Marshall's speech is not inappropriate
Us an offset to that of Mr.. Giddings, and We
shall not here open the abstract ques-
lion of the truth of the views of either.
But we hope there may be no more replies
and no more Offsets. As discussion of per-
sonal opinions, il might be we'll enoungh. and
when occasion requires an expression of our
views on the permanence OF slavery, we have
decided opinions 10 express; but pending the
consolidation of all who desire good govern
ment on the matters of to-day, We would not
see this firebraud OF some future day brought
in We have no aggressions 10 make on the
south, nor does anybody, deserving respect
among the northern Opposition, m, diItte any
thing of the sort. We will also submit 10 no
aggression aud the associates of Mr.. Marshall
have been the uniform and trustworthy OPP
poneuts of every measure If mischief origin
aring that side Of Mason and Dixon's line.
We fear nothing from association with them,
nor does Mr.. Giddings or Mr.. Washburne.
For some years Of sharp trial ON practical
points. arising out Of the Infamous aggres-
sious undertaken in the Interest of slavery,
10y the political fraternity which We would lie
glad 10 dismiss from public cares, We have
found the nen who now constitute the OPP
position az the south, Ia be always honorable
statesmARlke, impartial, aud atove reproach.
l. il not worse than FOLLY for northern
republicans to rake up the possibilities OF
slavery in the future, for the sake OF getting
at difference with these meaE l. IL not equal
folly for these southern mea 10 take up the
extremists OF the north, as representatives Ot
the whole body Of us. aud 10 marshal them
selves in an array which VIII sarely, II main
tainod, prevent the proper management Of
the government ON every Que OF the great
abuses OF the day. We sarnsstH trust that
better eoanssls will prevail.-PAaL- AoTA
AHzzicas. dad Gas1ts, Jan. -.