Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-04-14
A Maryland Representative In
Congress.

In the debate III the House on Friday,
on the resolution of Mr.. Colfax to expel
from that body Alexander Long, Repre-
sentative of the Second Ohio District, for
the unequivocal avowal of reasonable
sentiments, it will be observed by refer
ence to the proceedings, that Benjamin
q. Harris, representing the Fifth Con-
gressional District Of this State, distin-
guished himself by the unblushing reit-
Grafton of such sentiments. We repeat
pot y o. his language:
g lie had voted against men and money
to carry on the war; he would not con-
tthataour money should be spent by
tyrant. Not 4 man or dollar would he
vute for this Internal war. 1t was the
most stupendous folly that ever disgraced
any people on, the face of Gods earth.
Ii this be treason, make the most of it.
1t was tho right OF . commoner to say lie
would not chtrust the means of Carrying
on the war to king. Who is the va.
power? The South ask you to lea c
them in peace but no, you say you i
bring them into subsection. That is not
done yet, and God Almighty grant that
it never may be. l hope you will never
subjugate the South The President has
proved himself unfit to be entrusted with
The moneyed power"
This was followed by resolution of
Mr.. Washburne. Of Illinois, for the ex-
pulsion of Mr. Harris, the resolution de-
claring that such language was treasona-
bic and in gross contempt Of the House.
/ The yeas on the vote fell short of the
necessary two-thirds, and Mr. SchencS
thercupon introduced the following, which
was carried by majority of seventy .four:
'iesoleed. That Benjamin G. Harris,
Il Representative from the Fifth District
of the State of Maryland, having spoken
words this day in debate manifcstly tend
ing and designed to encourage the exist
ing rebellion and the public enemies OF
this nation, is declared to be an unworthy
member Of this House, and is hereby
severely censured."
Verify, the Fifth District has reason to
be proud of such representative 1t
often happens in the heat and strife of
debate that the disputants are tempted
by torrent of passion into the indul-
gence Of bitter personalities, of fierce in
vective, Of :" wild and whirling words,
which they afterwards regret as heartily
as their auditors did when uttered. But
he words quoted are the language of de-
| liberation Mr. Harris. took the floor,
not in extenuation Of the treason it was
proposed to rebuke, but cooly to endorse
1t to the uttcrmost. Perhaps it is adaI-
ted to the atmosphere, and agreeable to
the feelings Of the voters in St. Mary's.
Blu; the time is coming, nay even now is
we beg leay9 20 assure Mr.. Harris, when
such traitocous conduct will not do for
the latitude or temperature Of Maryland.
| The change of sentiment III our State on
the all-absorbing and important question
Of Slavery will not submit to such insult
and such Misrepresentation. But pro-
badly Mr.. Harris has taken himself at
disadvantage since Wednesdays election
| ard disclosed Ills real sent,ln, nts in a
manner more beneftting his disappoint-
ed frame of mind than consonant with
pol cy. lie has lost the election, lost
his slaves, and lost good temper. But
whether the result of faulty tact, Or of
open bravaco, he has placed himself on
the record. Ifhe prefers to :" damn him
sell to everlasting fame by enrolling his
name among the enemies Of his Govern
mcnt, b. is welcome to the partnership
Of the Bendict Arnolds and the Judas
Iscariots he will find among that God-
forsaker band. We are sorry that the
House did not make martyr" of him
when he sought and solicited the honor,
instead of subjecting him to vote of cen
sure. Surely it would have been better
to have cxiled him to Canada to receive
the embraces of his friend Valandigham
or to Lancaster, to condole with the . Old
Public . FunctionarJ," in order that he
might receive instruction in the art of be-
coming ''scof', a jest. by-word
through the &" wo;ll. - BuAiIaore Amer
| icDu