The New Orleans Democrat. (New Orleans, La.) 1875-1876, 1876-02-02
Extract From Lamar's Speech on the
the Centennial bill.

Well, sir, / therefore am In favor OF
this measure upon the clear indisputable
ground Of constitutional Jurisdiction,
and have the right to look around and
see what the benefits are which the ex-
ercise Of this established jurisdiction
will produce. do not agree. however,
with the distinguished gentleman from
Maine (Mr. Frye that this Constitution
Of the United States, this charter of our
Union, the rule Of its destiny and the
law of its being, Is an unintelligible
enigma. ] must say that 1t IL q peril
GUS doctrine for gentlemen representing
New England States to advocate upon
this floor tell you the gronnd Of po-
litical power in this country Is shifting.
and day may come when their only
reliance will be upon these constit,i-
tional guarantees.
Mr.. Hoar-The gentleman from Maine
say that this enigma was not in the Con-
stitution. but In reference TO certain in
terpretatlons Of the Constitution given
by gentlemen on this floor. H#
Mr.. Lamar-His expression was that
"the Constitution is an enigma"
Mr. Hoar-He referred to the various
constructions Of the Constitution.
Mr.. Lamar.-Upon the gentleman's
representation, then, OF what he did say.
the gentleman from Maine tMr. Fryei
would have the right to call the Bible an
enigma on account of the various con
structions Of Its inspired oracles.
stitutional guarantees that Now Eng
gland to-day stands In this great power
full government, with but three millions
OF population, possessing ak times as
much positive and affirmative power as
the State Of New York with four mil
lions. Where does she get II? Where.
except by the guarantees OF the consti-
tuition And, sir, II the people of this
country were to rise up In their might
and the States unanimously, saving only
herself, were to demand that Maine
should be stricken from her equal right
OF representation In tho United States,
what would the gentleman from Maine
do but hold up this Constitution, not as
an enigma, but as clear, radiant shield
which should protect the sovereignty Of
his State? Applause. Standing upon
that simple guarantee, she would be
upon IL rock and an earthquake could
not shake her.
An enigma, sirl Are the three con-
stitutional amendments adopted and
ratified by the States OF this Union
enigmas?- amendments which
clothed in the twinkling OF an eye four
millions OfapeOple, whose immemOrial
condition had been that of domestic
servitude, with freedom, with citizen
ship, with suffrage, and with participa
tion In American sovereignty 1t was no
enigma, but a grand, august, imposing
reality. / could go on, sir, with these
illustrations, but l must speak Of some
Of the benefits which result from the
exercise OF this power.
The motive which prompts me Is one
which has been the law Of my career
since have been in Congress. It Is my
desire to see the paciflcation Of these
sections to see my people OF the South
restored to the proud position OF dignity
and equality In this Union to which
under the Constitution they are entitled.
And to do that 1t is necessary that these
Representatives Of the North, and IL not
they then their constituencies, the peo-
pie Of the North, should become satisfied
OF the longing and desire Of our people
to live with them in peace and perpetui-
ty in restored and fraternal Union.
Before that cherished purpose and in
spiration all others with me sink into
insignificance. Applause