Year: 1860

! frankness and fairness. While the


resolution had been pressed, and there
| had been offensive debate, he had
been arraigned before the country with
his hands tied and his lips sealed.
He had been assailed here, day after
day, in manner without precedent in
party caucuses, State conventions, or
anything else. He had said and he
repeated that his opinions were on
record. Gentlemen said they had ex-
amincd to ascertain what they were,
and it was charged that he had OBJ
jccted to the introduction of bill, but
when the gentleman who introduced
it made satisfactory explanation, he
(Sherman,) withdrew his objection.
The country would take notice that
that was the only accusation against
him.


Mr.. Hindman, Ark.--I charge the
gentleman with having advocated, on
this floor, a proposition to exclude
Slavery from the Territories by Con-
grcssional legislation, and of having
avowed his intention to oppose the ad-
mission of any Slave States into the
Union, and of having branded the Fu-
gitive Slave Law as savage and in
human. | charge him with having
stigmatized Southern Slavery as in
furious and crime.


Mr.. Sherman-In other words, am
charged with being a Republican
this is my offence none other. I
never sought to invade the rights of
the Southern States, nor the rights of
any citizen l have my ideas of Slave
~ in the Territories, and at proper
time am willing to define them I
have made but one speech on the sub
ject in Congress, and that growing
out of an offensive message of Presi-
dent Pierce. They are the opinions
of the body of the Republicans, and
gentlemen may discuss them stand
by my political record. Gentlemen
on the other side, proclaiming me a
traitor by implication, in order to
serve political purpose, have called
on me to show the proof of my inno-
ccncc. They have failed to sustain
their charge. When called upon to
specify, the only thing they could say
was that while sitting at my desk, Il
friend came to me, and authorized
him to use my name to a paper, and
that by this | became traitor, and
would put the torch in the inccndiary's
hand. This is not fair argument. l
repeat if the gentleman from Missouri
desires to know what my sentiments
are as to the cNtrrcts from the book, I
will give them if he will remove what
| consider an insulting menace. 9th
crwisc | never will. 1t is not in my
blood, and this gentleman cannot put
it there. (Applanse


have been patient and forbearing.
| desire to see an organization op-
posed to the Administration. 1t is
our highest duty to investigate and
analyzc the mode in which this Gov
ernment has been administered for
few years past. did not think the
Slavery question would come up this
session. | thought we would have an
examination into the condition of the
Government. But for the unfortunate
affair of Harpcr's Ferry, | do not be-
lieve there would be any feeling on
this subject. No Northern member
came here approving Of the foray Of
John Brown. Every one was willing
to condemn the act of lawlcss violence.
Before we had reached formal ballot
the question was thrust upon us. 1t
has had its effect upon the public
mind. l believe the resolutions are
unjust, offensive and wrong, not only
to Republicans but to our common
constituency. This agitation has
stirred up bad blood. If this obstacle
were removed, believe We can yet go
to work and organize the House, and
administer its power with impartiali.
ty. Whenever my name stands as q
barrier to organization, and my friends
are satisfied they can combine larger
number of votes, either by a majority
or plurality, l will not stand in my
present position one hour-l will cheer
fully retire from the field, and give to
any other gentleman who will accept,
the barren honors of the Speakers
chair. applause.