Speech Of The Hon R C Winthrop Of Mass On The Presidents Message

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ISBN 13 : 9781331289654
Total Pages : 34 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (896 download)

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Download or read book Speech of the Hon. R. C. Winthrop, of Mass written by and published by . This book was released on 2015-07-13 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from Speech of the Hon. R. C. Winthrop, of Mass: On the President's Message, Transmitting the Constitution of California; Delivered in Committee of the Whole in the House of Representatives of the United States, May 8, 1850 Mr. Winthrop said: When I had the honor of addressing the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union some weeks ago, I intimated my purpose to take another opportunity, at no distant day, to express, some what more in detail than I was able to do on that occasion, the views which I entertain in regard to what have well been called the great questions of the day. The eager competitions for the floor which have been witnessed here almost without intermission from that time to this, have postponed the accomplishment of this purpose much longer than I could have desired. I rise now, however, at last, to fulfil it. And most heartily do I wish. Mr. Chairman, that in doing so, I could see my way clear to contribute something to the repose of the country, and to the harmony of our national councils. I yield to no one in the sincerity or the earnestness of my desire, that every bone of contention between different portions of the Union may be broken, every root of bitterness removed, and that the American Congress may be seen again in a condition to discharge its legitimate functions of providing at once for the wants of the Government and for the interests of the people. If there be an example in history, which I would gladly emulate at such a moment as this, it is that of an old Swiss patriot, four hundred years ago - of whom I have recently read an account - who, when the Confederated Cantons had become so embittered against, each other, by a long succession of mutual criminations and local feuds, that the dissolution of the Confederacy was openly proposed and discussed, and the liberties of Switzerland seemed on the very verge of ruin, was suddenly found rushing from his cherished retirement into the Assembly of Deputies, and ex claiming "Concord, concord, Concord!" and who, it is recorded, by his prudence, his patriotism, and his eloquence, brought back that Assembly, and the people whom they represented, to a sense of the inestimable blessings which were at stake upon the issue, and finally succeeded in restoring his distracted country to a condition of harmony, tranquillity, and assured Union! Sir, there is no sacrifice of personal opinion, of pride of consistency, of local regard, of official position, of present havings, or of future hopes, which I would not willingly make to play such a part as this. Perhaps it may be said, that it has been played already. Perhaps it may be said, that a voice, or voices, have already been heard in the other end of this Capitol, if not in this, which have stilled the angry storm of fraternal discord, and given us the grateful assurance that all our controversies shall be peacefully settled. At any rate, sir, whether this be so or not, I am but too sensible that it is not given to me in this hour to attempt such a character. And let me add, that there is one sacrifice which I could never make, even for all the glory which might result from the successful performance of so exalted a service. I mean, the sacrifice of my own deliberately adopted and honestly cherished principles. These I must avow, to-day and always. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com