The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1879-06-13
Hampton in the Senate.

Hampton In the Senate. ~ ,s,s
WASHINGTON, juno 5.--The Senate, by vote
Of yeas % nays 10, took up the bill reported
yesterday by Senator Bayard, from the judici-
AIRY committee, relating to juries and to the re-
peal Of Sections 801, $40 and 62l Of the Revised
Statutes. &Ht> S, - SSN- q
briefly supporting this bill proceeded to speak
upon tho general polticaliss of the session.
He could not claim tolspeak as the leader Of lia
party nor would he try TO shield himself from
the consequences Of his actions behind any par
ty. III the policy supported by him was revo-
lutionary and treasouaHe, he was a revolution
list and traitor. But what policy is before Con-
gress worthy of such chargc2
Continuing, Senator Hampton said; BY NO
vote Of mine will the appropriations necessary
for the efficient maintenance OF the army be re.
fused. 1t Is competent for Congress to declare
under whut limitations and conditions approprt-
ations shall be made. The form in which this
is done regard immaterial. In my judgment
it would have been best to adhere to the general
form, but to secure unanimity shall acquiesce
in the decisions Of the majority but in no event
can consent to aid in disbanding the army or
impairiug its efficiency. Itis the army Of the
South as we'll as Of the North. 1t is the army
of whole country. In its history from the days
of the Revolution I have some reason, by right
civil contest on many bloody fields tested its
valor, and no word or act Of mine shall deprect-
ate its valor,and lesson It's usefulness; but be-
cause so regard il no act Of mine shall tend to
degrade it. will not so legislate that against
it's own honorable instincts and traditions 1t
shall be an instrument of tyranny in the hands
of any factious party, or any unscrupulous Ex-
ecutiye who may desire it. Nor shall assent,
because of any difference of opinion between
the minority and majority to close the courts Of
Justice or embarrass the life Of the Government.
The Constitution has provided means by which
an appeal to the country can be had, and II Is
for the people to decide whether the Presiden-
tial veto has been wisely used to defeat the Will
Of Congress, which represents the majority OF
the people.
Senator Hampton proceeded to say that he
had no intention to embarrass the Administra-
ton, and, although he considered the provisions
Of the bill just. he recognized the difhcult posi-
tion in which the Executive found himself. lie
said that his people remembered that in criti-
cal period Of their history, when any lnlual.
cious action -n0olS constitution Of his duty re-
moved United States troops from Louisiana and
South Carolina, and thus enabled the people TO
restore their local government to those who rep
resented the popular will. For this wise and
patriotic action he was grateful, and while it
would be his duty to oppose the policy of which
the President was the representative, that oppo.
the President into coalition with those who
would madly trample on the rights of the peo-
pie in their struggle to retain power.
Senator Hampton said that his party was de-
nounced for wishing TO restrict Federal use Of
the troops, but men high in the Republican par
~, whose words he quoted, had also pointed
out and Denounced the danger and abuses Of
such use. Ii WAS MT the immediate action Of
the army tha, he feared. but the ultimate effect
of its misuse, and he would oppose any legisla
lion giving the General Government power 10 in
teTfere in any way with elections. Better have
turbulence in one or two great cities tsan milli-
tAry desPosisn IN the whole country. Ii has
been complained thai Confederate officers were
sent here as Legislators. Nearly every man in
the South bore arms, Aad she could hardly be
blamed Ser trusting her interest in peace 10
Those who risked their lives and fortunes for her
IN war. He thought thai IL the North had hon
cred in like manner those who fought her bat
ties, the legislation Of the country would not be
emtitterei by the revival Of sectional hate. If
the North va. sincere in inviting the Southern
States to return 10 the Union, she should be
glad they sent their best and most honored men
TO represent them. The aouth had no apology
to make for the past, and 10 recall that past now
is not in the interest Of that harmony for which
the whole country longs. The South asks TO
have stricken from the statute books laws which
are the product Of distrust rs much as were the
armies and natives. IL you asked, US, said he,
to come back as States, treat US as States. Join
hands with to establish National liberty as un-
derstood by our fathers.
Senator Hampton's address aroused frequent
applause in the galleries.
THE BEHAVIOR OF THE RADICAL LEADERS WHILE
HE SPOKE.
WASHINGTON, June 5.-The event of to-day at
the Capitol was Governor Hanpton's speech
upon the political issues Of the session. As he
has just delivered it, have had no opportunity
Of hearing more than casual expressions Of
opinion in regard to 1t. All Of these, however,
have been of the most complimentary character
the wisdom, moderation and justice of the
views it presented being well calculated to elicit
general and sincere admiration and respect.
Perhaps no better evidence of its worth and
weight could have been afforded than the un.
willing and rude tribute paid by Conkling, and
protracted by him throughout the short time
that the Governor occupied the floor. The sen.
ator from New York may be classod as gentle
man under o liberal construction Of the term
but that he is not q gentleman he loses no op.
rortunity like that presented to-day to assert in
the plainest manner. While Governor Hamp-
ton was speaking, and while every other person
IL The With fagsr In: In:
feeted to be writing 4 letter occasionally 1orv.