Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-08-31

and the Government disposed of that ques
tioD, by providing that slavery should not
exist in any portion of its territory. What
stronger illustration of their views Of sla-
very could they give than thst9
My friends of the South have gotta little
too fast on this subject. hope they will
remain contented with their rights under
the Constitution. will guaranty that not
one of those rights will be ihfringed upon.
When they ask more than those rights, I
believe they ask that which they will not
get. say this respectfully.
know how easy it is for men to reason
that this thing or that thing is expedient.
l know that men call that thing expedient
which they want. So it is when we pursue
our filibustering policy. We do not stimu-
late filibuster expeditions because we have
any peculiar love for the people of the
countries against which those expeditions are
directed. 1t is not that which actuates us,
but spirit Of aggrandizement. When was
it that a man was satisfied with his acqui-
sitions, until he learned that he could add
no more to the bulk of his fortunes9 Does
any any Government relax in disposition
to acquire new Territory, as it increases in
strength No sir; as it grows in strength
it seeks to grasp more territory. Such has
been the history of the world. We are
trying to make this too magnificent Gov
ernment. We seek to build up too much
tawdry splendor in the Federal Capital. In
Washington, what seductions are in this
Hall, and out of it, to secure men in their
fat places of emolumentl Now, we will do
well if we will 60 to work like honest men,
aud strike off the excrescences that affect
the body polite. Let the hordes of SER
wants and retainers uselessly employed, be
dismissed If we do that, then we will do
what is valuable. Just as you raise wages
here, they will be raised elsewhere in the
country for like services. The States imi-
tate exactly the example of the Federal
Government. Four dollars day do not
pay mans expenses, am told. We hear
it asserted that $4,000 year will not more
than pay necessary expenses. | am credi-
bly, informed that some members expend
5000 to $4,000 year. They have the
right to do that, for then they expend from
their own private means. l will not inter
meddle with the private rights of individu-
ais, but when the government is taxed for
the purpose of exalting certain men above
their fellows, | say that l have a right to
/ object. There is no man in this country
who feels more delighted than do in it,
! legitimate advancement in wealth and pros
perity; but, sir fear luxury and enerva
ton. | feel proud that l have lived to see
comparative wilderness, occupied by TWEEN.
ty-fve thousand inhabitants, blossom into
full-grown States, with population of nine
millions. May never live to see them
sunken into an Asiatc degeneracy!
No man with a more swelling heart con
templates the growth of this country.
am fearful, however, that our people are toe
fast; and that unless they change theiI
course they must rapidly degenerate. We
do a great many things for which it would
be difficult to find power in the Constitu
ton. A, B, and @, are hunted up, and
money is squandered upon them. Relics o.
distinguished men who have gone before
us are overburdened with national munif-
cence. Yet we hear constantly much about
the Constitution; such, however, is the tech
nicality of the rules of this House, that it i:
impossible for a man to say no, let the ques
ton be ever so Objectionable. Consider it
If you will not change these things, then
call upon the people to hurl every membe
from this House, and put in those who viii
restore the better days of the Republic.
Mr.. Chairman, we are often designated
as the servants of the people. Is it not Gu
rious that the servants live much bette
: than the masters9 Yet we make the peo
; pes politics, too often. We mako ther
believe this and that, because they put con
fidence in us.
l confess that l am not accustomed t
speaking in public. l know what do. l
| had the huency of Others, | would have
long story to tell l have said what l hav,
at the risk of criticism. have endeavoret
to state plain and substantial truths. l Dc
not believe, let me say, that this Govern
ment will be crushed out. This Govern
ment will not now be discovered. No, sir
my fear is that we will wear out; that ou
people will degenerate and become enerva
ted and emasculated, as are the people o
Asia, because of their debauchery and mod
OF living. There is no man acquainted
with history who will not have the sam'
fear. No Government that has preceded
us ever had the same facilities Of destruc
ton. We have all the arts and sciences O
former years, together with those unknow'
to the ancients. | must believe that we ar
unfortunately driving towards the brink Q
destruction. There is no hope but by re
tracing our steps, and again adopting tn
policy of our fathers. Where is the mar
where the party, that will begin itG ]
must be begun if we are to be saved
Hero is the place to begin it. Let us eS
bibit by our acts what we profess to be.
l will now, sir, say few words to m
particular friends. l am not ashamed o
being a farmer-a laborer; lam proud tina
l have done my share of work. l despis
the man who will declare that labor is dis
, graceful. II is blssphemy. God said tina
man should earn his bread by the sweat {
! his brow. If have ever done anythin
valuable, it has been the actual manual Il
: Dor ! have performed in assisting to deve
op new country. l am proud to say j
ask whether we have not here two man
takers They are not laborers nor farmer
y rhav ara man w ho want IN do oil tho 70 n