The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1864-03-25
1tlis1flIanfous.
g.Ht. ##sa.. From the Washington Globe.
SPEECH OF MR.. BAYARD IN THE
SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES,
ON TUESDAY JANUARY 26.

Mr.. BAYARD. Mr.. President, in the
course of the debate upon the rule adopt
ed yesterday by the Senate, l stated that
the body having exclusive jurisdiction over
the subject, | should hold myself bound
by its action, and that but one alternative
remained if the rule was adopted either
to comply with the decision or relinquish
my seat in the Senate. Subsequent reflec-
ton has convinced me l was partially in
error. Another course is open to SUBJ
NIT to the decision and resign.
The gravest consideration has induced
me to pursue this latter course and in o
brief period my connection with this body,
which has lasted nearly thirteen years, will
cease
l desire to assign the reasons which
control my action. Without any decision
upon the constitutional validity Of the act
OF july 1862, ~all the members Of the
Senate and House to whom it applied be.
longing to the political party'w which
have acted, have voluntarily taken the
oath prescribed by that act, deeming
doubtless, that the constitutional aues-
tions involved were Of less moment, and
the precedent made less dangerous than
they seemed to my mind. l could not
but reflect that this unanimous action of
those with whom l conceded in general
political views, might give cause even to
men unbiased by the perverting influences
of political or personal hostility, who did
not know me personally, to doubt, if
not to believe, that | declined to take the
oath for reasons other than the considera-
ton that, in my judgment, it was dan.
gerous innovation upon fundamental prin-
ciples of the Constitution. -"
AS / believed that the law had been
passed without full discussion, and as d
decision on its validity by the proper tri
bunal had been waived at the special ses-
sion when / was not present, | was con.
tent to leave others to their own action,
and govern mine by my conviction of du.
ty. The decision has now, however, been
judicially made, after hearing my objec-
tions to the act and the oath it imposes,
and that decision, though 10 my belief
dangerous precedent, is obligatory to the
extent of taking the oath, as | have al
ready held the seat for nearly one year
since my reelection. o.
Sir, | admit that / coyet the approba.
ton of the good, the wise, and the refec-
ting, and would not willingly subject my
self to their censure or to reasonable sus-
picion as to my motives of action though
am utterly indifferent to those calumni.
Gus, groundless, and vindictive attacks to
which every man in public life, even in
less excited times, is subjected BY personal
malesolenee or, political hostility. Bat
though / desire such appreciation, I have
never made either opinion or popularity
my standard Of action, but my own sense
Of right and duty and 1 owe respect
TO my own sincere conviction of public du.
ty which will never sacrifice. Many Of
you. are.aware that before civil war com
menced | expressed fully my views as to
the course of action which / thought the
welfare and prosperity of the whole coun-
try required after the secession Of the sew
en- States. Those views differed from the
course pursued subsequently by the Ad-
ninistration, and its caurseawas approved
| by majority Of Congress, and indeed by