Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-02-01
CONGRESSIONAL.

In the House on the 23d, Mr.. Etheridge of
Tennessee said
If the settlement Of the present difficulties
could be submitted to twelve honest men,
not politicians, be would be in favor Of doing
50 without argument, knowing that they
would reach an unanimous verdict, but un-
fortunately the people appeal to Congress
for peace He announced that If the Houso
failed to meet public expectations he would
move an adjournment of this question 10 the
people. The revolution now threatening
was unjustifabe and objectionable, involy-
ing fearful consequences yet those who will
not participate IN the revolution are stigma
tied as traitors He then showed the mad
ness and folly of subverting the government,
saying that all the rights of the South could
be settled in the Union. lie referred to the
personal liberty bills, saying that he believed
they would soon be swept from the statute
books If constitutional, the South had no
right to complain if unconstitutional, they
are void.
As to the fugitive slave law, Mr.. Orr of
the kingdom of South Carolina had said it
was as strong as anybody could wish, and
he (Ethrldge) asked if it would be more
strong out than in the'Union. The northern
people always weIe and always will be op-
posed to slavery. The strongest slavery men
at the South were Yankees, for as soon as
they 90 South they marry a nigger-he
begged pardon, they marry woman with
niggers No one here claimed to be an abo-
litionist.
Voices on the Republican side" Not
one"
No other but Republicans had denounced
John Brown in their party platform. The
people of the North and South do not hate
each other more than old Wings and Demo
Gratis used to. You are separate on paper,
but the Ohio river is the only barrier to sep
arate hostile States You hate one another
because the ms must give place to the outs.
As an evidence ofhis peaceful disposition be
was willing to submit eight years more to
Buchanan S administration. (Laughter.)
Ae would assent to Mr.. Crittenden's or
the border slave States committees compro-
mise, or to the resolutions he endeavored to
introduce, and would endorse the recommen-
dations of the Committee of Thirty-three,
feeling that in doing this he would NEE the
disunIonists with torch in one hand, and a
sword in the other, and so long as the stars
and stripes wave over Tennessee be would
never submit to disunion. (Applause.) Mr..
Ethridge continued at some length, saying
tn at the North always yielded to the de-
mands of the South, referring to the acts of
Congress in support OF this statement. In
answer to g question Mr.. Ethridge said it
was known that the people of the South are
insane, and in scripture language be would
answer the Southern fools according to their
folly
He said it was well known that wherever
the disunion sentiment prevailed IN the
South, there was reign OF terror. lie
would return to Tennessee to resist disunion
He would cling to the flag Of his country II
this. the darkest hour of her peril, as the
saint clings to his God. (Applause.)
Mr.. Loveioy of Illinois agreed that the
! theory of our government was laid down II
the Declaration of Independence and tho
| constitution. Secession was wild dogma
| Il was treason, rebellion and crime against
| God and man. If the government could moi
he maintained, it was mere co-partnership
| Sonth Carolina could not dissolve the Union
She did not make it, and it was miserable
derisive mockery for her to absoive her al
legiance. lie proceeded to speak OF coercion
saving he would not conciliate with reoeis
who DEFY the government, and never Wouh ~
vote for particle of compromise until / tn tn
insult to our flag at Charleston was apoiog
;1oS for or avenged. lie wanted to see thu
d;sunion farce or tragedy played out; ~
unveiled to the Republicans to stand hrn
opd not fail to carry out their principles a
This golden opportunity. Stand still, sal(
tn'' "a soc the salvation of the Lord. lie be
i;eysJ liz, Mr. Lincoln would stand firm to tn
principles Of the Gh5isk or we'll to get bottle.
or an angel from n, taste. and s1hilar'tns Z
son1e er oTs'f carse him refrf sp : sssrstitu
Rsup.I tionaI power to as xyz,;zz ESsss i e,
lists, and be Won N@T6h for suctAn ac