The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-15
POSITION OF Mr.. SHERMAN.

On Tuesday of last week, during the discus
sion of the Helper book, Mr. Sherman, the Re-
publican candidate for Speaker, made the fol-
lowing statement:
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr.. Clerk, have, until
this moment, disregarded this debate, because
| presumed it was simply thrown at the House
at this time for the purpose of preventing an
organization. But the manner of the gentle
man from Virginia Mr.. MILLsoN my re-
spect for his long experience in this House,
my respect for his character, and the serious
impression which this matter seems to have
made on his mind-induce me to say now
what have to say. / ask that the letter which
l send up may be read.
The following letter was thereupon read
from the Clerks desk
WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 6, 1859.
DEAR SIR: / perceive that a debate has
arisen in Congress, in which Mr.. Helpers book,
the Impending Crisis" is brought up as an
exponent of Republican principles. As the
names of many leading Republicans are pre-,
sented as recommending compendium of the
volume it is proper that / should explain how
those names were obtained in advance Of the
publication. Mr.. Helper brought his book to
me at Silver Spring to examine and recon-
mend, if / thought we'll of it, as work to be
it before. After its perusal, either wrote to
Mr.. Helper, or told him that it was objection
able in many particulars, to which adverted !;
and he promised me, in writing, that he would
Obviate the objections by emitting entirely or
altering the matter objected to.
l understand that it was in consequence of
his assurance to me that the obnoxious matter
in the original publication would be expurgated,
that members of Congress and other influential
men among the Republicans were induced to
give their countenance to the Circulation of the
edition SO to be expurgated.
F.P. BLAIR ,Siirer Spring.
Hon. John Sherman.
Mr.. SHERMAN. / do not recollect signing
the paper referred to- but presume, from my
name appearing in the printed list, that did
sign it. / therefore make no excuse of that
kind. l never have read Mr.. Helpers book, or
the compendium founded upon it. | have
never seen a copy of either. And here, Mr..
Clerk, ! might leave the matter; but as many
harsh things have been said about me, desire
to say that since have been member of this
House l have always endeavored to cultivate
the courtesies and kind relations that are due
from one gentleman to another. / never ad-
dressed to any member such language as have
heard to-day. / never desire such language
to be addressed to me, if can avoid it. l ap.
peal to my public record, during period of
four years, in this body and / say now that
there is not q single question agtating the
public mind, not a single topic on which there
can be sectional jealousy or sectional con-
troversy, unless gentlemen on the other side of
the House thrust such subjects upon us. /
repeat, not single question. We have pursued
a course of studied silence. 1t is our intention
to organize the House quietly, decently, in
order, without vtuperatons; and we trust to
show to members on all sides of the House that
the party with which have the honor to act
can administer this House and administer this
Government Applause from the galleries, and
the Republican benches without trespassing
on the rights of any.
Mr.. KEITT, lin his seat) Only onehalf
of it.
Mr.. SHERMAN. / say then that !, for one,
would not trespass on a right of q single South.
ern citizen and defy any man to show any
where word that / have uttered that would
lead to different conclusion. The signing of
that paper, and the book, every member OF the
House can appreciate without my saying a
word about it.
/ have said more than ! designed, and l
trust that hereafter gentlemen on the other side
of the House will observe the courtssies due