The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1859-01-20

History OF tho Ami~tad Case IN Com
eress..-The Last speech Of John
Quincy AQams.
Joshua Il. Gddings contributes TO the Ash |
tabula Sentinel history Of the Amissad case,
ia Congress. 1t will be recollected that ag-
itation Of the subject Of the everlasting Amis- |
tad negroes was commenced on one OF the
frs. days of the present session OF Congress,
by Mr.. Mason, of Virginia. MIR. Giddings,
writing from Washington, on the 30th Of De-
cember, says:
II 10 an interesting case. 1t came up in
the House Of Representatives,, in l644, for
the first time, on q motion TO print extra
copies Of the Report Of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, in favor of the claim. II
was nv fortune to lead the debate in oppo-
sition to the motion. MIR. Adams designed
to speak on the same side, alter the Char
man, Mr.. lngersoi should have replied to
me- The morning hour only was allotted to
the subject. | occupied the first morning,
and when concluded, MIR. ingersol obtained
the floor, and well recolleet that some ex-
cellent friends were alarmed ct the boldness
with which | had attacked the Report, saying
that lngersoll was one OF the ablest members
OF the House, and would oblterate me when
ever be would speak. But ! had become
somewh hat accustomed TO such obllterations,
and said to them had the most perfect CON
| fdence, that Mr.. Adams would furnish as
much cause for lngersoll to fear, as lnger-
| sol did for me to entertain apprehensions.-
Mr.. Adams felt deep interest in the sub
ject, and prepared for severe examination
OF it.
But when the next morning came, lnger-
| sol saw the intention Of Mr.. Adams, and
| auailed before it. He backed down, and ac
| tually voted to lay his own motion on the
table. | escaped the castigation which my
friends 80 much feared, because Ingersol
| dreaded the rod which MIR. Adrms had pre-
pared for him. Bat the old patriot was dis
| appointed. lie desired to give IN expose of
the case, and after his return at the close of
the session, he published the speech he had
intended to make for the benefit Of his con-
| stituents; and now, after the labor of near
" fifteen years, members Of Congress have
looked up to that speech, 10 order to prepare
for the discussion which fear will not take
place.
Eonr wears after this transaction, the Sen
| ate amended our civil and diplomatic appro-
priation bill, by inserting fifty thousand dol
lars to pay for these slaves. Mr.. Adams had
been FRUSTRATED by paralytic shock. lie
was 80 conscious OF its effects, that he would
neither speak nor write for the public eye
His friends had greatly desired a letter from
him addressed to the public or some friend,
as a farewell memento; but he refused
His son, e. +. Adams, came with him TO
Washington. His entrance in the Hall at
ter the members had so long regarded him rs
dead, was most interesting scene. South
ern Shareholders, who had bitterly opposed
him in former times, now wept at again see-
ing him. All business was Suspended as he
entered the Hall. He was feeble and pale.
Holmes, Of South Carolina, taking him by
the arm, conducted him to his seat, and then
addressed few words TO the House, con-
graduating the members on once more see-
ing their venerable associate in his seat
The veteran Statesman responded in Few
words, but his voice was too feeble to be
heard except by those nearest him. He con-
tinued to meet with us, but made no attempt
to participate in any discussion, until the
amendment of the Senate providing for the
payment Of these slaves came up for discus
sion.
On that subject his feelings would not per-
nit him to remain silent. When he was an
nounced as having the floor, the House was
instantly 10 the most perfect confusion
Members in all parts Of the Hall left their
seats and gathered near as possible to catch
the last words Of the illuetrious Statesman.
All seemed conscious that it would be his
last speech. The reporters, unable to hear
him ia their places, and unmindful of rules,
rushed within the bar, paper and pencil in
| hand, TO sketch HE last public address. That
speech was devoted TO an exposure OF the in
sulting claim approved and recommended by
! Polk and Pierce, and twice by Buchanan,
and now pressed upon the Senate. Ii was,
truly, tho last speech Of my venerated friend.
4 few days afterwards, We bore his uncon-
scous body from the Hall. He fell in the
place from which he had spoken. He died,
Us il were, opposing this claim.
The amendment Of the Senate Was then
defeated and as often as that body has pass
ed it, the House has defeated 1t. have spo-
ken on it three times, and Hon. d. U. Leach,
OF Michigan, spoke upon it last year. These
four speeches are oil that have been made
/ against it since MIR. Adams death but the
! slave power appears determined to pass it.
| To give il up would in truth be surrender
| or rather an admission, that they cannot sue
| tain their fundamental doctrine.
The Court Ladies Of Washington.
New York correspondent Of the Spring.
| field Republican, ., identity woman, writes
When think Of Mr.. Douglass struggles
lahors, axieties, for the last few months, ID
| order to secure his re- election, conclude hs
must have at least weary life Of it. Sc
much was staked-his fortune, his fame, hi,
hope Of the Presidency. The time had com,
when be must rise or sol, brighten or 90 ou
s in the political world. He sold his house il
Washington, mortgaged his large property il
Illinois, and during all the burning summer
s.slsetioncered" abroad, while his wife cleo
tionesred quite a. successfully At home. o,
the Sabbath she worshiped devoutly in th
Catholic church at Chicago, while durinI
the week she gracefully propitiatcd th
Prossstants. At the Lake View House sh
sxsrted marked personal influence over tn
gentlemen congregated there, who as usua
were quite willing 70 DO led BY young
beautiful and. brilliant woman. Educated a
Washington, long .copyist' for tho House
, she is thoroughly initiated into the chicancr
Of political life, and knows how TO touc
with sure and delicate hand It's most intri
. cate wires. That Mrs. Douglas will do be
part toward making herself sslady of In