Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-04-14

not DelllR Ill Une DLdue WHch VIC cicCIion
took place. There were many men on both |
sides of the political question in the begin
ming of the war who felt it to be their duty |
to let the Southern people alone for time,
hoping that reason might return to them
by delay. Others said we cannot let them
alone, and to this class belonged the patriots
on both sides. But now, after the question
had been adjudicated, and now when the
people are determined, after three years
have gone by. and when We are emerging
from the night into the daylight of VIC
tory, to throw up the contest would be
treason. ~, 49,.
\, Mr.. Cox replied that he had only asked
an answer to his question, and not an ex-
planation as to what constituted treason
While the gentleman (Garfield) would over
leap the Constitution of his country, he
(Cox) would take 1t for his guide, for there
could be no Union without it. When you
talk of treason, and in the same breath are
willing to overleap and break down the
Constitution, you are the traitor, II there Is
o traitor in this House.
Mr.. Garfield said his colleague (Cox) was
misrepresenting him as to Overlapping the
Constitution" He {Garfcld) would say
once for all that he never uttered such a
sentiment. What he remarked was this:
When asked whether under any circum-
stances he would override the Constitution,
he said this, and this only: That he trusted
the Constitution was ample to put down the
rebellion, and its powers were sufficiently
capacious for that purpose, and, therefore,
there was no need to override the Constitu-
ton; but, il the time ever canle when the
Constitution was not found sufficient, and
he looked upon it as impossible that the
supposition could be true, he would say
that as the American people are greater
than the Constitution, and the nation
mightier than that instrument, we have
sacred right to save the creators of the
Constitution.
Mr.. Cox said that he had been informed
by gentlemen around him that his colleague
did not state the question yesterday as he
stated it to-day. The gentleman (Garfield)
was reported in the Chronicle as saying he
would resort to "any element of destruc-
tion, and fling the Constitution to the
Winds" rather than lose his country. There
was nothing here said about any impossi-
bility in the future.
Mr.. Cox next quoted from Senator Wade
to show that that gentleman favored sepa-
ration of the States.
Mr.. Garfield read the opinion of Thomas
Jefferson to show that the 'law of necessity"
might be- resorted to for the purpose OF
saving the country when all other means
had failed.
Mr.. Cox said that placed the gentleman
(Garfeld) in the campaign with Mr.. Long.
Mr.. Cox then said that Horace Greeley,
in March, 1861, declared that if the Cotton
States chose to form an independent nation
they had the right to do so. He (Cox) would
ask the gentleman (Garfield) whether he
agreed with Horace Greeley.
Mr.. Garfield said that he had not the
pleasure of hearing the extract read.
Mr.. CoX-My colleague is obtuse when
anything is said on this side OF the House,
but is willing to listen to anything that
may be said when 1t is not on our side. The
declaration of Horace Greeley is to the tol-
lowing effect:
ave have repeatedly said, and once more
announce, that the great principles embod-
led by Jefferson in the declaration that
governments derive their Just powers from
the consent Of the people, are sound and
just, and if the Cotton or Gulf States chose
to form an independent nation they have
the right to do So"
Mr.. Garfield said that he would answer
after his colleague had finished his speech.
Mr.. Cox.-YOu all swear by the Tribune,
but are SO very sensitive when the Demo-
Gratis look in the same direction. He need
not ask his colleague (Gariield) whether he
voted for Mr.. Lincoln as President. In
! 1S4S a speech of Mr.. Lincoln's was printed
expressly for circulation, i'm which 1t was
said that the people have right to rise and
shake of the existing Government, and
| that any portion of people can revolu-
| tionize and set up their independence. He
then alluded to the Speaker as descending
from his high position to the floor and NOV
| ing to expel a member of this House.
Was he (GarfieldD or not in favor of the
doctrine announced by President Lincoln?
| You will, continued Mr.. Cox, lose no dig
nifty by answering the question. We will
look upon you with pride and pleasure II
Mr.. Coliax said-In reply to the personal
remarks Of the gentleman, (Cox,) i would
say, when appear on the floor, do not
descend from high position. j speak for
| nv constituents, and thatis the highest man
can hold. am the representative OF $4,000
voters. ILIl-r feIf
Mr.. Cox said he did not speak of the gen.
tleman's (Colfax's) personal character. He
admired him too much for his fairness. He
never heard word, of reproach against
him. But when the Speaker of the House
comes down to the floor to engineer a reso-
luton throughs he ought to take the conse-
quences.
Mr.. Colfax-I will do it. III ~
ME- OOA WOulu say III IOpiy w UiO tidtooi- :
ous sentiments of Mr.. Lincoln, thathe (Cox)
was opposed to secession and revolution, ex-
cepting in pursuance of the Constitution
This was the position Of gentlemen on his
side of the House. But Mr.. Lincoln was
elevated to the Presidency by a lawless par
ty who knew that he (Lincoln) was in ia
vor of revolution and secession, and was an
advocate of any party setting up for them
selves when they chose to do SC. He (C0X)
never agreed to the policy of his former col
league, Mr.. Vallandigham, because he
thought 1t impracticable. w
Mr.. Cox then read an extract from a
speech lately made by Mr.. Julian, of Indi-
ana, to show that he (Julian) entertained a
similar revolutionary idea to that OF Mr..
Lincoln. Why did not some one move to
| expel him (Julian) for that. Are you, Mr..
Cox said to Mr.. Julian, In favor of "break-
ing down the Constitution to save the coun-
try?" ese.s Ls..-
Mr.. Julian replied that he had explicitly
stated that he saw no necessity for tread
ing down the Constitution to suppress tile
rebellion. Al. ss,y-.-5
Mr.. Cox-If necessity existed would
you be in favor of5it? q. 5416S
Mr.. Julian--If necessary to save the
country, would blast the power of the
rebellion forever by the strong hand Of
war. nesi ut AitfH
Mr.. Cox, continuing, said that he regard
| ~ IN, fha Cnncfittr-