The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-04-05
md ga..burner. took the place of the light of

SAND gas-burners took the place OF the hSh' vi
Heaven.
The Tennessee Senator arose once more, and
turned his attention to the charge Of Lane.
that during his (Johnson'sl Senatorial career,
he had done nothing worthy Of note-accom-
plished literally nothing, except to secure the
passage of paltry homestead bill. Johnson's
reply 10 this attack Is one Of the most eloquent
passages ever heard in the Senate. We felt to
our Utmost soul the force and beauty Of his
response, but can only call to mind what he
said in substance " remember when, after
years Of painful struggles with poverty. with
the young wife had brought from my native
place in North Carolina, and the hmily when
hal grown up around us, was enabled 10 pur.
chase A small plot of ground in Tennessee and
build cabin upon II which | could call my
own. remember the feeling OF triumph and
eIultation with whi:h we looked upon the poor
little she'd, and knew that at last we had home
eff our own. And then, long years ago, maze
up my mind that, IL ever l had the power,
every poor man, struggling as was, should DO
enabled TO obtain q home-should have one
spot on earth, however small. one cabin, how.
ever rude and scanty. which in the light OF
Heaven and the face OF man, he should ne aoie
10 call his own. And thank God that he has
sustained, and strengthed, and comiorted me
from that time to the present day, and has
and 10 bear here however humble part in Sc
curing passage of the homestead bill. Snch
a triumph Is enough for one age, and am con-
tent and more than content 10 have my public
life summed up In such benehcent measure.
Heart beat to heart throughout the crowded
galleries, and the ominous rustic gave Mason
an opportunity to growl and shake his burly
head at the patriotic masses who enjoyed the
haying which he and his fellow. traitors were
Inh continued pOurinN
out streams OF whitening sarcasm upon the
heads of Lane and his associates; aud then
turning away from his poor victims, he sketch
ed the rise and progress OF the Union, noting
the precious memories which clustered around
IL the prosperity which IL engcndered and pro-
tected, the liberties which 1t secured, and the
bright beacon star which II had been TO the
nations of Europe, finally closing with mag,
nifcent eulogium on the land OF the free ana
the home of the brave" The pent up feelings
o, the spectators could not be repressed, and
honest hearts gayeyent to that sentiment OF pat
riotism which Is yet to rescue the South from
the nit of secession. The order to clear the
gallery was no sooner given than stentorian
voice cried out, "Three cheers for the Union,
when the whole audience rose to their feet, AMI
RESPONDED 10 the call with n heartiness and will
which made the Senate Chamber ring. The
ladies' In the opposite gallery, caught the en-,
thusasm, and rising the, screamed ana waved
their hand kerchiefs, until ii seemed as though
the sky-lights would be forced from their iron
arms. No such scene was ever before, and
perhaps never will be again, witnessed In the
usually staid and quiet Senate. For half an
hour the excited audience, slowly obeying the
order of the Serjeant.at.arns. gave vent to
their patriotism in cheers and Union cries which
did not cease till the last nun and the last wo-
man had left the galleries, and the doors were
closed and locked.