The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-06-07

Major took the hint, but could not refrain,
as he got off the platform, from shouting
forth his firm conviction, that Patrick Hen.
~ had never done better. The sentiment
was hailed with loud laughter and applause
Mr. Foote continued
The proposition that the Constitution
of the United States is no longer valid
and binding instrument-the proposition
that the sacred laws of the 'nion-enact-
ed by wiser men than now live, and wiser
men, fear. than will ever live in the
country agaiu-lappreciative laughter and
cheers the proposition that these laws
marked with the most profound wisdom,
the object Of admiration to the most en-
lightered men Of ali nations that these
laws are entitled to no respect. and tina,
violation on violation of them may be per-
petrated on the igh seas and on the land
of this glorious continent--that these laws
may be set at naught, and the Government
functionaries defed. and that reliance
may be confidently placed on the juries
of the country by perjury TO acquit fel-
ons, is one Of the most mons.rous and
vile propositions that could be made in
the hearing Of an intelligent and high
minded people
Here the wincing among the ultra fire.
eaters could be no longer concealed Half
dozen of them tried 10 edge in some sort
of denial explanation, or Justification
They were much excited Mr. Singleton,
member of Congress from Mississippi,
made nervous advance towards the stand,
accompanying it with the words. "No sir,
no, sir" Mr. McArdle, one of the secre-
taries of the Convention, and editor of the
Nicksburg .Sonthron, tried to get in re-
mark, requesting those who felt hurt by
the expression of these sentiments to keep
silent for the present. A delegate from
South Carolina asked the speaker to allow
him to put in question 10 him, but Foote
gave an unhesitating refusal, and in most
sweeping style of oratory, which told with
wonderful effect on all who heard it, con-
tinued
Il ask" said he, mo applause, and |
defy censure. speak for the country, and
| take all the responsibility Of what | say.
| will meet the whole band Of Southern
chivalry at the swords point, at the pistols
mouth, or anywhere. Cheers. | have
no idea of seeing my country's liberties
cloyen down, the Constitution and the laws
of the country trampled under foot, and
stand by quietly, submitting to that inglo-
rious degradation, without raising my fee
bic voice in solemn exclamation against
that unrighteous conduct. dare the pub
LEGATION of that speech. was glad to
hear it, for knew that such doctrines had
been for some time smouldering in certain
bosoms, and | was afraid there would not
be sufficient manliness and frankness to
disclose them. | wished the monster OF
treason to unfold himself to public view,
that he might be attacked. and, in all his
monstrous deformity. put to death by the
voice of freemen." Encouraging cheers.
Here he was interrupted by Mr.. Nc.
Ardle, who said. You say you dare the
speech to be published ! can ielI yon it
will be published.
Mlr. Foote q DO not object to its pub.
lication challenge its publication All
| demand is, that it shall not be published
with the official sanction of this body. We
are asked to publish it, par eocelLence.
am opposed to that. If it was speech o.
Henry Clay or Of Daniel Webster on ;
question subject to fair dispute, | would re
fuse that privilege. Neither Of these gen
, ;lcmen would have ever thought Of taking
; such an advantage over their adversarics
All ask on this OCCASION il q fair trial o
strength that those associated with me anC
: myself may be allowed TO enter the aren;
on equal terms with our antagonists, and
God being orr helper, under the shelter o
the Constitution and ,he laws of the Union
the spirit of heightened patriotism aud tin
spirit of our fathers on high aiding us II
4 the struggle, we will unhorse our adverse
? rieS, and put them to the ground. Lou'
r huzzas and great excitement | want
fair fight and no advantage; have no ide
: of publishing any mans speech with tn
:, official sanction of this body. would con
{ slider myself presumptuous if | asked tia
r my own should be published, and shout
: discard the friend who asked for me sue
; a privilege, because it would be unfair, i
{ liberal. and unjust" "Wh
: is there here who knows precisely wha
c was in that speech took notes of j
d and have studied it ever since; but al
e not sure that understand all its points;
know its leading propositions, and L inten
b to show that these leading propositions lea
It to high treason, and that the only escaI
;. that is held out TO acknowledged felons
II through perjury in the jury box; the mo
l. vicious morality ever daringly inculcated
If a free country before undertook to 81
e that if the morality of that speech shout
D, find popular sanction in this country, ii
II country would not be worthy of being II
n residence Of any honest man or patriot.
r The earnestness with which this W:
e said, and the conviction of the truth of tt
J. sentiment, raised the enthusiasm Of som
e awakened the patriotism Of others, and e.
rs cited the laughter Of still more, and f
y some moments the mingled expressions
=, these various feelings, TO which the aud
!, dience gave vent caused the orator
J. pause in his vehement language Resumir
it, he said:
K at is an attempt to break down ever
b thing Ike chastity and purity in public lif
II and TO reduce public honor 10 me
,e shadow Everything Ike purity and :
o. s,ao.al;i;.r ,rouIl ba lor- ~ fha Nom