The Late John E. Bouligny
The recent decease of this gentleman, says the New York
Post, will doubtless recall to the minds of our readers the
noble and independent stand taken by him at the time of the
secession of the other Southern members of Congress. Amid
all the scorn and sneers of his late fellow-members he closed
his speech with the following words:
" 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 instrcuted [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.)
