New-York daily tribune., 1861-06-23
JOHN BELL 60. SOBRIE TY.

To ne Ediio. Of I've " Y fyitsne.
SIR The last nights Of session Of Congress, and
the la,t days Of Secession the time. TO try mems
temperance l was IN the Senate Chamber IN tie
morning Of March T. 1853 whom heard a member Of
the Senate who, if be had been sober, | could have
sworn was the IIoc John Bell of Tennessee deliver
speech containing political "reminiscences which was
pot surprised to find suppressed in the official report
have taken the pains 10 obtain, from gentleman
who took short band notes of bis remarks a copy Of
,hst portion 10 which refer and if could reproduce
bis tones and manner "A accurately ~ his words, l
think II would not only help to solve the qsessou
whether John Bell lrs been the for hiS po-
stions, but under she influence of whs, feelings he
s now striving for the overthrow Of this Government
Ny friend, in sending me the notes, remarks;
"This memorable speech was delivered on the morn.
ing Of March 4, 1857 should think about o'clock
a. m The Senate had been in session all night, aud
this time nearly all Of the members out OF the
Chamber, many of them probably getting rcfrcsh-
ments. John Bel had had his reiresinens before he
commenced speaking and his remarks, which were
very iacid or coneosod were, upon this occs-
sion moro rambling and neOherent than usual. Steady
ing himself by the aid Of bis dssk, he Addressed as
vacant chairs and deserted galleries in his peculiar
STYLE md his speech wa only rendered readable by
being thoroughly reyied and corrected by hinsek.
This revison extend To tho omission Of considerable
portions Of what he actually said for bs speech sf-
fordsd another illustration Of the truth u the old
sdsge, " In V'R0 1eritas," gnd he said many Things
which be did not w to have recorded in She psgcs VI
Tie COngresson& Globe"
Speaking upon the Nebraska bill, Mr.. Bell aid
must again express my deep regret that such vital
questions these attract attention aud iuepxe no
feeling in the Senate. We now discussing tbis
most Important subject with lees than dozen Sesasors
preeent--
Mr. DouoLAs-Dont let the nbiic know that
Mr.. BELL-l want the public 10 know h. Iwsm Il
to reach the public every where. want them " hnos
1t. There one two, three foer five, ak, scysn-
lcounting the members present.
Mr. MORRIS lintsrruPtingl-Ob, there are Others IN
Mr.. BsLL-I do not know who may be iu tho ante
rooms; but l would like 70 Know where my q Giend
from keutueky il
Mr.. UNDERWOOD coming out from bcb nd tho Vice.
Presidents charl-Here l 80. listening vsy ss.en-
lively; have heard every w0sd.
MI BkLL-hr President, i can teu you thin about
the gentleman from Kentucky. II there s man OF
noble heart here, he Is one; and woodered uat be
should be absent know there are geni lomon here.
Of heart aud soul aud principle I can estimate men
for my attention has been directed 10 those things for
many years. So help me Cod when I came here,
after having been kicked col Of the CabineteeteA,
l might say-whsn came here after some five
years absence, my Wing friends and some upon the
other side Of the Chamber, thought I oniy 6t to
attend 10 Indian Afuiss But I do nos inteod ~ -
into these things now; will waive al that for re.
gsrded such thngs ss tnsrs traes. light IS air. But
notwithstanding had my feelings and could not bat
be sensible Of their treatment OF have never
alluded TO these things before have rever sought
those members to make any complaint. Bot thi, may
be the last time that may address the Senate
perhaps it is and perhaps it Is not-I am Of such
nature that it Is immaterL 20 mo whether ever do
again or not andI will say this that I know how 10
estimate men, and ! have my feelings. Men
that have been associated with in Egh ?osi-
tions-men from whom l expected different things
yes, Sir, these men could only say of me
T" He understands Indian AHairs" [repeaiing il,
with intense scorn. He understands Indian affsirs
thank God, Mr.. President that can make these re.
marks now, and with truth, too without any unchrs-
tian feeling, and without any undue excitement.
can appreciate, can suffer- and can endure-yes, /
thank Gpd snd nos complsinbut still appreciate. s