Chastain Speech in Congress 1855

Descendants and cousins of Elijah Webb Chastain may enjoy reading a speech he gave in the U.S. Congress on Feb. 17, 1855 as a member of the House of Representatives from Georgia.He opens by lamenting "our inveterate proneness for oratorical display," and then proceeds with fifteen pages of oratorical display!But it's great; full of superbly sarcastic barbs at his opponent on the issue (U.S. - Spain - Cuba relations) -- the same kind of thing you see on C-Span today.You can order a transcript from the Library of Congress Photoduplication Service.The LC call number is F1783-C48.The title is "Speech of Honorable E. W. Chastain...."Cost, $10.00.The Library of Congress website can give details on how to order.