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 instructed
by my immediate constituents, and am requested
by them to withdraw from Congress, I shall comply with those
instruction 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.)
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