New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1862-03-07
s p e E G. III
OF THE
HON. J, D. BRIGHT,
OF INDIANA,
ON THE RESOLUTION PROPOSED Fol
HIS EXPULSION.

| VI LIN DlANA,
ON THE RESOLUTION PROPOSED Fol
HIS EXPULSION.
Delivered in the Senate of the q. g., Feb s., 1862.
Mr.. BRIGHT. If no other Senator wish
cs to address the Senate, have few remarks
| to make before the vote is taken.
| In the personal aspect Of this question i
would perhaps have been better that should
have said weeks ago what propose to say to
day but not anticipating that this subject
would occupy as much time as it has. or thai
such Importance would be attached to il,
was content to leave it with the members ot
the Judiciary Committee. stated at the
close ofthe debate on Friday last that might
before Il final vote was taken, offer lew re.
marks more in the form of statement Of
facts tkaa an argument in my own defense
| realize the truth of what believe is gener-
ally regarded as a maxim, 'that no man is
wise or safe counselor in his own cause -
but rs there are now three Senators present
that were not for several days after this sub
iect had engaged the attention of the Senate,
think it due to them that should make Il
brief explanation of the facts which form the
basis Of this arraignment. alIude to the
honorable Senator from Virginia. Mr.. WILL
LEY, who has been absent on account of in
disposition. and the honorable Senators from
Missouri lately admitted.
Further MIR President, | wish to make
my owledgmcnts to the members of the
committee who so unanimously reported
against the adoption Of this resolution, even
although one of the nuGber Mr.. FOSTER. |
has since given way under the unprecedented
thokh ho 1ppu tr, hna p
upon him. Ircgret this, sir, as muck on his
as my own account. The reasons he has as
signed may be, and no doubt are, very sati@-
factory to himsef but apprehcnd they will
not be SO to the friends of even-handed JUS
tice anywhere.
1t is due to myself to say that do not pro-
pose to appeal to any Senator to support the
report of the committee. No, sir my main
ohiect is to place myself right on the page of
history IF can accomplish this, | am con-
tent. let the result be what it may.
confess sir. that have been amazed at
the party o, ganzation exhibited on what has
been so justly and ably treated as iudlcia
question by every member of the judiciary
{omnsittee who has spoken in favor ofthe re.
port | may we'll fcar NY inability to succeed
against so formidable an array OF accn>ers.
ard such variety Of accusations. sad, on
a former occasion that had known OF the
f,l proportions Of this organized effort to take
nay seat from me- and the means to be en-
ployed to effect it-that every vote given or
opinion EXPRESSED by me in all time past not
in conformity with the peculiar v'ews OF those
who are my accusers and prosecutors, was to
be brought against me as crime | might
with the greatest of prspriety have asked tor
counsel but conscious that have not said,
done, written. or voted anything inconsistent
xith the ., ,erogatives of an American Sena-
tor did not ask it. and do not regret hav-
ing done 80.
/ shall not attemnt to shield mvself from
the partisan blows Ieve.ed at me with such
fury, by interposing legal forms and technic-
alities. Let the light efdav he poured in up
on every act of my political life proper to be
inquired into in this connection, and, as
said on former occasion, l repeat now, |
challenge investigation.
have had hitherto no reason to doubt that
my political action was approved by the peo-
pie of Indiana, for thrice has she hsnored me
by election to this body, and on each occa-
ton with unanimitv among my political
friends, and by maiorities, of which any man
might we'll feel proud Nay, more, sir the
Journals of this body. during my long service
here, contain the evidence that have shared
largely in the confidence of its members and
the honors they have had to confer. | do not
refer to these facts in spirit of egotism, but
as ahordng the most pointed answer that can
be given to such Senators as have questioned
my antecedents, and sought to prejudice me
in the estimation of my countrymen.
I fo tbo nf ho
ofiense charged against me
On the first day of March, 1861, wrote
the following letter
Washington. March 1st. 1861.
My DEAR SIR Allow me to introduce to
coin of Texas He visits vour capital main.
ly to dispose of what he regards great 'm-
proyement in firearms recommend bim to
ycnr favorable consideration as a gentleman
Of the first responsibility, and reliable in cv.
cry respect
Very truly. YOURS
JESSE d. BRIGHT.
To his Excellenev
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
President Of the Confederate States
It becomes important. at the threshold OF
this inquiry, to ascertain who Thomas Z
Lincoln IS wne1ner ne Is "a gentleman or Cne
first responsibility, and reliable in every re-
spect" lin the language of the introduction
or is he man Of doubtful character Would
his past life prove him to be an honest or dis
honest man? Is he Or was he a loyal or dis
loyal citizen at the date Of my letter. and up
on what do or did base my opinions
These deem important inquiries, to be an
swercd before 60 further for in giving suct
an Endorsement as gave to Mr.. Lincoln,
am responsible for the truth ofw what said.
My acquaintance with Mr.. Lincoln corn
menced about the year 1887. He removed
from the city of Philadelphia to Madison, In
diana, where then resided. and was prac
tcing my profession. Mr.. Lincoln was botf
| a Wholesale and retail merchant. and did {
| very extensive business. During his residenc'
at the place last mentioned, which was be
tween three or four years, generally attend
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