Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-01-13

SOUTHERN STATESMAN - LuciuS
QuintuS Cincinnatus Lamar, once
rabid SeceSSioniSt, tried hard to soften
post Civil War animoSitieS. - Photo
From Library of Congress.
possibly wrongly-that the only sound
position was in support of sound money.
On January "a. 1873. in a courageous and
learned address-hiS first major speech on
the Senate floor-Lamar rejected the pleas
of Mississippi voters and assailed elaborate
rationalizations behind the two silver measures
as artificial and exaggerated.
Praise for Senator Lamar'S mastery and
statesmanlike analysis of the issue emanated
from many parts of the country, but from
Mississippi came little but condemnation.
On January 30, the State Legislature adopted
a memorial emitting all mention Of Lamar
but-in the obvious and deliberate slap
congratulating and thanking his colleague
"a Negro Republican, for rejecting "the
sentiment and will Of his constituents"
The memorial deeply hurt Lamar, but the
Legislature was not through. On February
4. resolution was passed by both Houses
instructing Lamar to vote for the Bland
Silver Bill, and to use his efforts as spokes-
man for Mississippi to secure its passage.
Lamar was deeply troubled. He knew
that the right of binding legislative instruc-
tons had firm roots in the South. But
writing to his wife, he confided II cannot
do it: I had rather quit politics forever"
IF Ca Senator) allows himself to be gov
erned by the opinions Of his friends at home
.. he throws away all the rich results of
previous preparation and study. and simply
becomes a commonplace exponent OF those
popular sentiments which may change in a
few days"
One week later, the Bland Silver Bill
came before the Senate for a final vote AS
the debate neared its end, Lamar rose I'M
expectedly to his feet With apologies to his
colleagues Senator Lamar explained that,
although he had already expressed his views
on the silver BILL he had lone other duty to
perform; a very painful one. but one which
Is nonetheless clear" He then asked that the
Mississippi Legislature resolutions be read.
The clerk droned the express will Of the
Mississippi Legislature that its Senators vote
for the Bland BILL all eyes turned toward
Lamar.
Emotional Address
A massive but lonely figure, Lucus Lamar
spoke in a voice which grew tremuous with
emotion, as his body fairly shook with agita-
ton:
Mr.. President: Between these resolutions
and my convictions there is a great gulf. I
cannot pass 1t upon the youth OF my
State whom 1t has been my privilege to
assist in education I have always endeavored
to impress the belief that truth was better
than falSehood, honesty better than policy,
courage better than coWardice. Today my
lessons confront me. Today I must be true
or false, honest or cunning, faithful or I'M
faithful to my people. Even in this hour
Of their legislative displeasure and disap-
proval, I cannot vote as these resolutions
direct
MY reasons for my vote shall be given
to my people. Then it will be for them to
determine if adherence to my honest con-
victions has disqualified me from representing
them :. armed with honest convictions Of
my duty, I shall calmly await the results.
believing in the uttterance of a great American
that truth is omnipotent, and public justice
certain"
Senators on both sides of the bill i'm
mediately crowded about his desk to COM
mend his courage. Lamar knew that his
speech and vote could not prevent passage
OF the Bland bill by a tremendous margin
Yet his intentional and stunnngly courageous
disobedience to the will of his constituents
was not wholly in vain. Throughout the
North the speech was highly praised Dis
trust toward the South. and suspicion of
dGllIuuc lOWdTu IHe national QeDt and
national credit, diminished
The assault upon the Senator in Mis-
sisSippi was instantaneous and vigorous. He
had turned his back on his people and his
section His old friend Jefferson Davis hurt
him deeply by publicly. condemning Lamars
disregard of the Legislatures instructions as
an attack upon 1.-THE foundation of our politi-
cal system"
Defended Davis Pension
1t is Illuminating to note that a few DAYS
later, when Senator Hoar sought to deny
Davis the Mexican War pension to which he
was by law entitled, it was Lamar who spoke
for the Confederate leader in a memorable
and dramatic defense Lamar loved Mis-
sisslppi, and its criticism depressed him deeply
The people of Mississippi continued their
support of him, in spite of the fact that
Lamar had stood against their immediate
wishes. The voters continued to give him
their support and affection throughout the
remainder of his political life. He was re-
elected to the Senate by an overwhelming
majority later to become chairman of the
Senate Democratic caucus, then Secretary of
the Interior and finally Justice of the
Supreme Court Of the United States. At no
time did he, who has properly been termed
the most gifted statesman given by the
South to the Nation from the close of the
Civil War to the turn of the century, ever
veer from the deep conviction he had ex-
pressed while under bitter attack in 1878:
THE liberty Of this country and its great
interests will never be secure If its public men
become mere menials to do the biddings of
their constituents instead of being representa-
tives In the true sense of the word, looking
to the lasting prosperity and future interests
Of the whole country"
Monday: George hOris-"l have come home to
knl L..