6 their utmost energies in behalf of the unfortunate; when we see them prmptly and eagerly rushing to the rescue? And, sir, here I must be permitted to intimate to my political opponents, that in order firmly to establish their characters for superior patriotism and philanthropy, it will be necessary for them to act as well as to feel. If you know the remedy, gentlemen, and apply it not, the sincerity of your professions may be doubted. , The uncharitable may surmise that party is your object, and public good the scapegoat. Sir, what would we think of the patriotism of the man who was able, but unwilling, to succour his country in the hour of her extremity ? Or what would we say of the benevolence of a physician who refused to administer to his sick and dying patient, the remedies which he knew would restore him to life, health, and vigor? And are not gentlemen aware, that after having,so constantly, so earnestly, and so eloquently, bewailed the fallen fortunes of their country, they will naturally be looked to by that country with anxious shuddering solicitude for the reinedies competent to heal the deep disease, which, we are told, is preying upon its vitals ? Are they not aware that thbir benevolence will be questioned, and their sincerity doubted, even by the confiding and the faithful ? But, sir, we have been told that the friends of the. administration have the power, and that the responsibility rests with them I Sir, what are we to understand by this ? Is it meant to be insinuated that the administration party in this house have the power to relieve the distresses of this country, but that they have not the will to exercise it ? Is it meant to be affirmed that the dominant party are so utterly destitute of feeling and of patriotism, as willingly and intentionally to withhold the aid which they might rightfully and constitutionally extend to the people ? Is it their intention to represent us to the American people in so odious and offensive a light ? Sir, I am aware that the gentlemen in the opposition have long claimed ah the wisdom, and all the worth, and all the decency; but I did not suppose, until now, that they also claimed ail.the patriotism, and all the benevolence, and all the sympathy. For one, sir, 1 protest against such unwarrantable and unfounded pretensions. I am clearly against this additional monopoly. If the gentlemen really possess all the charity and benevolence which they claim, I trust that they will not be inexorable towards us; that they will not thrust us beyond the pale of humanity; that they will not strip us of all the common attributes of civilized men, nor paint us as savages or brutes, by representing us to be deaf or indifferent to the voice of distress. Why should we be thus treated as guilty of the 'grossest injustice—of the most flagrant inhumanity? If the gentlemen of the opposition do not consider adequate the means of relief proposed by the Executive, let them suggest such as will be effective, and, .my life on it, if these means shall be just, proper, and constitutional, the friends of the administration will cheerfully yield them their most cordial and hearty support. We confess that we know no other remedies for the ills complained of than those we have already suggested. And if the gentlemen in the opposition have it in their power, as they would have us ahd the country believe, of proposing an efficacious and constitutional remedy, for heaven’s sake let them tell us what it is 1 If there be a balm in Gilead—if there be a physician there—let him administer the balm to our afflicted country. Do not, I beseech you, gentlemen, do not any longer keep secret your political catholicon. like quack physicians;
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