The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-02-02
SPEECH OF SENATOR FEssENDEN.

Last week there was u regular debate in the
Senate on tho frocdmen's Bureau bill, which
WIS opened by Mr.. Salisbury Of Delaware.
The debate was important only by aspecch from
Mr.. Fesscndcu, which has justly been called
fslicitous speech Of much ability. We give au
abstract below. After paying his respects to
tho position Of the Delaware Senator, Mr.. FeS
sendcn said:
Now, sir, let us look for n single instant upon
the condition in which we find ourselves. We
are ut the close of great war, and war that
was brought upon US by the Democratic party
The great mass Of the Democratic party. the
leading portion Of 1t. was the Southern portion
I do hot say that all the Democrats were in favor
Of the war. l Acknowledge that . very great
portion Of them have proved themselves to be
good and true patriots, good and true patriots
aud rs good friends to their country as any set
Of men, but do say that the support which the
Democratic party gave to the South, In all its
measures Of aggression. was degree Of encour
sgemeut without which do not believe the war
ever would have occurred. That has been my
opinion always, and have no hesitation in ex-
pressing 10 now.
IL the war Was brought upon US by the South.
and a result has followed which may be affecting
to them for series of years, even IN the matter
OF money appropriations, as well a, In other re
spects, IL Ia not for them to complain. They ini-
tiated Il; they drove US into the necessity which
led 20 il; aud IL the result IL disastrous aud con-
tinues to be oppressive, so far necessary mea-
surss are concerned, they have themselves To
thank for u. and cannot complain OF the Con-
greSs Of the United States IL II takes measures 10
set all things right. And IL the gres, Democratic
party, A. q party, by its previous course, is re-
spousible in any degree for II, By way Of eneour.
agement il afforded or otherwise. IL Is not even
for that party as party TO complain Of the mca-
sures which may be found necessary at the pres.
ept time They also have taken the consequences
Of their action TO q certain extent, and think
they ought Tn he silent upon everything which Is
q natural and necessary aud inevitable result Of
the contest for which they, IN degree, we're re-
sponsiblc.
Mr.. Salisbury had said that the course Of the
Republicans would very soon put the Demo
cratic party in possession, which, in passing,
Senator y. noticed:
Permit me To- say, we hear n great many
threats of the disrupti,n Of the Union party; OF
the overthrow we are To experience; Oft good
time that Is coming Tor those who are not having
tie most agreeable time in the world. Well, sir,
perhaps u may come. IL Is not for me to say
that Il will not. Perhaps that the great party
which has the control Of the country at the pres.
ent time will commit such errors that the people
will get tired and wish for change. Nothing is
more natural. The possession Of power for n
long time IL apt to make men careless, IL not COR
rspt, and II Is good thing in q republic that
the people can change. and do see Ht to change,
from time 10 time. their rulers. But let me say
10 that Senator and TO others, that We hope the
party In power now will continue long enough 20
set things right, SO that when there Is q change
there will not be % great q capssity for evil as
there would have been bad ws not remained 10
power 50 long. We win endeavour to strengthen
tho country U We cannot strengthen ourselves.
and that Is all that good patriots ought to ask
We viii do what we can for the public good while
We remain In power, and not DO frightened from
thai oy the idea that our reign Is 10 be short
one. Short or long hope il will be honorable.
Speaking Of the power to pass the bill, and
further on OF the desire to create issues where
should be nothing but unity, the senator pro-
ceeds:
Mr.. President. I WAS about TO say that this bill,
as ii stands, is Intended to meet necessary or an
inevitable result Of the war war initiated by
the South. carried on by them-a contest long,
bitter and exhausting. In the course OF that war
became necessary to take measures to enamel.
pate the slaves. Those measures we're taken they
hsd their effect AMI s consequences, the Con-
satution has now been changed 80 that slavery no
longer exists In this country. A large body OF
men. women, spd children, millions in number,
Who hal received no education. who had been Ia
ooi,ng trom generation TO generation for their
."ue owners Anu masters. able To own nothing,
.oeo@pii.h nothing. are thrown, without pro-
.so.1n, ~ahoa, AID, upon the charities Of tho
Wotu IN communities hostile 10 than In com.
muni,ss which had been in the habit Of looking
upon them not only with dsrision hut With Al, ,he
fselings 81 contempt which Il Is possible one kas
man being can indulge toward another .a a, =.
thcir status Was concerned and 90 Ear as thsy -
concerned and In communities, tor, sns.rsd
outraged, II you please. by the fact that All thes.
men had been freed from their domination Thst
vas necessity arising out Of the contest They
were 20 treed. and found themselves and were
"n that We we're compelled to avail ourselves Of,