Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1861-02-16


[ seek no inclined plane to change my
position. I proclaim to the world that
| am utterly opposed to the policy of
sending oat commits sioners, and only
vote for the resolution rs amended, that
that the country might not suffer in
case it should be necessary to have
this State represented
I wish to have it distinctly under
stood that [ do not believe in the dough-
face policy Of Jas. Buchanan; [ do not
believe in carrying out the programme
made by him. lie has yielded every
thing that has been demanded, attempt
ed by turns to smile and weep down
treason, until now the traitors have al
most got possession Of our National
Capital, and openly lid defiance to the
Federal authorities. Before the trail
tors strike the last threatened blow,
they propose a conference. For one I
do not believe i'll associating with trai-
tors or compromising with treason.
Applause from the lobby and Kisses
from democratic sidc.)
Senator Pl1ILLIPs asked if Virginia
has acted the part Of a traitor in the
election just held.
Senator BROWNE said she holds out
one hand of encouragement to South
Carolina while with the other she seeks
from the North compromises for the
extension Of slavery. We must let
them know we have iron here, and while
we Will protect them in all their rights.
we Will do oul work with fidelity and
firm ness. An undecided, wavcrinc
course hasbeen pursued long enough.
and too long for the good Of ourcountry.
Shall we dignity treason by negotiation,
and honor traitors with the power and
character Of ambassadors Shall we
acknowledge to ourselves and publish
to the world that we are Obliged to
purchase the Inauguration Of Presi-
dent elected in a legal, constitutional
way? In what light will the nations
Of the old world regard us-if our Gov
eminent car at any time be DESTROYED
by acts Of tie minority? Sir, the dis
solution of this Union would be i great
calamity, but uoj tie greatest. We can
purchase the Union at to great price:
he who would preserve it by total
and complete abandonment of princi
pie, IS more Of a c0acurd than the pat
riot. FIVE cOncc1e now all the South
clalnl-tO-m0rrOW We may be called
upon to concode again, or the same al
tentative will be presented, until final
" this government will become Il mere
cats-paW to the slave power, q bye-word
and reproach to civilized nat;ons.-
We have arrived at point where we
must stop, ana If in the Providence Of
God the time has come to test the
strength Of the Federal Union and oar
love fol- it, let us meet the matter as
becomes men and patriots; do our
duty; do right, and leave the result in
His hands who controls the destines
Of nations and of men. If the South
has the right to and can at any time
seccd", then this government is not
government Of the people, but mere
voluntary compact OF the States, to be
dissolved at pleasure This matter
must some day be settled. And if we
make concessions to the South, it may
postpone the trial, until they think
proper to resume their present attitude.
and then more concessions must be
made or the trial must come. If this
shall come and this government fail,
then this Union, which we have been
taught to love from carly infancy, is a
myth,an 5g22uS .fdt"S, not worth the
parchment on which its Constitution is
written. But some of the gentlemen
have told us, we will not make conces,
sions. Then [ submit it it will not
hasten the events they hope to delay.
If we deny specific PROPOSITIONS, the
South will have snmething more tangi-
BE with which tosc0mbat us and enrage
her people against US, than the mere
act OF clecting a President in a Cunsti- !
tutlonal way. Unless zoe ore prepared
to concede, better not be represented. |
\ ct, Notwithstanding these views, as
some think good might be accomplish |
ed, I am willing to leave it to our
staunch Republican members of Con-
gress to represent us, ''if in their opin-
ion the public exigencies require it -
and who are better qualified to Judge |
than they?
Mr.. President, we hear much said
about ''thc partizan being lost in the |
patriot" Sir, when [ have advocated |
Republican principles before the peo-
pie, | was simple enough to believe
that | was advocating the principles of
the patriot. [ believed that the sue
cess of our principles would promote
the prosperity and happiness of the
country. | believe so nor, and shall
continue to advocate these principles
I'LL am convinced they are wrong
The people can only act through the
dominant political party. 1t is the
medium through which the govern
ment is carried on. And I believe as
mnch as I believe in MY OWN o.