Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-05-24

plaugeI-while the Congressional programme as flr
as 1t has been looks to delay, conditions cd
on the adoption of certain amendments to the Con.
stltutlon. Now, my friends, we must not overlook
the fact that if this difference be adjusted it may
nate results not only to the Southern States but to
all the country. and may not add to the Union
party IN whose interest learn your association has
been orSanized. need not tell you, or those whs
intimately know me- that it is on the continued as
tendency OF the Union party that rely TOR the
peace and happiness Of the country. (ApplauseJ
need not tell you that it was that party in the
field and at the ballot box, saved the nation from he
assaults of armed rebellion. [Applause.1 will only
add IT Is to that party, founded the PRINCIPLES of
the Baltimore platform look to establish
tably, on the basis of justice and constitutional
equality the rights Of all the States Of our common
Let me refer one moment to the difference between
the PRESIDENT and Congress. want to deal frankly
ces are irreconcilabe do not beeve there ia anv
cause OF separation between Congress and the ma.
jority, of Congress. (Appause.l Nay, if am not
President and Congress rapidly, together onthe basis
ofa common platform of action. Applause
Certain it IS. they not as wide apart as at the
opening OF congress. The prominent Senators and
Representatives argued that the nsurgent States by
the act of rebellion had committed suicide and sbould
be treated conquered provinces territories Then
it was argued by some distinguished Congressman
that the public safety imperatively demanded that
thls condition should be imposed upon them all but
these propositions are not now argued by Congress
them debated.
L see III lnls 1acI u steady ara encouraging nd-
vance toward n practical adjustment, and may we
not reasonably hope their concessions were made to
the end OF securing reconciliation satisfactory and
FULL that shall be alike consistent with the dignity
and patriotism, both of the Executive and Congress
Every consideration of patriotism and wisdom fa-
VoTS such result. The work of restoration calls for
every CONCESSION authorized by the Constitution
will not doubt that this concession will be made
and the results of the by which the nation was
preserved will be secured and perpetuated on the
basis of peace and concord between the people of all
sections OF our country
-,
my thanks again for the friendly call, and now bid
you very good night
. The band played another tune, and the Postmaster
General was cheered on retiring
The party next proceeded to the residence of At
toTney General Speed. but that gentleman, although
called for, did not make bis appearance. Several
persons sad he was not at home but was at the Club
The band afterwards played tune before the res
loence OF Secretary Harlan. He also failed to ap-
pear
Hon. Green Clay Smi.h h, who was a prominent ac-
tor IN the serenading demonstration, mounting the
steps, said Mr. Harlan had written n letter to the
Club. which would be read at the Club room. This
ended the proceedings attendant on the serenade.
LETTER FROM SECRETARY HARLAN
Iha letter OF Secretary Harlan is as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, !
WAsHTNGToN, D. G., May %, 1856.
SIE-Several days since ! received note signed by
you as President Of the National Union Club. in
forming me of their intention serenade the Pres-
dent and his Cabinet, on nm evening which you then
named and a note from the Secretary of the organ-
the character of the weather | have to-day re-
celYed third note, signed by the Corresponding
secretary, informing me that the serenade will be
rendered this evening at eight o'clock.
After rendering to and club my thanks for the
compliment of including me- in the number to be thus
honored regret 10 be compelled to add that my en-
gagements renoer it impraccabe for me to be pres-
ent. This circumstance gives less pain, as / am
not conscious Of having done ANYTHING which entities
me to the honor osuch visit; and ftEis proposed cal
is intended, the newspapers assert to furnish the
officials connected with the Executive Department of
pTnn ~.
opinions on political subjects, am inclined to think
1t q pardOnabe egOtiSm for me to suppose nv opin-
ions are iuy known to all who may consider them of
sunS,ent consequence to merit passing notice. as |
frankly proclaimed them from the floor of the Senate
ana from the rostum for ten consecutive years next
preceding the commencement of my services as Sec
retary otthe Interior and have not any time since
wnen occasion required it, failed to express my views
with equal candur.
AS my nolitical affiliations in the mast hove not
oeen doubtful, do rot intend that they shall be so
In the future. have been four times selected to
as representative Of the Republican Union party,
and as member Of that political organization was
appointed to the Office now hold
10 betray the confidence thus reposed in me YouId
be manifestation of ingratitude so seemingly dis
honorable that am sure no Intelligent member of
your organization expects it, Nor can it be eypected
that Will do or say any thing which wonId, in my
opinion, tend to divide or demoraze the great Union
organization until the purposes Of its creation shall
nave heen fuly accomplished.
have the honor to be. very respectfully
our obedient servent,
JAMES HARLAN.
Hon. A. v. Randall President II. L. Club,
Washington, D. G.
ATTORNEY GENERAL SPEEDS LITTER.
The following is Attorney General Speed 5 letter:
ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE
Washington, May 23, 1856.
DR.. !: B. Ferguson. Corresponding Secretary " q.
ST:-Late yesterday afternoon received your no.
tics that | would be serenaded this evening at S
O'Clock. As you have fit to notify me of this in
tended compliment, presume that an address will
be expected. 1t is right therefore, that should say
beforehand that the shortness of the time and press
ing engagements, will not permit me to prepare n
fitting address, and | most respectfully state that
must be excused from speaking on tho occasion.
Your obedient servant, JAMES SPEED