I  must  before  I  close  notice  a  remark  which  fell  from  the  gentle-
man from  Racine  (Mr.  Strong)  that  ''although  Whigs  may  vote
for  the  constitution,  they  will  not  afterwards  vote  for  Democratic
nominations;  and  if  the  constitution  is  rejected,  the  party  is  over-
thrown." And  yet,  sir,  he  is  exerting  every  nerve  and  using  all  the
means  which  the  revengeful  feelings  of  thwarted  ambition  can  sug-
gest to  effect  the  rejection  of  the  constitution  and  the  consequent
overthrow  of  the  party,  as  he  predicts.  The  gentleman  may  rec-
oncile his  course  to  himself,  but  as  a  Democrat  he  cannot  justify
it  unto  others.  And  now,  Mr.  President,  I  have  but  to  say  in  con-
clusion that  believing  the  constitution  to  be  eminently  calculated  to
promote  the  best  interests  of  the  country,  to  protect  the  rights  of  all,
to  produce  a  just  equalization  of  privileges,  and  to  dispense  liberally
and  benignly  the  blessings  of  freedom,  I  shall  at  all  times  be  found  its
firm  advocate.  Yes,  sir,  I  am  willing  to  stake  my  political  existence
upon  this  cast  and  ''boldly  stand  the  hazard  of  the  die.'*  And
be  my  destiny  what  it  may,  I  shall  always  look  back  to  this  deter-
mination with  that  proud  satisfaction  which  a  conscious  knowledge
of  my  moral  and  political  rectitude  will  inspire.  As  a  champion  of
human  rights  I  desire  no  better  banner  to  fight  under  than  our
constitution.  Its  glorious  principles  will  animate  me  in  the  struggle;
and  in  its  defense  I  will  plant  myself  on  the  broad  platform  of  democ-


DEBATE  IN  TERRITORIAL  LEGISLATURE  287

racy,  there  to  stand  firm  and  immovable  as  the  mountains  of  my
native  state,  whose  feet  are  imbedded  in  the  ponderous  immobility
of  earth.  As  a  parting  word  to  my  opponents  I  will  say  that  the
criminations  I  have  dealt  in  I  have  no  desire  to  recall;  and  the  sever-
ity I  have  indulged  in  I  have  no  wish  to  soften.  They  have  made
the  lightning  their  couch,  and  they  shall  lie  there  flayed. — Wisconsin
Democrat,  Feb.  20,  1847.
