The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-04-25
NO. 3
T. Patriotic Speech.

On the 18th inst, Senator Dennis, of Nd,
presented in the us. Senate,'the resolutions
of Montgomery Blair, proposing to open the
question of the Presidents title. The reso.
luton had been passed by the Legislature,
and Mr.. Dennis considered it his represent
tative duty to recognize that action by laying
before the Senate, formally, the official paper
forwarded from the Legislature of his State.
In doing so, he availed himself of the occa.
sion to make the following eloquent and pa
triotic speech, which reflects as much credit
upon his head and heart, as any sentiment
ever uttered in that august body Of which he
is a member, and we may say, upon which
he reflects honor:
MR.. PRESIDENT If the Senate will bear with
me moment, will explain my relation to this
resolution. There no instructions coming.to
me from the Legislature CT my State in regard to
it, and am opposed to it. shall act with good
faith. voted for the appointment Of the Electo-
raj Commission, and will stand by the decision
of that commission. feel in honor bound to
support it. 1 feel that were to do otherwise
should be unworthy as member of the Senate
to seat upon this floor Moreover, I am sure
that while reason holds her sway over the minds
of our people, any attempt to reverse the decis-
ion Of that commission will not succeed. do =
not consider this Senate suitable arena for the
GAcrClSo Vi SuCu power as Tile JOluG reSOluClOu
which has been read, would propose. Our people
desire peace. We have had enough disturbance
through this land. No man within the confines
of my State desires to witness renewal of such
scenes as have been enacted within the last four
teen or fifteen years. No one can desire to see
brothers weltering in brothers gore. We want
unity, peace and concord, and never, while hold
a position on this floor. shall there be an act Of
mine, the effect OF which would be otherwisethan
to contribute and aid in bringing about fraternaI
accord between every section of our country. Sir,
we one people, identified and bound together
by all the ties OF relationship, and by every tie
that can bind man to his fellow man. Let those
who died in that sanguinary strife rest in peace
until the day of final resurrection, when the arch
angle shall assemble the uncOunted millions by
the sound of his trumpet, and call upon the sea
are united in all and every respect. We are bound
by bands OF iron, and, may say, by network of
nerves in a telegraph so arranged that when you
touch one point you touch the whole. Sir, to the
Pacific ocean have sent one of my children, who
is as dear to me as my own hearts blood. u His
destiny is fixed with those people in that grow
ing, rich and populous section. While he so
ic, 1, in the MONDAY sunshine almost. am here,
and Shall labor to do whatever can to promote
the interest OF that section, in which his future
destiny is fixed, and of every section Of our COM
mon country. In the presentation of these reso-
buttons, have performed a duty which respect
for the legislature of my State demands. But,
believing that the interests o; every section OF
made by the electoral commission, feel coH.
strained to state that I shall deem it incum-
bent upon me to oppose any action by this
body in furtherance of the intent OF the resolu-
lions. ask that the joint resolution be referred
to the Committee on the judiciary.