WRITINGS OF 5AM: HOUSTON, 1856
392
I am for that principle. This country is ours. I would extend its benefits liberally to honest emigrants. I would give them more liberty than they ever enjoyed in their fatherland, and certainly would restrain them of none. They have no right to claim to rule over us. I would give them much more than is guaranteed to our own citizens in other nations. Mr. President, I sincerely trust that a better time is coming for the country than there has been for some period past. I regret the dissension that now exists between the Houses of Congress. I hope that they will be reconciled, and I can be at no loss in tracing the diffi- culties to their origin. I am not here as an apologist for any party. I stand here to do justice to all. I stand here for my country, to do what I think will sustain and give permanency to her insti- tutions, and improve her condition as a nation. I will never, under any circumstances, foster dissension or promote faction, nor do I conceive that I am doing so when I occupy my present position before the world. Though I do not now act with a political party holding the name of that great party with which it was my pride to act in days gone by, I am acting with a political party based upon principles which I approve-principles which must ultimately obtain in the country, at a more early period, I think, than has been generally anticipated. I know the influence of power and patronage; I have felt it; but I have an abiding con- fidence in the intelligence of my countrymen. New influences will operate on them. They will see the necessity for doing some- thing, and I hope that whatever is done, it will tend to the har- mony and peace of the country, and to the preservation of the Union. I have heard it in the streets-I have heard it from official gentlemen-it is not necessary, nor would it be proper for me to name them, that in a certain contingency, if a gentleman who is now a candidate for the Presidency should be elected, resistance will be made, and thousands of bayonets will be glistening in this avenue to resist him. Sir, that sentiment is not worthy of an American. If I had a twin brother who uttered it, I should certainly rebuke him, if I did not chastise him. I am as much opposed to the candidate alluded to as any one. I have no objec- tion to him personally, but I dislike the idea of a sectional can- didate. I think it is calculated to sectionalize the country, and impair the strength of the Union, and, of course, I am neces- sarily opposed to his election on principle. If, however, he receives a constitutional majority of the electoral votes, and be elected according to the Constitution, I shall recognize him as chief
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