The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-02-10
Speech by Hon. James Guthrie
His Course In the United States SEM
ate FOreshadOwed...T COnstitu'
ton and Union First, Last, ana Al.
ways...His Position on the slavery
OuesfiOn,

Hon. JAMES GUTHRIE, Senator elect
from Kentucky, to succeed Hon. LAZARUS
W. POWELL, gave supper to the MEM
beers of the Kentucky Legislature, last
Friday night, at the Capitol House, in
Frankfort. 1t was splendid affair; the
house, supper, and speeches were all cap
ital. In response to toast Mr.. GUTHRIE
defined his position on the slavery question
as follows:
Invent as representative from Ken
lucky to the Peace Convention, and
warned them that this war would prove
the most disastrous that ever took place
1 believe the Union will be restored. I
believe that when we strike down the
arms of the South, We will find there
many true friends. have always been a
Union man, for did not think we could
afford to give it up. When 60 to Con-
gress, it will be as the representative of
the Union men of this State. We are
the Union men who saved Kentucky in
her present position. Some thought we
were too slow, and they wanted a conven-
ton; but why should we quarrel? 1t is
to the interest of Kentucky that she stand
by the Union. 1t is to her interest that
we do not separate it. l have no objec-
tons to those Union men. whose patriot
ism and devotion to the Union are above
mine; but when they are of my age,
they may think, as I do, of their duty
to the Constitution and obedience to
the laws. If any man supported me,
thinking would not vote for what is con-
stitutional, he is very much mistaken. 1
always thought l had right to do as l
pleased with my own property, but l new
or believed I possessed the right to take
another mans. If the Constitution and
laws give man servant, / have
no right to take it away. II slavery falls
by the rebellion, let it 60. If under
stand the Union men who have gone to
the field, they are willing that slavery, if
it is necessary for the good of the country,
should 90 down. As your representative,
intend to put down the rebellion by the
use of men and money but I do not in
tend to set the rights property at naught:
ready to help clear away the wreck. Is
it a reproach to Kentucky that she did not
want TO shed brother b God, but called for
peace until she became the laugh of the
whole land2 Serious times are ahead of
US. We have learned that the Constitu-
ton and laws have been trampled upon in
high places-that the rights of property
and persons have been outraged in the
high places, and that robbers through the
land are plundering the people. When l
60 to Congress, will ask for restora-
ton of the reverence for the Constitution,
reverence for law. Idesire that the time
shall come when we all will learn to love
the Constitution more and better l do
not believe that the men in power, who
have been guilty of outrages on property
and persons, will always remain there,
and not one in ten times did they have
the sanction of higher authority. l will
endeavor as far in my power, to recall the
halcyan days of the republic, and show
those in power that the greatest glory
they can acquire is to restore happiness to
the Union. None can love the Union
more than those who supported me. Mr..
Lincoln is better man than many think,
and l believe good will come of this Adj
ministration, but if not, then in four years
We will have an opportunity to remove it.