The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-07-26
EXCITING SCENE I'm THE HOUSE.


DEBATE BETWEEN HICKMAN AND BURNETT.
In the House of Representatives, on the
18th, an exciting debate took place between
JOHN HICKMAN, of Pennsylvania, and BUR-
NETT, who represents the only secession dis
trict in Kentucky. 1t was upon a bill in
creasing the regular army. Mr.. BURNETT
opposed the increase, on the ground that be
would best subserve the interests of the
country, by peaceful solution of the pres-
ent difficulties. We quote from the report:
MIR. Hickman, of Pennsylvania, said: l
am for the largest number of men. If the
rebellion in the Southern States requires
twice five hundred thousand men, l am for
employing them, and eighteen loyal States
will do the same thing We intend that
the Constitution and Union shall be main.
tanned; that treason, assume what shape it
may, and marked by whatever numbers,
shall not destroy either one or the other. l
trust in God the gentleman from Kentucky
does not speak the sentiments OF his own
section, much less those of the entire State.
But whether be does or does not, say
frankly it matters not to those who are en-.
gagged in this work of preserving the Union
and the Constitution, for whatever their &C.
tion may be, the Government will be sus,
tanned and perform its legitimate Offices.
Applause.
The Chairman here said that if the vic.
lations of the rules of the House and its
decorum should be again repeated, be would
order the galleries to be cleared.
Mr.. Hickman resume9. The gentleman
came into this hall for the purpose OF para-
yzing the arm of legitimate power. We
meet him here not only for the purpose of
strengthening that arm, but to teach these
men that they cannot antagonize the gov
eminent which seeks our safety.
Mr.. Burnett here raised the point of or
der that no one has right to question
the motives of any member.
The chairman said the point was we'll
| taken.
MIR. Hickman-Tben will not call into
question the motives of the gentleman, mas
much as be seems to apprehend that my
remarks are directed especially to him.
Suppressed laughter. But repeat, sir,
everything that I have said, l declare my
conviction here now, as l did more than two
years before, that this government will be
sustained, and it is not in the power of
armed rebellion, either in one State or
many States, to destroy the Government
under which we live, and which secures pro-
lection to that gentleman as we'll as it se>
cures it to me. l go, therefore, for the
larger proportion of men and money.
Mr.. Lovejoy, of Illinois, obtained the floor
but surrendered it to Mr.. Burnett, who rose
to reply.
Great interest was manifested in the hall
at the position taken by the two gentlemen,
aud the zest either threw Into their allu-
sioEs to each other.
MIR. Burnett said-The gentleman has
dealt in general sort of attack upon me
for what said with reference to the power
and purposes of the government in regard
to the unfortunate divisions of our country.
Now, let me say to him, and to the House,
that the State which have the honor to
represent in part upon this Aoor-and l
point with pride to her past history, and
to the loyalty she has ever manifested to the
Union and the Constitution-let me say,
once for all, as representative from that
State, that however much my individual
opinion my differ with the opinion and SEN
timent of Kentucky, l am native of that
State, and trust loyal son to her; and
whatever position she may take in this I'M
fortunate crisis of our country, intend to
stand by that position. l am one of that
class of politicians who recognize loyalty to
State above loyalty to The National Gov
eminent. was only discussing the ques-
tion as to the result that may be accom-
plished by the war. And now tell Nor
them gentlemen that do not call in ques-
tion the bravery or gallantry of their men.
have seen their service on the battle fields
of the country. know the vast resources
of the North, the proves of her section ;
but l understand, too, the gallantry and
bravery Of those who are in rebellion against
the government, and l say to the gentle
man now, carry out your picture, carry on
the war, inundate the country with blood,
have your army of five hundred thousand
men iesolate the fields of both Sec
tons, fill their rivulets and streams with
blood, let all the gentleman desires
be accomplished, and [ ask him what
the country will be worth when the victory
is won? Let him tell me what the Govern.
ment will be worth when all is accomplished?
Sir, when the pen of the future historian
comes to write the history Of the times in
which we live, l tell the gentleman that
there will be fearful and terrible account
liability fer some of US to render. The gen.
tleman tells me that this war must be prose>
cuted. So be it. Go on. You have the
power. l am powerless here. prefer
peace to war. And let me remind that
gentleman, that when my venerable COL
league, (Mr. Crittenden,) then member of
the Senate, and other Southern members in
this and in the other half Of Congress, sta
ted their views, and on Bonded knees and
with tears in their eyes, begged you to give
us something that would restore peace and
fraternity to common country, and to stay
the threatening tide OF revolution, all these
appeals were not only resisted with silent
contempt and indignant scorn, but all
| Lee 10 fhnt nnd ronlz