Daily national Democrat., 1861-02-19
1ajIp 31at(onal 1cmQtrat
'Chornton's Speech.


markable for evidence of study and research
no less than for its violent sectional tone
We find it reported in full in the Union Mr.
Thornton, as he says, did not seek the nomi-
nation which led to his election. The De-
rnocracy of Sierra had shaken off the incu-
bus of Buchananism, and all could see that
The tide was against the boilers of the regular
national nominations Thornton was thrust
hopeless aud unwilling, into the breach lie
was not elected by Democratic votes-nevel
thought he could be. BY the extraordinary
efforts of his friends, who made the fight toi
his single election, to the cost OF his CO.
nominees, enough Republican votes were got
to narrowly give Thornton the lead over
Anderson, the regular Democratic nominee,
1t is bit of grim satisfaction, while read
inc the violent Southern sentiments OF our
Senator, to reflect that the Republicans, who
threw off their own candidate to elect Thorn
ton, must enjoy with much gusto the tlaying
he gives them. 1t is of their sowing, let them
reap. They planted the thorn-if it prick,
let them bleed
Before entering upon his duties as Senator,
Mr.. Thornton, with the other Senators, went
through the little ceremony here described.
We copy it, as useful for reference when con-
eidering what proprieiy there may be in his
remarks
Il do solemnIy swear that will support
the Constitution of the United States and the
Constitution of the State of California; and
that | will faithfully discharge the duties of
office of Senator, according to the best of my
ability"
Next, we give an extract from the Consti-
tuition of the United States, sec. 10:
"No State shall, without the consent Of
Congress, lay any duty of tunnage, keep
troops or ships of war in times Of peace, en-
ter into any agreement or compact with an
other State, or with a foreign power, or en-
gage in war, unless actually invaded, or in
such imminent danger as viii not admit of
delay"
South Carolina has done these things: is
keeping troops and ships Of war, in time of
peace; has entered iuto agreements and
compac,s with other States; has taken steps
towards doing SO with a foreign power, when
not invaded, nor in danger of being. The
troops of the State Government have taken
tortiications erected by the General Govern
ment, and have erected works threatening
the army garrison at Fort sumter. They
have seized vessels belonging to the United
States Navy, and fired upon vessel in the
United States service. Have seized the rev
enue, and at one place arrested for treason
ar tinst the State a collector of the customs
who made due report to the President
Let us now read from the remarks of SEN
ator Thornton, who is aware Of these facts:
81 say here and now, that | think the
South is right in the steps she has taken.
IAppMuse South Carolina, Gallant lead
er OF States As has been said. the Harry
Percy of the Union-has led in move
moni-wLat for? TO break down the Con-
silution and destroy the Union? No! Il
movement to preserve hcrrigtts from being
covered up and lost under the ruins of the
Constitution, which the Republican party Is
to pull down over herhcil.'
"lhe South IS ri4ht' qnoth the Senator
Gallant South Carolina Are such expires
eions aid ana comfort to the rebelilug states
Are they Of Il nature to encourage others to
only, and will not Judge For definition Of
treason as committed Dy South Catolina, and
of what is to be considered compHeity with
her let us read from the charge Of Judge
SmaliV, Of the Southern District Of New
York, given to lis Grand Jury, january
l2th:
AS the Courts have already said to you,
the combination and assemblage of body
of men with the design of >ciling, and the
actual selling of the forts and other public
properly in aud near Charleston, South Car
olina, and in some other states, is leyyiug
Of war against the United States. Conse-
quenuy, any and every person who engages
therein, is, ty the law, regarded as lcyyiug
war against the United States and all who
adhere to them are to be regarded as enc
mics. and all who give them aid and comfort
in South Carolina or New York, or in any
other portion Of the United States, or else
where come within the express provisions of
tit..t . Il
1890, and are guilty OF treason.
"What amounts to adhering TO. and giving
aid and comfort to our enemies. it is some
what difficult in all cases to define; but Ger
tain it is that furui hing them with arms or
muaitions Of war, vessels or other means of
transportation, or any materials which will
aid the traitors in carrying out their traitor
ous purposes, with knowledge that they
are intended for such purposes, or melting OF
encouraging others to engage in or aid the
traitors in any way, does come within the
provisions of the act And it is imnaterial
whether such acts are induced by sympathy
with the rebellion, hostility to the Go}crn-
ment, or desire for gain"
Mr. Thornton complains that Mr. Edger-
ton "has words for what he calls Northern
treason, and has war for what he calls South
ern treason" There is spark of saving
grace even in that: a California Senator,
native of New England can'so far merge the
love for his native Green Mountains in his
greater love for the Union, as TO deprocatc
III ,cords a reasonable act of Vermont, en-
dangaring the fraternity of States; while the
native of sugar and eoltondom has words
biuer-gallng words for Nortl en- treason
and -peans-hozannas, for that
in the South which tie Constitution o5,d the
CourtS call treason.