Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-02-07
senator gohnson's speech.

toned loyalty and craftsmanship has so
long been the theme of remark and admi-
ration, throughout all the loyal portion of
our country. The debate was on the reso-
luton expelling Mr.. Bright, of Indiana,
and took place one day last week, as fol-
lows:-
The case of Mr. Bright was taken up.
Mr.. McDOUGAL (Un..) Cal.) pro-
cecded 10 speak at. length on the subject
He said we were at war, and had been at
war; at least in opinion, since 1882. There
had been q continual organized war against
the principles Of constitutional government
He contended that a regular plan had ex-
listed to bring about Secession. 1t was well
known to the Democrats, and known to him
/ lMcDougaD. As Democrat, the Senator
from Indiana must have known the fact of
war being so long planned 1t was actual
ly inaugurated before the letter was written
TO Davis, and he (McDougal) could con-
slider that letter in no other light than an
act of treason. A Senator of the United
States, who, knowing all the facts, could
write such letter was not fit TO remain in
the councils of the nation. Treason is the
highest of all crimes, and ought to receive
severe punishment.
Mr.. FESSENDEN REP, :'e) here
made report from the Committee Of Con-
ference on the Civil and Diplomatic APP
preparation BILL which was concurred in.
So the bill stands passed.
Tie consi leration of the case of Mr.
| Bright was resumed.
Mr.. JOHNSON (Un., Tenn.) said he
wished to say first, that he had no unkind
feeling toward the Senator from Indiana.
So Ear as he (Johnson) knew there was no
such feeling against him [Bright), and his
action and vote would be Influenced entire
| ly by public considerations. On former
occasion, when there was a contest about
the Senator's seat, he (Johnson) felt con-
strained to vote TO let him into the Senate,
but he had to avow that before his term
was out he felt compelled to vote to expel
him from the Senate. He (JohnsonI con-
tended that the Senate had perfect right
to expel any Senator if it was thought that
he was not fit 10 remain in the councils of
the nation. The question is, do the people
of the United States feel confidence in the
loyalty of the Senator from Indiana? He
(.Iohuson) had often heard tie inquiry
among people, why does the Senate not
turn out Mr.. Bright of Indiana? Mr..
johnson then referred to the charge Of
Judge Smalley Of New York and the acts
of the rebels, as proof of actual
war. The Senator from Indiana must have
known the fact, yet the Senator wrote a
letter TO Jeff. Davis. Mr.. johnson com.
mented on the letter and its contents and
claimed that the Senator had committed ar
overt act Of treason by aiding the enemy
| The Senate was not subject to the techni
cal rules of Court. Suppose that Aaror
Burr, after he had been acquitted by The
Court of treason, had returned to the Sen,
ate, would not every Senator have voted
| for his expulsion? But it had been sac
this letter was a mere act of friendship
Would friend of the Government have
sent letter to known traitor giving the
aid of improved firearms The Senator
from Indiana was regardless of the conn
, try's interest and not entitled to seat ir
the Senate. Was there vote or a speech
of the Senator expressing sympathy with
year ago he (Iohnson) stood alone on thai
side of the Chamber, fighting the battle o.
the Union, has the Senator forgotten the
bevy of conspiraiors gathered around hin
with scowls, frowns and taunts? If the
Senate has he ('ohnson) has not. Was
there one glance of approval from the Sen
ator from Indiana He (Johnson) woulC
have been glad Of the sympathy of one VIII.
had BEEN so long in the public service, bu
r the Senator was as cold as an iceberg, ant
he (Johnson) was left alone on that side o
the Chamber, with the me strictly draw
e between those fighting for the Union ant
: those against it. No longer ago than tn,
, last session of Congress there were thos,
here who sang the syren songs of peace
Where are Polk and Breckenridge Con,
TO the rebel camp. He (Johnson) believed
t that there were traitors here now on the
: same road, and how long it would be befor,
'L~s- -~--ll i>-.1 -: .l.-..--i,---s, s.-.,r r, T.,
(Johnson) could not tell. The Senator from
Indiana has said that he was opposed {,
the whole coercive policy of the Govern
: ment. If the Government has not powe
10 enforce its laws then i is at an end
: Suppose that he should 20 to the Senate
7 and ask him to assist him (Johnsou) in put
!, ting down the invasion of his State. TN
!, Senator would reply to him, am oppose,
: to the whole cocrcive policy of the Gov
! eTnment' Such principles would uterl,
: destroy the Government. What is the US
of his protesting to be for the Government
when every act and all his influence j
against it The people of his (Johnson's
! State down-trodden and oppressed beneat
the heel of tyranny, appeal for protection
and are met with the cold reply, " am OF
= posed to the whole coercive policy of IN
Government" Yet the Senator would a
'e low brave people 10 be coerced by tyrann,
: and had no sympathy or helping hand f.
is them. They are in dungeons, but Their
!. are no answers to their appeals but III
: eanking Of the chain and the grating I
p the dungeon-door. They are sho, and hun.
:; and women and children murdered. We, thei
d, cry for protection is met by the Senator
=, reply. The Government cannot en,orc
the laws--l am opposed TO thelwhole polio
OF coercion But the Senator from Ne,
1t Jersey claims that the Letter or Mr.. Briol
Of was never delivered to jeff Davis. so
re the days OF the Revolution Benedict Arnol
: gave certain papers TO Andre, but Andr
was arrested and the papers taken ava,
" and Andre was tried and hung. Does ANY
&c body suppose that Arnold was m, t, ,-,;,-