Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-04-10


During the debate in the Senate on the 9th of
March, Mr. BRIGHT made speech against CO.
ercion. The question under consideration was
the following resolution, offered by Mr. BREcKrS-
RIDGE:
ResoIued, That the Senate recommend and ad-
wise the removal ofthe United States troops from
the limits of the Confederate States
Mr.. CLINGMAS favored the proposition, but de
sired TO go a step further. He desired that the
Senate should express the opinion that the Presi-
dent ought not to attempt the collection of the
revenue, simply because he has no power under
the existing law. if there were no other reas-
ons. The object of Mr.. C. was to avoid collision
under all circumstances. Mr.. BRIGHr spoke as
follows upon the propositions:
Mr. President, / join the honorable Senator
from Ohio Mr.. Wadel in expressing the hope
that this resolution will be taken up: but candor
requires me to say that have little confidence
that it will be done. If all on that side of the
Chamber were as candid and straightforward in
their manner of legislating as that Senator is.
there would be no difficulty in reaching direct
vote on the resolution under consideration or the
amendment proposed by the Senator from North
Carolina; but, sir, they are not / can but ad
from Ohio; we always know where to find him.
He will vote to take up the resolution, because
he is in favor of asserting the power and decIar-
ing it to be the duty of the General Government
to hold, possess and occupy all the property be-
longing to it, in each and every one of the seven
States that have withdrawn from the Union: that
Senator is in favor of enforcing the collection OF
the revenue in each and every one of those
States, and enforcing obedience to Federal au-
thnrifx ranaraflx nd he hos fho
so; and much as / may and do differ with him
| repeat, l can but commend him for his frank
ness; but how is it with large majority of those
who usually act with that Senator2 Will the,
vote to take up this resolution. and thus give tC
those of US on this side of the Chamber. who deny
any such power, and who oppose any such policy
an opportunity saying SO, and of expressing tc
the Executive our opinion against coercion, OF
attempting coercion in any fOrm?< / repeat, Mr.
President, 1 hope they will; bit fear the sequel
will prove they will not
Now, sir, | am in favor of the resolution of the
honorable Senator from Kentucky, or am quite
as willing to take the more comprehensive amend
ment offered by the honorable Senator from Nortf
Carolina; either conveys the idea to the Execu
tive and the country as to what our opinion o.
his duty is in the present emergency. In the alb
sence of any act or expression on the part of the
new Administration, up to this time, showing Of
announcing what its policy towards the coIfede
rated States is to be, | think there is great pro
priety, now that are about to separate, to de
Gently express our opinion in the manner pro
posed in the resolution and amendment unde
consideration.
l am anxious to take up the subject, not t.
talk about it, but to give silent VOTE indicating
my convictions of the duty of those who are tC
act in our absence | do not know whether tn,
counsel we propose giving the Executive from
this side of the chamber would be needed or not
but he is not as wise man as take him to be i
he attempts coercion in any form, or the enforce
ment of Federal authority in any one of the sever
States that have, by a conventional ordinance
declared themselves out of the Union. But
venture the assertion, that do as may in refer
ence to the subject under consideration, whethe
we act on the resolution or not, there will be n,
effort at coercion, there will be attempt to en-
force Federal authority in a seeding State. Tn,
present Executive is man of too much wisdom
and prudence to engage in any such fatal expert
ment to the peace and prosperity Of his countr,
at this critical crisis.