The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-01-16
senator wade,s Speech at Memphis.

SCudtOI w duC . SPCCCh oG IuCnARu1Ss
The Memphis Commercialan Argus pub
fishes the following report of the speech de-
iyered by Senator Wade at the banquet
given to the Congressional excursionists in
that city on Wednesday, the 26th ult, in re-
spouse to the toast, "The Congress of the
United States" fAE
Mr. PRESIDENT, LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN:
When l started upon this excursion it was
thoroughly understood by me and all who
are associated with me that no speeches
were to be made. Wepledged ourselves that
we would make none We did not believe
that this Southern climate was ready for the
discussion of this topic My purpose was, in
visiting this part of the country, to explore,
as fas as it might be done in an excursion of
this kind this vast region which lies between
the Potomac and the Gulfof Mexico. Inev-
er had been over it, and was anxious to see
little of the outlines. of this country, as to
its climate, and its capabilities. 1t is true
that such an excursion gave but little oppOr-
tunity for such examination.
Iexpect to do but little in the way of
politics. You have complimented by your
toast the Congress of the United States, of
which lam an humble member and it would
be ungrateful In me if 1 did not return in
their behalf my sincere thanks to you for
the uniform hospitality we have received on
this excursion. We have not passed city,
scarcely hamlet, but what the people have
turned out, and by their boundless hospi
tality made us their guests. am not one
of those who deal in this as a pure matter of
sentiment, for it is frequently superinduced
by good living and passes off with it
Laughter. Yet 1 would rather say
something, if I must speak, that will test
the sincerity of us all. l know what you
want You want to know what the temper
and disposition of Congress is. Applause
You want to know something of the minds
of the people of the North, whom they rep
resent. and therefore suppose it is that you
have called me out, as member of that body,
to give my views. 1t is true am not author
lied to speak for Congress or for the people
of the United States. L am only one mem
Der of that body, / have no new doctrine
to preach. Sir, my principles are the same
in any latitude; if you will have me speak l
willspeak precisely as in Cincinnati, or any
other city, [Avoice: "Thats right" You
are anxious to know what that great body,
having the destinies of this nation, intends
to do. The power of this nation rightfully
belongs, first to the people; secondly, to Con-
gress as their immediate Representatives If
there is anything the founders of our Gov
crnment wanted to escape from, it was the
despotism Of the one-man power, and there
fore they assigned the legislative powers of
this Government, anil the power to fix its po-
licies, in the Congress of the United States,
and nowhere else. :; Applause
Now let me say that do know that the
great body of which am an humble mem
Der have no resentments tow ard the people
of any portion of this country-none at all
Applause. They will indulge in no vim
dictive legislation. They will be guided by
their sense of security and justice-nothing
else. There never was Congress selected
since the Constitution was framed in this
country with more definite purpose, and
more thoroughly understood by the people
who have approved of all their acts, and
they have commenced upon the principle of
this present session. and they will take no
step backward. This sentiment will not be
cheered here. Nevertheless, truth is truth
let every man understand it, Applause
say to you, might speak many pleas
ant things in our ears, and I would be
cheered as 1 went along, but should leave
| you with the impression, perhaps, that
| had made a false impression upon your
mind. I never have deceived mortal man
and never will Applause. l tell you
| Congress- did get up certain stated princi
| Piles at the last session with great, unusual
deliberation; that they were careful in ey
cry word and letter that bespoke the senti
ment. They appealed from the enuncia
/ ton of that sentiment to the people for theil
approval or disapproval, and the people
with one united voice, have come up ant
said that what we have done is right. Isay
to you there is no hope that Congress viii
recide one inch from what they have don't
This I say to you not for the purpose O
string up your passions, because if it mus
be SO. as fair antagonists, we will not de
ceive you in anything. We think, sirs, wha
we did last winter was right; you have mo-
asked the question. / do not speak of tn
people of Tennessee, who are entirely out q
this controversy. They have joined theil
fortunes to the old Government; l know
that they will never recede from it. There
are other States that without consideration
have thrswn the doings of Congress to tn
winds; are they calculating to make any
4 other terms2 You have not called on rs TO
other terms, but thrown them aside as utter
ly worthless And, in my Judgment, sirs
while i assure you that every man in tn
North is anxious for this Union as any maj
can possibly be, we regret as much as 20
can possibly regret circumstances which 70
a time suspended our relations. We ardent
1 1v hnna H., n