Page:Remarks of Hon. J.E. Bouligny, on the secession of Louisiana (IA remarksofhonjebo00boul 0).pdf/5



T S. The Chair asks the permission of the House to give the floor to the gentleman from Louisiana, (Mr. T,) who desires to make a few observations.

No objection was made.

Mr. T announced the secession of the State of Louisiana, and his own withdrawal from the House. He has withheld his remarks for revision.

Mr. Bouligny obtained the floor.

T S. If there is no objection, the gentleman from Louisiana will proceed.

Mr. B said: I take this occasion to express my regret that I am not able to agree with the honorable Senators from my State, and especially with my colleague (Mr. T) who has just taken his seat, although I entertain the greatest regard for their opinions. In the outset, permit me to say that until a few moments ago, I was in the same condition with my colleague, not having received official information of the passage of the ordinance of secession by the convention of my State. Nor have I received from the Legislature of my State, now in session, any information of the passage by that body of a resolution instructing her Senators, or requesting her Representatives, to withdraw from Congress. For one, although I respect that body, I shall not obey its request. I was not elected by that body, and I have nothing to do with it, or it with me.

In reference to the convention, I will say that I respect that body, as I do the Legislature of my State. Many of its members are my personal and intimate friends; but I think they have shown discourtesy to me when they have not even thought proper to send me a copy of their ordinance of secession; certainly, I shall pay it no attention until it is communicated to me. (Laughter.)

Mr. Speaker, there is another reason which compels me to differ with the Senators and Representatives of my State. I am the only member of Congress from Louisiana who was elected as an American Union man. To those principles I shall stand forever. (Great applause in the galleries.)

Again: when I came here, I took the oath to sustain the Constitution of the United States. What does that mean? Does not the Constitution of the United States mean the Union of the United States? I so understand it; and to that oath I shall adhere firmly to the end. Whenever I am instructed by my immediate constituents, and am requested by them to withdraw from Congress, I shall comply with those instructions as soon as they are received. Then, and not until then, I shall resign; and after resigning my position, I shall yet be a Union man, and stand under the flag of the country which gave me birth. (Great applause in the galleries and on the floor.)