E NM A R KS OF MK.1SE7. EVERETT, MImssRis. DOUGLAS, M3-RS. HOUSTON, M dASCION,'" BUTLER, " ADAM~S, PET TIT,' SEWVARD, c BADGER. ON TIIE FROM SOME 3,050 CLERGYMEN OF ALL DENOMINATIONS AND SECTS IN THME DITFFERENT STAsTES IN NEW ENGLAhND, REMONSTRATING AGAINST THE PAS'SAGE OF THE NEBRASKA BILL. Si IATE OF THE U NITED STATES, MARCH 14, 1854. W'ASHINGTON, D. C. BUELL & BLANCHARD, PRINTERS. 1854. STEREOTYPED AT TUE BALTIMOIE TYPE AND STEREOTYPE PO7UNDRtY LUCAS BROTHERS, PROPRIETORIS RIGHT OF PETITION. IN SENATE. presented, too, by a denomilrnation of men TTESDA^r, M1arclh 14, 1854. calling themselves preachers of the Gospel. Sir, it has been demonstrated in debate that aIR EVERETT, presented a memorial from there is not a particle of truth in the allegasome three thousand and fifty clergymen of tion of a bre-ach of faith or breach of confiatll denominations and sects in the different dence. It has been demonstrated so clearly, States in New Etgland, remonstrating against that there is no excuse for any mian in the thle passagye of the Nebraslka bill. community for believing it any longer. Yet, The memorial, on the motion of Mr. EvsE- here we find that a large body of preachers, ETT, having been laid upon the table, perhaps three thousand, followin.g the lead Mir. DOUGLAS subsequently rose and said: of a circular, which was issued byv the AholiA memorial has been ordered to lie on the tion confederates in this body, calculated to table, which was presented a few minutes ago deceive and mislead the public, have here by the honorable Senator from Massachusetts, come forward, with an atrocious falsehood [Mr. EVERETT.] I desire to submit a word or and anm atrocious calumny against this Sentwo of comment upon it, and therefore I wish ate, desecrated the pulpit, and prostituted the to have it read. I think it is not respectful sacred desk to the miserable anld corrupting to the Senate. influence of party politics. It ma'tters not The PRESIDENT. The Senator from Illi- whether the dhscription is confined to narrow nois mocves to take up the memorial which limits, or whether it extends to all the clergywas ordered to lie on the table men of New England. It matters nott w-ther The molltion -was agreed to. the misrepresentation has taken a broad scope, Mir. DOUGLAS. I would now like to have or been confined to a few; I hold it as onr the memoriial read. diuty to expose the conduct of men s-ho. unIt was readz, as follows: der the cloak of religion, either friol ignoTo the Ilhoorahle the Sclyte and Ifi Re of Repre- rance or wilful misrepresentation, will avail semtatives, ia Cofiyrele assmebled: themselves of their sacred calling to arraign The undersicned, clergymen of difflbrent reli- the conduct of Senators here in the discharge gious denominations in lNew England, hereby, in of our duties. Sir. I hold that this' Senate is the name of Alnighty God, and in his presence, as capable of judging ^whether our action indo solemnly protest against the passage of what volves moral turpitude, whether it involves is known as the Neblraska bill, or arny repeal or the subversion of morals, whether it suljects modification of the esisting legal prohibitions of us to tle judgment of the Alminhty as are slavery in that part of our national domr ain which. slavery in tht part of o national doain which these political preachers, whose protest proves it is proposed to organize into the territories of them to be without any reliable iniroinatpon Nebraska and Kanzas. We protest against it as a gr eat Inor.l wiong, as a b reach of faith emi- upon the subject. Itis evident, sir, tlhat these nently unjust to the imoral principles of the com- men know not what they are talking about. munity, and subversive of all confidence in na- It is evident that they ought to be rebuked, tional engagemlents; as a, mieasure ffll of danger and required to confine themselves to their to tle peace and eaen the existence of our beloved vocation, instead of neglecting their flocks, Union, and exposing us to tle righteous judgmenfs and bringing our holy religion inlto disrepute of the Almsighty: andl your protestants, as in duty by violating its sacred principles, and disrebound, will ever p'ay. Bo'tOIi u, beuelnl cii la Mrcl 1, 185I.4.. garding the obligations of truth and honor, BUoston, Mhar.mch,~ctts, Mm. ch 1, 1854. by presenting here a document which is so M:r. DOUGLAS. AMy only object is to call offensive that no gentleman can indorse i.t the atteintion of the Senate to tlhe memorial. without violating all the rules of courtesy, of It is presenlted, after the final vote of the Sen- propriety, and of honor. ate, as a protest against our action-against Sir, there seems to be an attempt to pile the raction in which largely more than t-wo- upon our table offensive document after offenthirds of this body concurred. It protests sive document, slander atfter slander, libel agai.nst our action as being' a breach of faith, after libel, in order that the Abolition press as involving a moral wrGngx as destructive of may copy it as coming from the records of all confidence, and as subject:ing us to the the Senate, and go back and give it credit in righteous judgment of the Almighty. It is the country. They are smuggled in here, the offensive matter concealed from our know- relation to its character, as a disrecard of ledge until ewe happen to look into them and treaties, and as a flagrant violation of the see wlat they are, and then these gentlemen plighted faith of the nation towards the Inexpect to carry on a political campaign by dians. With respect to the Missouri cornproquoting from our own records that w-e are mise, I believe its repeal to be as fl'grrant a traitors to our country, traitors to God, and breach of frlith as the violation of treaties traitors to humanity. I think it is time that made with the Indians. this miserable system of electioneering by I have not charged Senators with corrupt violating the rules and courtesies of the Se- rmotives, nor have I charged them r r-ith anynate, to get an indorsement of libels, which thino selfish; but I certainly can see no more men olght to be ashamed to adopt, should be impropriety in ministers of the Gospel, in exposed and rebuked. I amn not willing that their vocation, memorializing Congress, than they should be permitted to pile up slander politicians, or other individuals. I do not of that kind, insult of that kind, upon our believe that these ministers have seat this ne — talble, and let it then be used for such a pur- morial here to manufacture political capital, pose. You know, sir, that that memorial is to hlave it entered on the records of the Senate, not intended to affect the action of the Senate. so that it might be taken back and dissemil We have no such bill before us. Our action iated through the country, Sir, it come; is passed. It is not for the purpose of influ- from the country. I told you that there -olild encing our official conduct. Whyis it brought be agitation; but it was denied upion this here? There can be no other object in pre- floor. Is not this agitation? Three thousa:i d sentinlg it here now than simply to furnish ministers of the living God upon earth-his capital for organizing a great sectional party, viceerents-send a memorial here upon tiis and trying to draw the whole religious com- subject; and yet you tell me that therie is Io munity into their schemes of political aggran- excitement in the country! Sir, you relizoe, dizement. I think that men ought to be able what I anticipated. The country has to bear to rely upon argument, and upon truth, and the infliction. upon reason, irnstead of resorting to these Sir, the coOp d'tfat was not successfil. The things for the purpose of stimulating excite- bill did not pass before the coimmrmnity was emnt for political ends. I have no motion to awakened to it. The community wans awasubmit, but I felt it to be my duty to call the kened to it not alone in New- Englalnd, for J. attention of the Senate to the memorial. have seen letters from the south and west Mr. HOUSTON. I think that a petition of stating that it was there reg'arded as a brea ch t.his kind ought to be received, and that it is of firith; and I can see no wrong in ministers not subject to the chargre broiught against it expressing their opinion in rengard to it. This by the Senator from Illinois. It does not ar- protest does not attack the reputation of Sertigun our action by being drawn up after nators. It does not displace theim fiomu their that action was had. The Nebraska bill passed positions here. It does not impair their cape.'this body on the night of the 3d, or rather on bilities for the discharge of the higrh fulnctions the morning of the 4th instant. The memo- which the Constitution has devolv-ed lrporn rial appears to be dated on the 1st of March. them. I see nothing wrong in all this. MiinI cannot think that it meant any indignity to isters have a right to remonstrate. They are the Senate. There is nothing expressive of like other imen. Because they are minlisters ari,/a such feeling in it. It is a right that all of the Gospel they are nrot disfralinchised of indrividuials in the community have, if their I political rights and privileges; aind, if' their -termls are respectiul, to memorialize the Se- language is respectfiul to the Selnate, in antiire of the Urnited States upon any subject. cipation of the pas'ag'e of a bill waihicrh wan VWhether there is any ulterior object in this, obnoxious to them, they have a right to It know rot; but from the date of the memo- spread their opinions on thIe reeoirds of the rial, aTr fiom the number of signers, I amu nation. The great national heart throbs urninduced to believe that the memorialists der this measure; its pulse beats high; and thought there was something wrong in that is it surprising that we should observe the, bill; and if they believed that its passage effects of it? I trust, sir tllat the nation may would be a breach of faith on the part of the yet again see the blessed tranquillity that Government, they had a right to say so. I took prevailed over the a whole country lwhen this the liberty of making the same charge here. " healinog ieasure " waa introduced into the There were more questions than thatof non- Senate. The nation's position w-s enviable, intervention involved in that bill. It involved It was unagoitated. There -was not, in liy rean infraction of faith with the Indians, of collection, a time so tranquil anld a commupledges given to them under all the solemn nity more happy. A nation more prosperous forms, yet mockery, of treaties. That was existed not upon the earth. Sir, I trust thlat one point involved; and I charged that the there will be no continuance of agitation; passage of the bill would be a violation of but the way to end it is not to miake'war tupplightedcl faith in that particular. Was it a on meemorialists. Let themn memori:lize if violation of fltith to disregard the Mlissouri they think it necessary. If they state'hat. comproamise, which was of so much antiquity is incorrect, let the subject be referred to coinand utility to the country? That is a amatter mittees, and let the committees give an exploof discussion. I have Inot arraigned thle ac- sitionl of the truth. and lay it, in rcnlo"rts, Letion of any gentleman since the passage of the fore the public, and then the in elliigence of bill, but anttrior to it I -gave nmy opinions in the nation -ilil determine as to what is r1ight, 5 and what consideration ought to be given to of tlhe measure which they complain? No; it. I- would not take away the liberty to in- hley inform us that they come here, through dulge in. the freest expression of opinion, or their petition, in the presence of the Almighty, the exercise of the rights and privileges which and invoke His vengeance upon the Senate belong to any portion of this country; yet. I of the United States as about to commit, in would discourage agitation. I may hold: the their judgment, a great moral wrong. contents of this. protest, to some extent, heret- INowx, sir, I am perfectly willing to let any ical; yet they are not expressed in such often- number of citizens protest against the mlea-:sive language as would justify a; denial of sure which has recently passed the Senate. their right to memorialize. If it had. been in- They have a right to do so, in respectful lantended to impugn our motives or our actions, guage, such as becomes gentlemen in addresseither as corrupt or immoral- we could bear it. ing each other. If thirty thousand, or three The people surely have a right, to think and hundred thousand citizens come from New speak upon our action. ~,We are not placed in England, let them be heard. It is a respect a position so high that we are elevated above due to them; but whe'n they come here, not the questioning power.of, the people. They as citizens, but declaring that they come as have theright to look into our action, and in- -ministers of the'Gospel, and, as the honorable vestigate our conduct; aand, if they do not Senator from Texas declared them to be, approve of it, to express their opinionsin vicegerents of the -Almighty —so I understood relation to it.; I shall never make war upon himn to declare, possibly he' meant vice-regents them on.that account; -yet I trust that, what- to supervise and control the legislation of the ever disposition may be-made of the bill which country-I sAy, when they come here as a we have passed, the agitation has already class unknowrn to the Government. a class reached its acme; and that from this point it that the Government does not mean to know may decline,, until the country is again re- in any form or shape, not to' recommend or stored to peace and happiness. remonstrate, but to denounce our action as a. Mr. MASON. That it is the right of the great moral wrong, because they claim to be citizens of the United States to petition:Cn- the "vicegerents"- of the Almighty, we are gress, or either House of it, upon any subject bound-not from disrespect'to them as citithat may be presented. to them, is never- de- zens, not from disrespect to the cloth which nied, never should be denied; and such peti- they-do not grace, but from respect to the tion- upon any subject of public interest should Government, from respect to that sacred pul.be received and treated with the respect which lic trust which has been committed to us-to is due to citizens.' I trust I- shall never see carry out' the policy of the G(overnmnent and the day when the Senate of the United States refuse to recognize them. Sir, their object, as will treat the authors of such petitions, upon was well said' by the Senator from Illinois, any. subject,proper for legislation pending be- has been agitation-agitation; and I presume fore the body, coming from the.people of: the that their cloth and their ministry w ill enable -United States' with aught but respect. But I them to agitate with some success. I say, 4ien, understand this petition to come from a Class. Mr. President, in my judgment, it is due to.who have put aside their characterof citizens. the Government, to the public trlfSt xwhicrh It comes.from a class who style themselves:we are here to administer, that -we should in the petition, ministers of the Gospel, and carry out the policy of the Government and not citizens. They come. before us"-I have refuse to recognize these mlinistels'of the not understood the petition wrong, I believe- Gospel in'coming here. I- no:', therefore, as ministers of the Gospel, not citizens, and that the petition be not receive'd, as the ltest denounce prospectively the action of the Sen- evidence of the sense of the KSelnite of its ate, in their language, as a moral wrong.; and character. they: have the temerity, in the presence of the Mr. BUTLER. It lias been received I bl:,citizens of the United States. to invoke the lieve, and,all thatis left. is to protest agailnst vengeance of the Almighty, whom; they pro- the protestants. I have great respect, ilr. fess to serve, against us. Sir, ministers of the President, for the, pulpit. I Ilxl-e snuc a re-. Gospel are unknown to this Government, and spect for it that I would almost submit to a God forbid the day should ever come -when rebuke from a minister of the Gospel, even in they shall be known to it. The great effort my official capacity; but they lose' porticn of the American people has been, by every of.my respect w-hen I see an organizatioli, for, form of defensive measures, to keep that class I believe, the first timle in the history of' this away from the Government; to deny to them Gov:ernment, of clerg'ymen within al locbal any access- to it as a class, or, any interference precinct, within the -linits of leaw EInglnail, in -its proceedings. The best illustration of; assumingu to be, as the'Senator fi'om Teis the wisdom of that measure in o-ur Govern-. said. the xvicegerents of' Heaven, co1,nin to ment is to be found in this. Ministers of the the Senate of the iUniteed States, not as (iliGospel, I repeat, are unknown to the Govern- zens, as my friiend from Virginia has sl ud, ment. Their mission upon earth is unknown but,as the organs of God-for they do miilt to the Government. Of all others, they are come here petitioning or presenl:ting heir the most encroaching. and, as a- body, arro- views under the s-anqtion of the obli~.?'-:los gant class of men. What do these.ministers and responsibilities of citizens undeir tl e say? Do they as citizens, enter into a state- Constitution of the United Stlates, but ih,(yment of the facts of which they complain? have dared to quit tI;e lpulpit, and sloep lluJo Do they recite whatwill be the political effects the p;oiticdl arena: anii speak a-s tle org eal.s 6 of Almighty God. Sir, they assume to be high vocation, and come down to mingle the foremen of the jury which is to pronounce in the turbid pools of politics, I would the verdict and judgment of God upon earth. treat them just as I would all other citizens. They do not protest as ordinary citizens do; I would treat their memorials and remonbut they mingle in their protest what they strances precisely as I would those of other would have us believe is the judgment of the citizens. It is so unlike the apostles and the Almighty. When the clergy quit the province ministers of Christ at an early day, that it which is assigned to them, in which they can loses the potency which they suppose the dispense the Gospel-that Gospel which is styling themselves ministers of the Gospel represented its the lamb, not as the tiger or would give to their memorials. The early the lion-when th"v would convert the lamb ministers of Christ attended to their mission, into the lion, going about in the form of agi- one which was given to them by their Master; tators, seeking whom they may devour, in- and under all circumstances, even when the stead of the meek and lowly representatives Saviour himself was upon earth, and attempts of Christ, they divest themselves of all re- were made to induce him to give opinions spect which I can give them. Sir, the minis- with reference to the municipal afttirs of the ters of the Gospel are the representatives of Government, he refused. These men have the lowly and poor lamb-of Christ; but descended from their high estate to assail the when the men who have signed that paper- action of this body. The Senator from MasI do not know with what ends; I do not say sachusetts, in presenting the petition, has a word against them as individuals, for I done what he considered to be his duty; but have no doubt they are good and respectable, I would remark, however, that with all the and many of them Christians-assume to respect which belongs to the high character organize themselves as clergymen to come of those individuals as ministers of the Gosbefore the country and protest against the pel, their petition should, under the circumndeliberations of the Senate of the United stances, receive no more respect from us than States, they deserve, at least, the grave cen- if it came from any other private citizens. sure of the body. Mr. HOUSTON. Mr. President, I have the Mr. ADAMS. During the discussion of the misfortune again to differ from my friends in Nebraska bill before the Senate I did not open relation to this measure, but that difference is my mouth; nor should I now but for the re- not sufficient to induce me to enter anew into marks which have fallen from the distin- the discussion of it. I will, however, discuss guished Senator from Texas, my old and the propriety of this memorial. The gentlefamiliar friend. He says there is agitation, men misapprehend its character entirely. I and that the display upon your table is evi- understood the honorable Senator from Virdeuce of it. Suppose there is agitation; at ginia-but I may have been mistaken-to whose door ought the fault to lie, if there be say that it invoked the vengeance of the Alfault? Was the action of this body right or mighty God upon the Senate. wrong? If we did what was right and Mr. MASON. In substance it does, as I unproper, according to the republican institu- derstand. tions of this country, and agitation arises out Mr. HOUSTON. There is no invocation conof it, the responsibility neither rests upon the tained in the memorial. It is a respectful distinguished Senator who introduced the protest, stating their appreciation of -the menbill nor those who voted for it. What was sure then pending before the Senate of the that action? This body, by its vote, removed United States, and not one word is contained a legislative censure upon the institutions of in it derogatory to the Senate at the time it the South-a censure which has existed for was drawn, and there is no invocation of more than thirty years, and under which we wrath or vengeance upon the members of this had lived submissively until now Zr the sake body. It is a respectful protest, in the name of peace. For the first time in thirty years, of the Almighty God. wien that censure could be repealed, when By the expression which I used when I was the southern States place themselves as the up before, that they were the vicegerents of Constitution places them, upon an equality the Almighty, I merely intended to say that with the northern States, we are committing they were harbingers of peace to their fellow a very great outrage when we simply say men; and if it -;Nas a lapsus linguce, or imthat the people of every portion of this coun- proper expression, it does not change the try within the limits of our Constitutional intention that I then entertained in my mind, authority, shall be governed by their own of expressing a belief that it was nothing else laws in their own way. That is the whole than an extraordinary emergency that diof it. verted men from their ordinary pursuits in I concur with my friend from South Caroli- the ministry of the Gospel to engage at all in, na in regard to the petition which has been or to step even to the verge of, the political presented and ordered to lie on the table. It arena. is addressed to the Senate and House of Rep- We are told, Mr. President, that this was resentatives by a body of individuals as min- intended for the purpose of agitation. It is isters of the Gospel. I trust I have as high a certainly a manifestation of agitation; but it regard for their vocation as any other indi- could not have been intended to create agitavidual, and as much respect for the ministers tion, for the thing was done, and hereo is one of peace and good will. on earth as any other of its developments and consequences. Yet, individual; but when they depart from their sir, I can see nothing wrong in the memorial, 7 so far as I am concerned. If miniisters of the glided by without complaint, rebuike remonGospel are not recognized by the (Constitution strtuie, or suggestion of appeal, is a most exof thie United States they are recounized by traordinary thing. My friiend does not apprethe moral anid social constitution of' society. hiendi it but thiere wa-s no excitement out of' They are reco'nized in the constitution of this Capitol or out of the city of'Washington. man's slvation. Thle rreit lKedeemer ofi the It originated here. T'his lwas the grand lab'bworld eli{oined duties upton mrankind; dand ratory of political action and political machithere is the iiora1l constitution fromix which w e nery. TIhe olject was to mature the measure haile deriited all the excllent principles of l here, and intlict it, by, COoIa d'itat, upon tbhe our pioliticial consi'titutionthe great princi- nation, iid thien radiate it; to every point of tles upiion hiii:h our.Govermciient, morally, the country. The potion does not react pIleas rctall)', nd'relim'iosly: is ifounded. santly. There is a response, ibut how does it Thenm sir I do not fiiuik there is any- go dowen? Not well. The physic works; it thiinn ver'y derog':tory to our intitutions in works badly; it works upward. the iministci's of the Gospel expiressing their I ain -willing to receive any memorials that o0inions. Thev''i ve a riigt to do it. No are piresinted to this body which tire respectaman ciin be ha " iniuite r viithout first beingit able in terms,' whether they conime fiom preachnmai. 1le has political rights; lie hins also the ers, politicians, civilians, or from the beggars rights of a missioiniry of the S mvionr, and lihe that congregate about your cities, and i will is not disf'auchised by his vocation. Certain treat them with respect and kindness. As poli!:ic'i restricticions imai be laiid upon himn long as they are respectful in termis to this hie maty be disqualified from serving in tue body, tlhoughl they express their apprehension ie'-islatures orf the States, but that does not of' t cxdaiuiity about to fall on the country, it d is. rign'e h1im from political and civil obhliga- brands no man; and if they denounce a ineations to his country. i'e htis a right to coin-i sure in advance it is what they ihave a right tril utet as ftr as he thinik-s necessarys to thte to do. We have a' more cligible position here sus'eu'ittion of its insiitutions. He has a right to advocate our Opinions than individuals to interpose his voice as one of its citizens have in social life to maintain their positions.:against the adoption of any iic asuie chii j W,~e have all the panoply of poswer and State lie believ:es wiil injure the niation. These in-, sovereignity thrown around the menimbers of diridtuls have done no more. They have this body to guard and shield them againsist not dtenounced tihe Senate, but they hlave pro- attacks but they are thrown in the midst of tested in thie cipacity of ministers, against the community without any shield except it wha.t I and other Senators on this floor pro- is the shield of moraity and propriety of contested. They ha e the right to do it, ind iwe duct which gives protection to their person. cannot tfake tha t right from them. They will While they express themselves respectfully, I exercise it. The people have the right to sliall never treat with disrespect preachers or think and thliey wiill exercise that right. any other individuals who coime heibre this They have the riohlt of niemorializing, and body to give us their opinions upon political thes siill exercise that right. They have the suhbjects. rigiit to express their opinions, and they will Mr. EVERETT. Mr. President, as this mexercise that rio-ght. They will exercise their morial was presented by me, I think it my rights in reprobation or commendiation at duty to say a fewv words to the Senate by way the hballot-box too; anid preachers, I believe, of explaining my relations to it. Just after vote. They hasve tlhe right to do so. They the Senate came to order this morning, I was are not vers formidable numerically, but they called friom mny seat to the door of the Senate have thle right to do this as ministers of chamberi and there requlested to take charge tile Gospel, as well as wve Senators have a of it —this memorial. The gentleman in wvhose right to vote for the adoption of a measure; hands it xwas, witlh whomn I had not the pleaand if it is not ii accordiance wiith their opin- sure of a previous persoinal acquainitance, was ions the'have a right to condemni it. They introduced to me, as I have no doubt he is, a have tli right to think it is morally wronp, most respectable miember of the clerical propoiticallv l y wrog, civilly wrong, and socially itssion; and I was requested by him to talke wrong, if thes do not interfere wvith the vested charge of the memiorial anid present it to the rights of others in the cntertainment of those Senate. Seeing that it was a very vo!uminopinions. ouns document, and one which I could not I understood my honorable f'iend from'lis- carry with me to miy seat, arnd there hand it, sissiplpi to say tlnt the South had hbeen groan- in the usual mannier to the attendants of the ing fobr a long' time under this oppressive Senate, I directed one of them near me at the seasure. Tihe South, sir, are a spirited people, door to take it immnediately to the iaible of tile and howi they could have submnitted fbr more Secretary, so that I have had no opjortunity thain a third of a ceinturym to this indignity, whatever of inspecting it, I presented it to this wrionn, this act of oppression, which has the Senate but a moment or two aifter it ws ground thcns down in their prosperity and placed in my charge, and in poit of fact, I development, and never have said a word had not read a word of it before I cast myI abei.ut it until this ausnpicious rromnent arrived, eye over it and a (cxw of the signatures at( the and that, too, when political subjects have head of' it, in conjunction xailh tle Senator beeni agitamted -t tlhe north and south, that it from Illinois, the chairman of the Coumr'ittce fi'om Illinois, we chairm andiof thCo-mte shiou'hd ihaiue ieen reserved for the action of ion the; Territories, as nve sere standing tothe uresent Coguress after all others had gcether at the Secretary's table. I think it due to myself as a matter of fact, that these cir- rnorials aggainst the Nebraska bill which have cumstances should be stated, because the Sen- been sent to me during the past week. -ator firom IViinois has objected to the language In reference to the objections taken to the of the memorial, as disrespectful to the Senate, language of the memorial, and the concerted and a-s personally offensive to him, in com- movement in which it has originated, I must mon with the other members of the body who say to the Senator from Illinois, that I do not supported the bill. I am aware of the reserve believe there is anything in it intended for which is imposed by the rules of the Senate political effect. I have no belief that these on the presentation of memorials; and I deem three thousand clergymen from all parts of it, therefore, no more than justice to myself New England, in preparing and signinlg this that the Senate should understand precisely memorial, have intended, in the smallest dethe circumstances under which this memorial gree, to step from their sacred profession into was offered by me. the arena of party politics. I am confident it I think, however, sir, that I ought to go would be foulnd, if it ls'ere possible to make further, and, inasmuch as the tinme of its pre- the inquiry, that the memorial is signed by sentation is objected to, express, in justice to individuals of all political parties; that those the memorialists, the opinion that this me- who differ on every political question, in the morial Awas signed by probably every indi- common acceptation of the term, will be vidual whose name is subscribed to it before found too have united on this occasion: that the final action of the Senate on the Nebraska this paper really expresses the sincere conbill. It is probable, in collecting together viction of men who look at this subject the separated papers which had been circu- strictly in a moral and religious aspect, and lated for signatures, anrd in preparing the that, so far from designing to take any part mnemorial to be transmitted, in the copy of in the agitations that trouble the l.and, they the caption which was made for that purpose, have regarded the question solely in the other the date of the first of March was appended point of view in which it is natural it should to it, without considering that many of the present itself to their minds. mlenaorialists, probably all, must have signed This has, from time immemorial, been the it before that day. It ought not, therefore, to custom of the members of that profession, in be considered, as has been complained of, as a that part of the country, although not conprotest directed against a measure which so fined to it. They have been in the habit, in large a majority of the Senate had previously reference to public questions which hare sanctioned, but as the expression of the strongly appealed to the sensibilities of the opinion entertained by those who signed it community, and which they regarded as havof a measure still pending before the Senate. ing momentous moral and religious bearI do not undertake to vouch that this is ings, of expressing their opinions in this way; the fact; but I presume that Senators will and I am quite sure, as I said before, that on themselves, on reflection, consider that it this occasion they have not intended to lay must be so: and that the memorial must aside-they have not thought they were layhave been signed by a majority, if not by ing aside-their sacred character for the sake every individual whose name is there, while of joining in political agitation, or affecting the measure was in its progress, and not after the result of any political controversy. And, it had received the- approbation of a great sir, I think I need not say, that a body of majority of this body. over three thousand clergymen, comprehendAMy own opinion in relation to presenting ing more than three fourths of the clerical memorials to the Senate in reference to mea- profession of New England, of all denonlinasures that have passed from our control tions, is a very respectable body, that it must would be, that it is, generally speaking, not faithfully represent the public opinion of a expedient. In a single instance of a memorial very large and most intelligent portion of the against the Nebraska bill, sent to me since community, and that it is entitled to the the measure left this body, I have, at the sug- most respectful consideration on the part of gestion of the person who sent it, instead of this body. I do not Gwish, as a citizen myself presenting it here, put it into the hands of of that part of the Union, to say any thing the member of the other House who repre- that would be thought extravagant, or dicsents the district where the memorialists live. tated by local partiality or that point, but I That wvas done at the request of the person must say that I do not think it would be poswho forwarded the memorial. Observing. sible to find any body of men of the same hlowever, that other Senators around men in number embracing a greater amount of peran;any cases, did present memorials which sonal and moral worth than these three thouhad reached them since the bill passed through sand and fifty individuals. The greater porthe Senate, and contemplating the possibility tion of them are necessarily men of education. that it might again come before us, after bay- They are persons whose lives are consecrated, ing undergone amendment in the other I-louse, with very little reward in what are called this and that there was therefore still a propriety world's goods, to the highest objects to which in its being conisidered, to a qualified extent, the life and labors of a man can be devoted. in our possession, I have thought there was Of course, in such a large number of men, no irregularity in that point of view, in pro- there may be individual excptions, but I do senting any meilorial to which there was no think that, in general, it may be very fairly objection on other grounds. On this prin- said they are as exemplary, as intelligent, and cip~e I have acted in reference. to several me- as respectable a body of men as any other in 9 the country, not to say in the' world; and I All memorializing and all petitioning is upon must repeat my conviction, that on this oc- the basis or hypothesis that some good is to casion they were animated by no desire Lo em- come of it; that there is somethiing pendin., bark in the strife and agitation of the world or likely to be pending, to which it ma-y refer. of politics; but that feeling they were per- In that view, it is certainly too late now to forming a duty that devolved upon them, present this memorial, though, as for that, I they have expressed their honest and sincere care but little. The bill has passed from us, conviction of the character of the measure in never to return to us, in all probability. XWe question, contemplated in a moral and reli- have done our deed, for good or for evil, for gious point of view. weal or for woe. WAe are to have, I suppose, I regret that the presentation of this me- the righteous judgments of the country and morial, which, under the circumstances, I of the Almighty upon us for the doing of that could regard in no other light than as a duty deed. I presunme this memorial intends to to a large number of my own immediate con- convey the idea, although it does not say so stituents, should have awakened any feelings distinctly, that we subject ourselves -to the on the part of arty member of the Senate. It righteous judgments of the Almiighty, to is but three or four days since my friend from judgments which are terrible and fearful, New York [Mr. FISH] presented a similar me- judgments of torment, of pain, and of misery. morial —I mean similar in its object, for I I will not, however, so construe it, for my have had no opportunity of comparing the own gratification at least. I am swsilling to terms in which it is couched-subscribed by say that the righteous judgments of the,1almost every clergyman in the city of New mighty held in resceve for us are those of apYork. It was headed by the distinguished proval and reward. I doubt not that we bishop of the eastern diocess of that State; shall receive, through the country, through our and it -was represented to be signed by a large fellow-citizens, that judgment of rewnard and majority of the clergy of that city. No ex- approval. The bill, how-ever, to -hich this ception was taken in the Senate to that me- remonstrance relates, has passed from us, not morial; none to its terms; none to the facts to return. It has gone entirely to the other of the presentation. It was received in the House, and I can see no propriety in piling usual fornl and ordered to lie upon the table upon our table remonstrances against the pasin the usual manner. That, ifI recollect right, sage of a measure which we have already was since the passage of the bill; and it took passed. the course which other numerous memorials But, sir, the Senator from Mississippi [Ir. have taken which have also been presented ADAMS] says he has great respect and great since its passage. I think it would be wise reverence for the clergy, for the ministers of and expedient that this memorial also should the Gospel, as such, while they keep their be received and disposed of in the usual way. robes pure and unspotted; but when they deI am quite sure that it would be doing injus- scend to the turbid pools of politics, and betice to the individuals who signed it, many dabble their garments all over with the mud, of whom are personally known to me, as men and slime, and filth which he would make venerable for years, distinguished for learn- you believe is to be found there, he loses all ing, and of the utmost purity of life and respect for them. So should I, if I could be character, to reject their memorial as having led to believe that the waters of the pool of been prompted by any desire to kindle angry politics were any more turbid or filthy than passions, or to engage in political controversy; the waters which flow through their contrabut that we ought to give them the credit for dictory streams of theology. I do not believe lhatving expressed honestly and sincerely the it, sir. I hold, on the contrary, that the wafeehlings and opinions which they entertained ters of the pools ofr,politics are infinitely of this measure as a moral and religious more pelucid, and pure, and cheering, and question. refreshing, than the pool which surrounds I do not know, sir, that I have any thing their stagnant waters of theology-no two of more to say on this subject. I felt that it was them agreeing on any proposition which can due to the relation in which, without any be presented. previous intimation, I have been placed to the I am, however, totally incompetent to judge memorialists that I should say this much. of this matter. These men, as has been well Mr. PETTIT. Mr. President, I am for the said by the Senator from Virginia, have not greatest liberty to the greatest number, and I come to you as fellow-citizens. The (onstiwill not deny to any class of my fellow citi- tution has secured to the citizens of'the United zens, under whate-ver name or denomination States the right at all times to petition, and they mmay appear, the right to petition; and they shall never be denied that right by iie, unncer the general term "petition," provided whether they choose to use the name of citifor in the Constitution, I ame willing to regard zeuls or any other. But they have not rememorials and remonstrances, of whatever monstrated in their own name as citizens, nor nalne, kind, or description, provided al ways in behalf of their fellow-citizens; but they they are respectful to the Senate. But they have come, as they tell you, as tile ambassashould be viewed in another light, and that dors of a higher and an omnipotent power. is as to the propriety of time. They use the language of an ambassador Then the first objection which I make to who says, "in the name of my Governmrent. T this remonstrance is not to its terms, not to it declare to you this, that, or tile otler." In of itself, but to the time of its presentation. the name of God, and in the name of his rio( 10 lated law, they declare this. They say that are no judges of that law; but we have proto them alone is given the power to divulge vided ourselves with one who is a judge of or to divine that law on earth. Sir, being it; and to him I think this whole matter totally incompetent, avowing here my total ought to be referred. I think it will be no incapacity and inability to expound, divin, disrespect to the memorialists or the petiand illustrate that law, I shall leave it to a tioners if we do so. They claim that they are different forum and a different place. gentlemen of the cloth, preachers of the GosThese memorialists do not tell us that the pel. Now, we have elected one, and he is measure against which they protest, will in- here, who is a gentleman of the cloth, and a jure the country, or that it is a wrong to their minister of the Gospel of long experience; fellow-citizens; but that it is a violation of and I should be exceedingly glad to have his the law of Him, their master, who, they claim, official report on this question, as to whether has sent them. The propriety of. such a re- we are in danger, whether we have invoked monstrance may well be questioned; yet I the just and righteous judgments of God will not undertake to question it. upon us. Therefore, sir, if it is in order, I Sir, this, then, is an ecclesiastical, not a po- will move to refer the memorial to the Rev. litical question. They have withdrawn it Henry Slicer, the Chaplain of the Senate. from the political arena. They have said that [Laughter.] they are sent by the Divine Creator, the Maker Mr. DOUGLAS. So far as I am concerned, and enforcer of divine law, commissioned to I am willing that the memorial shall be alput forth and to thunder on our devoted lowed to lie upon the table. The reason why lheads his anathemas and his judgments in I called attention to it at all was this: I have advance. As a secular body, we are entirely seen a deliberate attempt to organize the incompetent to judge of what that law is, or clergy of this country into a great political whether we have offended against it or not. sectional party for Abolition schemes. That These men say they are commissioned to ex- project was put forth clearly in the Abolition pound it on earth to us. We have, however, manifesto which I had to expose in my openprovided ourselves for all these contingencies. ing speech upon the Nebraska bill. This is a When the people, in their political capacity, response to that Abolition manifesto. It is send their petitions or memorials here, they an attempt to give in the adhesion of the reknow we are competent to understand them, ligious societies of this country through the and to provide for their interests. But, sir, I clergy to the Abolition and political schemes suppose we have taken a step with a view of of that organization. If these preachers choose meeting the present condition of affairs. We to go into that political organization it is not have provided ourselves with a law officer of for me to object, provided they confine their this law-an expounder of the divine law; operations to the country, and do not send a" brother" of the same class with those who their insults here. I have no idea that these now remonstrate; an officer of this body, men would ever have dreamt of bringing forwho, from his age, his high standing, and ward such an objectionable document as this, many endorsements here, must be supposed but in response to that call which emanated to be as capable of expounding that law as from the Senate. It was by Senators in their any of these remonstrants. I think the fact official capacity as Senators, and these rethat he has been selected by a body of such monstrances have been sent back in response intelligence as the Senate, shows that he to the call. ought to be superior to any of them as an Now, sir, what is this remonstrance? These officer of that law which these men say we men do not protest as citizens. They do not have violated and outraged. I will therefore protest in the name either of themselves or suggest, at any rate, and I believe I shall pro- of their fellow-citizens. They do not even pose, that this remonstrance be referred to protest in their ozon names as clergymen, the Rev. Henry Slicer, Chaplain of this Senate, against this act, but they say that' wE Paofor examination and report. [Laughter.] TEST IN THE NAAIE OF ALMIGHTY GOD;' and in Now, sir, I want to know whether the officer order to make it more emphatic that they of the Senate whom we have elected and ap- claim to speak by authority in their remonpointed to expound the divine law and the strance, they underscore in broad black lines divine will to us, will, not upon any oath of. the words'IN THE NAME OF ALMIGHTY GOD.' It office, but upon his responsibility as an officer is true they describe themselves as ministers of this body, after calmly and deliberately of the Gospel, but they claim to speak in the weighing our actions here with the whole name of the Almighty upon a political questendency, bearing, and spirit of the revealed tion pending in the Congress of the United will of God, say to us that we have so violated States. It is an attempt to establish in this it. If he will, I believe I shall be ready to country the doctrine that a body of men orretract my vote on the bill, and agree to ganized and known among the people as adopt his report, and go to my colleagues in clergymen, have a peculiar right to determine the other House, and ask them for God's sake the will of God in relation to legislative acto send back the bill here, in order that we tion. It is an attempt to establish a theocmay retract our steps. racy to take charge of our politics and our This, I repeat, is an ecclesiastical question. legislation. It is an attempt to make the leWe are threatened with the anathemas, the gislative power of this country subordinate thunders of the Alnighty against us for vio- to the church. It is not only to unite Church lating his law. As a secular body here, we and State, but it is to put the State in subor 11 dination to thle dictates of the church. Sir, the Senate, or from the statute-book, or from vou calnnot find in the most despotic countries, any of the sources of information on which in the da rkest'goes, a bolder attempt on the Senators and citizens predicate their action; part of the ministers of the Gospel to usurp but by the will and the law of God, and in the po ier of (Governlment, and to say to the his name, and in consequence of their divine peoplle: "ou must not think for yourselves; mission, they overrule all these and prescribe XM1 mk'.1st not dcrlde to act for yourselves; you a new test, and, in that name, they tell us that nimost in all matters pertaining to the afftirs by the passage of the bill which we have of this litle, as well as the next, receive in- passed, we have committed a moral wrong. strctions from u s; and that, too, in the per- They tell us that it is subversive of all confiformlanlce of your civil and official, as well as dence in national engagements. youlr reliious duties." Now, let me ask, are these men particularly Sir, I called attention to this matter for the tenacious of national engagements? Did purpose of showing that it involved a great they in their pulpits, in 1850 and 1851, tell principle subversive of our free institutions. their followers that they were bound by their If we recoenize three thousand clergymen as oaths, and by their religious duty, to surrenhaving a higher right to interpret the will of der fugitive slaves in obedience to the constiGod than M re have, w-e destroy the right of tution? Did they then tell their people that self-action, of self-government, of self-thought, they must perform national engagements? and awe are merely to refer each of our politi- Did they then tell their flocks that the Senate cal1 questions to this body of clergymen to was right in carrying out the provisions of inquire of them nwhether it is in conformity the constitution? ltave they been particularwith thle law of God and the will of the A1- ly in the habit of enjoining in the pulpit and mighty or not. This document, I repeat, from the sacred desk, as a matter of conscience, purports to speak in the name of Almighty that the people should perfobrm the national God, and then enters a protest in that name. engagements contained in the constitution of We ace put under the ban, we are excomnmu- our country, and which we are all sworn to nicated, the gates of ileaven are closed unless support? Sir, I do not remember that any we, hey this behest and stop in our course one of these three thousand preachers, at the and carry out these Abolition views. time when in Boston and other points of this The Senator from Texas says the people country there were attempts to resist the fuhave a riglit to petition. I do not question gitive slave law by force, came forward and it. I do not wish to deprive ministers of the said it was a divine duty to perform national Gospel of that rigiht. I do not acknowledge engagements. If they did, I have not seen that there is anyv member of this body who the evidence of it. If they felt it was a matter has a bhig'her respect and veneration either for of conscience and of duty on the part of the a minister of the Gospel or for his holy call- clergy to supervise the fulfilment of national inc tlmV n I have; but my respect is for him engagements, to preserve the public faith, and in/ is calli/ni. I will not controvert w-vhat the the public honor, where were they then, when 8enator fronm Massachusetts has said as to your constitution was trampled upon, when there beirng, perhaps. no body of men in this oaths of office could not bind men to perform country, three thousand in number, who coin- their constitutional duty, awhen public honor bine more respectability than these clergy- was being outraged? Where then were these aen. Proibablly they combnhine all the re- three thousand clergymen? We did not hear spectability wnhich lie claims for them; but I fiom them on that occasion. There was A w-ill add, that I doubt whether there is a body national engagement which no man can deny; of msen in America wvho combine so much yet they did not raise their voices against its proftnlad ignorance on the question upon violation. But in this case, merely because which they attemnpt to enlighten the Senate, some Abolitionists from this body have said as this same body of preachers. How many that an act of Congress constituted a national of them, (do you suppose sir, have ever taken engagement, although the statement is conup and read the act of 1820 to which I allude? tradicted by the record, they come forward at Do YoTu think there is one of them who has the bidding of an abolition junta, to arraign done so? H-ow many of them ever read the the Senate of the United States in the name votes bly which the North repudiated that act. of the Almighty! of 1820? Do y-ou think one of them ever did? Sir, I deny their authority. I deny that ldow Ismany of them ever read the various they have any such commission from the Alvotes w-hii /1 I quoted on that act,and the Ar- mighty to decide this question. I deny that kansas act? Do you think one of them knew our constitution confers any such right upon any thing about them? How many of them them. I deny that the Bible confers any such have ever triacedl the course of the compro- right upon them. They call perform their niise measures of 1.850 on the record? One duties within their sphere without nay cenof them? Yet tlhey assume, in the Iname of sure or my interference, and they are responthe llighllt, to judge of facts, and lan-s, and sible to the Almighty for the mnanner in which votes, of alwhich they know nothing, and they perform those duties; and I must be left which they haye no time, to understacnd, if to perform my duties within the sphere of my tltey perform their duties as clergymen to functions, with no other responsibility than their respective flocks. to my constituents and to the Almighty, withThey do not pretend to judge from the out the interference of those men. I do noknot-tledge O-f this world, from the records of acknowledge them as an intermediate tribunal, 12 1 do not acknowledge that they are, as that revulsion of feeling from lan indignant the gentleman from Texas has called them, people who have been misled under holy prethe vicegerents of the Almighty, and that tences for base partisan purposes, returns they are to perform the duty of overlooking upon them, I then will be able to say, " Now our conduct. I repudiate the whole doctrine you get the reward of your own conduct." I as at war with the pure principles of Chris- bide my time; I take no exception to what is tianity, at war with the spirit of our institu- going on now, but I w-ish to enter my protest tions, at war with our constitution, at war against the Senate givi ng its sanction to the with every principle upon which a free gov- recognition of the clergy of this country us a ernment can rest. body of men authorized to judge upon politiThen, sir, assuming this character, they cal and legislative questions in the arlme of come fi)rward and tell us that the action the Almighty, and w ithout any responsibility of the Senate exposes us to the "righteous to the people. It reverses the wuhole principle judgments of the Almighty." Their leaders of our Government, and it' was only to enter here try to avoid the force of the objection my protest against that reversal that I called that this is offensive, upon the ground that the attention of the Senate to this protest. the Senate had not voted upon the question 5Mr. HOUSTON. Mr. President, as the honat the time when the memorial was signed. orable Senator from Illinois, the chairnma.n However the fact may be as to the time of sign- of the Committee on Territories, seemined in a ing the protest, it cannot be denied that they most emphatic manner to address his remarks sent it here for presentation by their own to me, I think him fully entitled to the respect agent more than one week after the vote of of my attention. He has dwelt upon the Ab:othe Senate had been published to the world. lition character of this document. So itr us This excuse does not avail them, nor exculpate any such character may be embodied in it, I their conduct. It only furnishes evidence that have nothing to say. There are various opintheir apologists here have become ashamed ions entertained here and elsewhere upon vaof their conduct. I wish it distinctly under- rious subjects with which I have nothinu to stood that I attach no blame to the Senator do, and with which I have no affiliation; but fromn Massachusetts, [_Mr. EVERIETT,1 who pre- with this subject, as it is presented to the sented this document, for his uniform conduct Senate now, I have some connection. W ith has proven him incapable of performing an the controversy which exists between the honimproper act here knowingly. His explana- orable chairman of the Committee on Territotion has set him right. But the fact still ries and the gentlemanfrom Ohio, [Mr. CmHSE,] remains that this offensive protest has been and the gentleman from Massachusetts, [Mr. sent here and presented to the Senate as an SUMNER,] I have nothing to do. I was not inmpeachment of our conduct in passing a bill here when the controversv originated, nor which received the sanction of this body by when it w'as first introduced into the Senate. a vote of 37 yeas to 14 nays. I have not participated in it since; and howBut, passing that by, if it is not offensive to ever unpleasant such altercations or controthe Senate, because the Senate had not voted versies may be, and however I may regard on the bill at the time, it was offensive to the them as impeding the transaction of business Committee on Territories, who had reported in this body, I have forborne either public or it, and it is as much a violation of the rules private expressions of opinion upon that of the Senate, of courtesy, and of decency, to matter. bring in a document which is offensive to one Mr. DOUGLAS. /Mr. President, I will say of your committees, as to bring in one which to the Senator that the only allusion which I is offensive to the body itself. Then that ex- had to him was the simple quotation which I cuse will not avail. made from his remarks when he spoke of these Individually, I care nothing about this mat- ministers being the vicegerents of the Alter. To me it is a very small affair, compared mighty. Mly other remarks were intended for with the sort of treatment which I am receiv- another quarter, so far as they had an appliing every day. I submit to it with great com- cation anywhere. If he is under the misapposure. I wait for the coming of the day prehension of supposing that they referred to w-hen the people w-ill understand the real him, I wish to correct him; that is all. I do principle involved in the Nebraska bill. Sir, not want to interrupt him. I hope to see the day arrive-surely it will MIr. HOUSTON. I am very glad to hear the arrive —-wxhenl you will not be able to find a disclaimer, for the gentlemanl's relarks apman in the United States who will acknow- peared to be directed so unequivocally toward ledge that he x was ever opposed to that great me that I was led into the misapprehension principle of self-governmnent, unless you can of supposing that they were intended perhaps pin him by the record, a;nd then he will have to apply to me, in a manner in which it was somie excuse on some immaterial point. These not the purpose of the gentleman to apply confederites can have their triumph now, by them. But, sir, I explained when I was up heaping onl our heads insult and calumny, before, the misapplication of the term "vicead by deceiv ing even ministers of the Gos- gerent," and I expressed my opinion to be p1e1 and mnemlbers of churches into acts of ex- that the ministers of the Gospel were the her(ess which are disgraceful to them and of aids of the Almighty God, or his ministers which they wiill be ashamed when the ques- of peace upon earth. I thought the genltleman tion comes to be fairly understood. would not have carped upon that expresAnd, sir when that revolution comes, whlen sion unless with reference to some particular 13 if:luence whichl my m -vie-s might have upon Sir, I recognize the principles of self-gver..; the Raulitory. It a-as a mere miSapplication ment, but I do it in sovereigpnty. A people of a tcrm, and I so expla ined it. in tutelage cannot exercise sovereignty, but But, Mi. Presiclent, I thlink the object of this States can. A people who are in a territoriial mnemnorial is nisapprehended. I find no fault existence, which is fitting them to become witil its iintroduction, either before or after States, exercise what may be called a quasi the passtge of the bill to wtshich it refers, for sovereignty. They are nexver really sovereign that bill smay be returned to tie Senate with until they are recognized by Congress as such aiuendients. t Suech things very frequently and are received into tbe Union ats sovereign occur. At all events, as the memorial has States. Then is the tinie for the operation been prcpared with great care, and as the of self-government, but it grovws out of sovei - gentll]eileu Who have signed it hba-e been anx- reignty. Is it to be in five squatters? They iouis thalt their vieas should be 1aid before the mayr pass a law to-day and repeall it to-mnorrow, Senate of the United States, lest other mea- and the next day they may pass another law, sulres emibracing sinilar principles should be and so on successively fhuom day to day and introduced, I can see nothingr improper in from year to year they may pass and repeal allowpinag them to lay their views respectfully laws. The Territories have no power to pass before the Senate. I do not think there is any organic laws until the attributes of sovereignevidence that the gentlemen w-ho have signed ty are about to attach, or have actualWly atthe memoriadl lhave,. ny disposition to estab- tached to them. That is what I call nonlish thcocracS- in our country, or that tley wish intervention. That is -what I call sovereignty to take the Governuaent into their own hands a nd self-government. and exercise a controlling influence over it. This is the great principle whtlich it is said is AW;e find thllat those w ho havre signed this doc- involved in the bill which A-ve have plascd; unlent are of difftherent sects and various deno- and novw we are receiving the response to it. nlinations. I think there is no danger that I hope we may never have any more responses such a aamalgamation of interests and opin- of this description. I prav heaven that xNe ions n-xill take place as to embody a force snf- may never have another such protest in this ficient to make any great inmpression on the body. I pray that there may never exist any institutions of' this countryx or to endanger necessity for it. But for the necessity or cause ouir liberties. rwhich originated in this body, this memoriai iA[r. President thiis memorial is regarded as wvould never have been laid upon your table. a subst'nltive and independent matter, as in- This is but the effect; the cause was anterior tended to produce atuitation and to insult, the to it. If we wish to avert calamitous eflects, Senate; butt it is really the efbeet of a mreasure we should prevent pernicious causes. which I predicted wouild liave this influence M3r. SEWARD. M- r. President, I do not inuton the community. The cause exists in the tend to be drawn, by any remarks w-hich have Senate. It exists in the amendment inserted been made, into a discussion of the question into the Nebraska bill proposing the repeal wnshich was so elaborately disciussed and finally of the Missouri colmpromise, and this is but disposed of, so far as this House is concerned, responsive eaction to that. The cause is not the week before last; but I Ishave a few words in the clergymnen who have signed this memo- to say upon the mere incident, the circumrial. The memori al is the effect of a cause stance wvhich, happening here this morning, brought forw-ard an'd presented in the Senate. is the subject of discussion. I understand The menorial irlugons the action of no one. that the honorable Senator from XVirginia, It is true, the memorialists speak of the mea- [Mr. M{ASON,] who mo ed that this petition sure as inmoral.; Surely tha.t ought not to should not be received, submitted that motion insult Senators. They are not such paragons after the petition, in fact, had been received' o-f morality that they cannot bear to have and therefore I suppose that motion is not in their mioral character questioned, if they, order, and w-ill not he insisted upon. I do should happen to do anything wvhich would not understand the honorable Senator from not be strictly moral according to some stan- Indiana [Mr. PETTIT] seriously to propose to dards, but which I should not thinkc to be refer to the chaplain of the Seniate a paper very immoral. But is their morality of such addressed to the Senate for its consideration. a delicate texture as to be affected by a me- Mr. PETTIT. If our rules allow it, I shall morial coming from "the land of steady insist on that reference. habits?" MIr. SEWARD. I understand the honoraWe are told that there is a great principle ble Senator to assume that the rules do not involved in the bill to ws-hich this memorial allow it, and that it therefore cannot be done. reftrs. This is a very formidable and very tIence I will address no reminrlks to the Senate visible response to that great principle which on that point. I understand the honorablo it is said has lain dormant. Sir, I need not Senator fiom Illinois, [3Mr. DouGLAs,] who obname the nunaber of years that it has lain jected to this memorial, to say that, after havdormant. No bright genius ever elicited it; ing delivered his sentiments on the sul)ject of no brilliant conception ever discovered it un- the measure to vwhich it referred, he, for one, til this session had progressed for soime time, wvould consent that the menmorial should lie wahen the great principle of non-intervention on the table. That is precisely xvhat is desired at oncte spraaing up to illuinine the wvorltI, to be by the petitioners themselves. or those who regnarded as one which, at sorme future day, represent them here on this occasion. I unwould be a universall —rccognized priinciple. derstand, therefore, that there is no leg'islaiv-e 14 question before the Senate at all in regard Certainly not; because it is the right and the to this Inatter; but that practically we are privilege of a citizen, if he can petition at all, all agreed that this memorial or petition, to present his petition in his own way. If he respectful or otherwise, right or wrong, shall thinks there is anything in his character or lie on the table. Then I understand the de- position which entitles his opinions to higher sign of the honorable Senator from Illinois, consideration, or which leads to the belief and of those who have addressed the Senate that he understands the subject more thoupon this occasion, has been to reply to the roughly than others, it is his right to describe renarks wrhich are contained in the memorial himself by the appellation which designates upon the subject of the Nebraska bill, and his profession, his character, or his office. It the abrogation of the Missouri compromise. is only on this principle that the Legislatures Though I do not think this is a customary, of the States make their voices knowng to Conor a right wray to meet memorials or remon- gress, by describing themselves as the Legisstrances.fioml the people, yet, inasmuch as latures of the States. After all, they come several Senators from different parts of the here with their resolutions in the character country have thought it proper to reply, by of petitioners or remonstrants, under that prothe expression of their opinions and senti- vision of the constitution which guarantees ments, upon the propriety of this memorial, the right of petition, and upon no other and the propriety of those who have sent it ground of constitutional right whatever. here, I barely wish to state for myself what I Is there, then, any well-gounded objection think on the subject. to the language or tone of this memorial? I Now, Mtr.'rcsident, I have to say, in the think not. While, on the other hand, it is first place, that if the presentation of this me- such a memorial as a secular person like mymorial here is wrong tat all, it is wrong either self would' not be apt to dictate or sign, bein regard to the time, or the place or the cause there is a solemnity of tone, a seriouscircumstance, or the character of the memo- ness, and religious consideration -which securialists, or the argument which the memorial. lar men do not indulge or affect; yet, on the makes. other hand, it is professional, and natural on Well, sir, Ithink those who will reflect on the part of the memorialists; it is in the the subject will see that there is no censure character of those who make it. It is said, justly to be cast upon the memorialists in indeed, that they assume to speak the will, regard to the time. It hits been the habitual and judgment, and pleasure of the Creator, practice of' the Senate to receive memorials and judge of men and nations. I do not unand petitions upon subjects which were not derstand them as assuming to speak any such yet before the body for action, and might thing. I understand them as saying simply, never be; as, for instance, memorials upon in substance, "We, citizens of the United the subject of securing the liberty of conscience States, subscribing ourselves as clergymen in to American citizens in foreign countries, have the presence of Almighty God, and in His been received without question. So in regard name, address the Congress of the United to this uma.tter. It is a subject which is one States." Sir, what is unusual or wrong in of legitinmate consideration for the Senate. this? You do not commence your proceedAlthough the Senate have acted on it, their ings here on any day of your whole session action is as yet inchoate; it is liable to be without acknowledging and declaring that revieuwed directly. Wlihen the bill shall pass they are begun in the presence, and in the the other I-House, if ever, it may and probably name, and with an invocation of the blessing will come back to us wiith amendments. Even of Almighty God. if this swere not so, still the Senate might be Mr. IMASON. Will the Senator allow me colnvinced, by the arguments of the memo- to interrupt him for a moment. rialists or otherwise, that they had acted un- Mr. SEWARD. Certainly. wisely and injuriously to the country. If so, Mr. MASON. If the Senator will look at it is not too late to rescind our action. We the memorial, he will find that the signers can take mleasures to repeal the act if it shall carefully exclude their character of citizens. ever. pass. They speak of themselves as clergymen of Then, sir, in regard to the character of the the United States in the name of Almighty persons who have presented this memorial; God, and in his presence making this protest is there anything wrong in that? It is said before the Senate. they are clergymen, but they are nevertheless Mr. SEWARD. I may agree with the hoyiAnmerican citizens, and the broader qualifica- orable Senator as to the fact that they do not tion of citizw'l~:hip covers over the lesser and state their citizenship, or their character as inferior character and description of clergy- citizens; but I believe there is no dispute of men. Esvey man who is a citizen of the the fact that they are citizens of the United United States, arnd, according to my theory, States. every man who, altlough he may not be a MIr. MASON. aon constat. citizen, yet is a subject of the Government of Mr. SEWARD. I say that is so. It is practlhe United States, has a right to petition the tically known to us that the clergy of' this Conlrless of the Ulited States upon any sub- country are persons who are invested w-ilh ject of nation-?l interest, or which can be legit- the rights of citizens. I have said, sir, tlhat iniately tshe subject of legislation. Then, is they come here declaring that they come in there any wnell-grounded objection to the fact the presence of Almighty God. It is that that they describe themselves as clergymen? universal and eternal presence in which -vi,' 15 all1 are every day and hour of our lives, and which, whether we deem them moral or imfrom which we can never for even a moment moral, whether intentionally wrong or not escape. are unwise, therere e onnected consequences Again, sir, it is objected that they say they of error, danger, peril, unhappiness, wretchaddress us in the name of Almighty God. edness, ruin. This, in my judgment, is all What is that but a mode of arresting or call- that that expression means. ing attention to their solemn prayer and Mr. BUTLER. I wish to bring one thing earnest remonstrance? Sir, while there are to the view of the honorable Senator, if he occasions on which we never forget, never will allow me. I wish to ask whether it is suiffer ourselves to forget that we are respon- his opinion, fronl any inspection of the paper, sible to Almighty God, it is equally true that that the clergymen who signed it had the all our action is, or ought to be, in the name memorial before them at the time when they of the Supreme Being. Sir, we may put off, signed it? It purports to have been signed we may lay aside the thoughts of that awful on the first of March, and the bill passed the presence during our secular labors and during Senate on the third of March. Will he tell our life of confusion and toil and turmoil and me whether they did or did not sign their care; but when we come to close our eyes names blindly, without seeing the memorial? upon this world, we cannot shut them with- Mr. SEWARD. The honorable Senator will out the reflection that we are ever here in the excuse me froml answering his question; for I sight of the Judge of all men. Every man have not gone nearer to the paper to look at of us, when he comes to write his opinion, or it than I am now when I stand at my desk. his will, or his instructions for those who are 3Mr. BUTLER. I venture to say they never to come after him, recites that it is done in saw the memorial. They could not have the name of God. Sir, as I have said, I should done it. not adopt this mode of addressing the Senate Mir. SEWARD. I was simply saying that or Congress. It is not my habit to do so; these persons, being clergymen, being devoted but I know that it is the habit, that it is in the to the worship of God and the cure of souls, character, in the way of those who have have a language of their own, and that in signed this memorial. I see no ground of this language they have expressed and emobjection to it. Is it disrespectful to'the Sen- bodied their opinions on a secular question, ate of the United States, or to Congress, that and that in it there is nothing which, by just men should say they speak to them in the construction, ought to give offence. name of Cod, and in his presence? If it be And now, sir, I come to the close of what so, it must be because we claim to be here I have to say on this whole matter; and that exempt from the superintending government is, that I regard this as a question of no idle and providence of that Being, in whom and importance. The right of petition is a conby whom we live and walk, and through stitutional right, snd a useful and invaluable whom we exist upon the earth. one, and I shall never be found cviticising But, sir, it is said that at the close of this the language of petitioners or remonstrants, to remonstrance, there is another remark which see whether I cannot find cause for cavil or for is offensive, and that is, that the memorialists rejection. The petitioners and remonstrants think the measure against which they protest may say precisely what they please, and preis immoral in its nature, and that among cisely what they think, in whatever tone or its consequences it will draw down upon language they think proper. They may use, us-not upon this Senate, but upon the nation, for me, any epithet -which they please. They upon this people-the judgments of Almighty may invoke on lmy head any judgment they God. Sir, the qucstion in the great measure please. Still, sir, with a conscience void of proposed is either moral or immoral. There offence against God and man, I can go on is no neutraility between morality and im- here performing my duties; lelaving them inl morality. It may be that we may conscien- tile enjoyment of their rights, and listening tiously cdiffer in ascertaining niwhich is the to all that they say, precisely as if it. had been Fmoral side, hbut nevertheless it is of one char- rendered into the language of courtesy, or acter or the other-either moral or immoral. compliment, or of praise, which would be These persons tell us they think it is of one acceptable under other circunmstances. It is character, others think it is of another char- because I wish that this right of petition may acter. It is our right to act. Let them think take no injuryT fiom the debate of this mornwhiat they wsill, it is their rioght to tell us that, ing, that I have risen to vindicate the memoin their opinion, it is either one thing or the rial, and to do justice to those fio1m whom it other, just as they understand and believe. has come. Then, aogain, it is said that the memorialists Mr. BADGER. MIr. President, I think we allege thfat the act wsill clraw after it the judg- have given rather more impor tance to the meits of Ahnighty God. Sir, by the judg- memorial than its intrinsic meriits entitle it to. mients of Almighty God, I understand simply I have no doubt at all that what is said by this: that every human act of any importance my honorable friend from ilassachusetts [Mr. or msagnitude is connected with preceding EVERETT] is strictlyt rue, that the gentlemen causes, and with sulbsequent effects; that who have signed this paper belolng to a class there is connected with a right act the con- of highly respectable and excellent men. I sequence of usefulness, of beneficence, of hap- would say, probably, with regared to each of piness, iunl' all the blessings of a just Ruler; them, what Sir Walter Scott, in one of his and tihat on the other hand, to those acts novels, makles Cromn.well say in regard to the Revt. Mr. Oldenough: "Lack-.a-day, lack-a- Well, then, sir the whole paper proceeds in day, a learned man, but intemIerate; o-er- the. same nanme and by the same authtority; zeal hlath eaten him up." and, among other things, they protest against These gentlemen do not come here in the the measure as a great moral wrong, a breach character of petitioners. These gentlemen of faith eminently injurious to the moral prindo not come here in the character of re- ciples of the community, subversive of all Tmonstrants, They do not come here in the confidence in national engagements, and as character of memorialists; but they come as exposing us to the righteous judgments of the protestors, not in their own name, not with Almighty. All that is announced by these the individual weight and authority which gentlemen, as ministers of God, affecting to nmight be attributccd to their protest on the spe tk in His name. grolnd of their own intelligence or worth, The interpretation of the paper, sir, I think not merely nwitlh the weilght and authority it is impossible to mistake; but I hayve said.;hich mllight be superadded to this and other that I think too much importance, decidedly (lonsider:tions from the fact of their being too much importance has been attached to it. ministers of the Gospel. It is impossible to Whether this is to be understood as a denunlook at this paper waithout seeing that the ciation of the judgments of God, or as a prehonorable Senator firom New York has spe- diction of his judgments, I deny the authority cially pleaded upon the subject, and that the to denounce, and I deny the gift of' prophecy, reverend gentlemien n-ho signed it will not and, therefore, I think we need not ha,ve thank himl for assigning them in this paper troubled ourselves further on the subject. the low position inu ehich lie wishes. to pJiace Each of thiese reverenld gentlemen being in themn. Wllat is it? the habit, in his vocation and in his particular department of ruling and governing his' The undersioned clergyrmnen of different reli- tment, of congregation, gets habitually, of course, the hous denoamin inNe England, hereby, in protst. the name of tliluighlty God, solemnly protest." habit of speaking on all occasions with anuthority. I believe that they meant it as speakIn their official characters as ministers of ing by authority. I believe they thought Almightiy God, and in his name, they protest they had authority for what they said, and against the passage of the Nebraska bill. that there w as nothing improper in extending Now, sir, these are educated gentlemen. that authoritative style of speaking, in the Thev- are mexi of experience in their vocation. name of the Mlaster whose ministers they are, They understand the true and solemn import to the Senate, as they are in the habit of of the words here used; and I have not the doing in their ordinary ministrations to the shadow of a doubt that they meant to enter a congregations who acknowledge them as protest., as the language imports, as a protest, pastors. But why should that disturb us? through them, of the Almighty God himself; WTho cares for it? Does any body believe speaking to this Senate. It is not an ex- they have power to hurl the thunder bolts of pression preparatory to a solemIn act to be heaven? Doesany man believe that they are done byr them; for all that is completed w-hen gifted with the spirit of prophecy, and able they declare that they speak in the presence to announce to us what, in the fiuture course of of God-that is to say, with a solemn recol- things, will come to pass? Not at all. I lection of Ilis presence, realizing His superin- dare say they are very good men, but, like tendence over what they are doing. What, the Rev. Mr. Oldenough, over zealous; and then, do they mean, w-hen they add that the, there, for one, I am willing to leave the subspeak in HIis nalme, unless it is that they speak jeet. I move, then, that the memorial lie by Ilis authority? That can admit of no upon the table. doubt. The motion -was agreed to.