Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-02-17
Expulsion of Senator Bright.

speech of Hon. Jesse ID. Bright upon
the sharge OF sISIoyaiIy 70 ...s Uni;
the Freedom OF opinion and speech.
In the Senate Wednesday. the 9Th in
slant, the resolution proposing the expulsion
Of Mr.. BRIGHT being under consideration, he
made the following remarks before the vote was
taken in vindication of his devotion to the Con-
stitutonal Union, to the best interests of the
Government, and against the proposed outrage on
the freedom of speech and the right of voting
according to the dictates of conscience and judg-
ment:
In the personal aspect of the question it would
perhaps be better that should have said weeks
ago what shall say to day; but not anticipating
that the subject would occupy as much time as it
has consumed, or that such importance would be
attached to it, was content to leave it with the
members of the Judiciary Committee. L stated at
the close of the debate Friday lastthat might,
before final vote was taken, offer few remarks
more in the form of a statement of facts than an
argument in my own defence. l realize the truth
of what | believe is generally regarded a max
i'm, that emo man Is wise or safe counsellor in
his own cause" but as there are now three Sena
tors present who were not here tor several days
after this subject had engaged the attention of the
Senate, | think it due 10 them that / should
make brief explanation Of the facts which form
the basis Of this arraignment. / allude to the
honorable Senator from Virginia., Mr.. Willeyl
who has been absent on account of indsposition,
and the honorable Senators from Missouri, lately
admitted.
Further, Mr. President, | wish to make my ac-
acknowledgements to the members of the Commit
tee who 80 unanimously reported against the adOp
ton Of this resolution. even although one of the
number Mr. FOSTER has since given way under
hos
TO bear upon him. | regret this, sir, as much on
his as on my own account. The reasons he has
assigned may be, and doubt are, very
satisfactory to himself but I apprehend they
will not be so 70 the friends of even-handed JUS
tice.
1t is due tG myself to say that do not propose
to appeal to any Senator to support the report of
hecOmmittee No. sir; my main object is TO place
myself right on the page Of history. Ii / can
accomplish this, am content, let the result be
what is may.
confess, sir, that have been amazed at the
party organization exhibited on what has been
so Justly and ably treated as judicial question
by every member OF the Judiciary Committee
who has spoken in favor Of the report. | may
wei Tear my inability to succeed against so for
midi Dle an array of accusers, and such variety
OF accusations | said on a former occasion that
htd | known OF the full proportions Of this or
gn,zei effort to take nv seat from me, and the
meuls 10 be employed 70 effect it-that the charge
of dislOyalty (t0F that is the Only specification IN
the resoluti0n) was to be added to and multiplied
at the viii and pleasure of every speaker-tat
every vote given or opinion expressed not in con-
foTmity with the peculiar views of those who are
my accusers and prosecutors, was 10 be brought
against me as a crime, | might, with the greatest
propriety have asked for counsel; but conscious
that have not said done, written or voted any-
thing inconsistent with the prerogatives of an
American Senator. did not ask it, and do not
regret not h-ving done
shall not attempt 10 shield myself from
the pirtisssn blows leveled at me with such
fury by interposing legal forms and technical
ties Let the light OF day be poured In upon
every act Of my political life proper 20 be inquir
Ell into in this connection, and, as / said ON a
former occasion. 1 repeat now, challenge inves-
tigatiOn
have had hitherto no reason to doubt thar my
political action was approved by the people of the
State of Indiana, for thrice has she h0nored me
by election 70 this body, and on each occasion
with a unanimitg among my political friends, and
BY maj0rIues OF which any man might well feel
proud. Nay. more, sir: the journals of this
body, during nv long service here, contain the
evidence that have shared largely in the conf
dence Of is members and the honors they have
had to cOhfer. do not refer 20 these facts in a
spirit OF egOtism but As afOrding the most point
ed answer that can be given to such Senators
have questioned nv antecedents and sought to
prejudice me in the estimation of my country
men.
/ come now, sir, to the gra1ameR of the Of
Tense charged against me.
On the Ist day OF March, 1861, I wrote the
following letter:
wAsHSorox. March ], 1861.
Ny DEAK Allow 70 Introduce 70 your acquaint-
my friend Thomas B. Lincoln, Of Texas. lie visits
your capital manlY % dispose Of what be regards great
improvement IN firearms recommend him 10 your IA
vOrable Consideration gentleman Of the first respect
ability, and reliable in every respect.
Very truly, yours, JESSE D. BRIGHT.
To bis Excelefcy, JEFFEEsox DAVIS,
President o. the Confederation Of States.
IL becomes important at the threshold of this
inquiry 70 ascertain who Thomas 3. Lincoln is;
whether he IS "a gentleman Of The first respecta-
blity. and res5le in every respect = Gin the han
guage Of the introduction OF il he 6 man of
doubtful eharacterT Would his past life prove
him . be an honest or a dishonest mani Is he
or was he loyal OF disl0yal citizen at the date
Of my letter. and upon what do | or did base
my opinionsf These deem important inauiries.
% be answered before I 60 further, for in giving
such an Endorsement as gave TO Mr. Lincoln,
Am responsible for the truth Of what said.