Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1862-02-27

has, and | sympathlZe with him in his atllc
tions. Would had the power to lift the load
of sorrow that has bowed him and tens of thou
sands of others to the earth Poinl out to me
the road that leads to peace with the restora.
i,on OF the Union, making ours one govern.
ment, with one flag, not a star effaced. aud
will travel it with him as long as there is one
CLEAN of light to guide us. And, Sir, forget
ting and forgiving, | would even consent to
take as travelling companions, the Senator's
from Massachusetts. New Hampshire, and
Pennsylvania, with all their heresies. The
Senator from Tennessee has done one great in
Justice Smaring under blows inflicted by the
conduct of those he called close corporation
when here he points to my association with
them, forgetting. AT the same time, his own
History, facts, and living Witnesses rebel this
absurd and unioundea accusation. The honor
able Senator from Maryland (Mr. Kenncdy)
moved by a sense Of Justice 10 arrive a, the
truth, indicates history in his late speech on
some OF these points. He well rerolects the
apr reals made by himself, myself, and other
Senators, some OF whom ! still see here, TO
Southern Senators to remain in their seats and
give the incoming Administration a trial. The
Senator from Tennessee knows | had no part or
lot in any movement having for its object the
disruption Of this land In replying to the re-
quest of the Senator from Virginia | do not
want TO be considered as seeking votes or any
change of opinions. said on former occa-
sion. my opinions were fixed. In the execution
of details connected with The Administration
of Government affairs have always endeav-
orel to conform my action to the policy OF those
in charge Of The Government. So under this
Administration, when differing from them
have so in u manner | trust. | have been op-
posed to the principle of coercion. | believe,
in the language Of the present Secretary of
State that this Federal System is, of all forms
Of Government, the most unfit'ed for this labor
of coercion Coercion is war and war, in the
language of the late Senator from Illinois (Mr.
Dongas), is disunon. Bnt when hostiliies
commenced against Fort Sumptcr, an entirely
new feature presented itself. This act, followed
by the proclamation of the President, was war.
While my principles in regard to coertion re-
main unchanged. and while doubt whether
the line Of poIi,y Of the last Administration as
well as the present, was The hest with regard to
affairs al Charleston, yet heSarcd not in my
duty to my own Government, which was to
sustain il in all It's eff rts to full enforce ohed
ence to the laws Of the United States, within all
constitutional limits. Mr. President, | have
said all proposed saying on this occasion
yc' | wish to add few words more. | will
inqnire VIII, is it that is asking for my expul
sion My record as public man is before
the country, and particularly before my cnns'.
tueD,s. The party that have 50 often honored
me with scat on rhis floor have lately adiour-
ned one I the largest conventions ever held in
the State. Did they desire my expulsion on
the ground that l was disIoyal, or the groun'l
that was not faithful representative OF thai
grea, army from that State expressed amy such
desire? Have you had any petitions io' my
removal? Barely one. believe. | do not un
ders,and that my constituency are asking my
expulsion, and want that fact understood be-
fore the country that am to he expelled be-
cause of my political antecclcnts. That fact
cannot be Disguised | make no complaint.
do not feel that my personal rights arei'volved
in this controversy, and when this blow cones
as the honorable Senator from New York has
announced it will come, l. Sir, shal wrap my
robes about me and take it. Let it come. |
may fall as The gallant, the brave the chlva'-
richie cassic---the learned Senator from
Massachusetts said might lall-into the bas-
tile. That is matter cannot control.
That is in the hands of those who have the pow
er, If it is their pelsure, il connection wish
this wrong to inhct sill another. Let the
blow come bur. if my own volition continues,
will fall back into the arms Of the people
the ever inst people of Indiana. will ak
them SIR, to viudcaic the truth OF history, by
showing to the world that this partizan blow
levelIed at my head is not mcri'ed.-l roget
that | should have been betrayed into "a word
on this OCCASION 1t has not been done in the
belief Of controlling or Influencing "A vote, but
to give plain narrative of facts, that the I'M
prejudced masses may have the true facts
Of the case, and on them base their jldg
nent
WHAT RESTORATION or THE UNION MEANS