Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1863-02-28
MISCELLANEOUS.
Scene in the Illinois Legislature
Speech Of a Brave Old Patriot.

The Springfield correspondence of the
Missouri Democrat" contains the following
account of an exciting scene in the late Illi-
nois Legislature =
A great sensation was erected by a speech
by Mr.. Funk, one of the richest farmers in
the State, man who pays over three thou
sand dollars per annum taxes towards the
support of the Government The lobby and
gallery were crowded with spectators. Mr.
Funk rose to object to trifling resolutions
which were being introduced by the Demo-
Gratis, to kill time and stave off vote upon
the appropriation for the support of the
State Government He said -
Mr.. Speaker can sit in my scat no longer
and see such by-play going on. These men
are tritling with the best interests of the
country. They should have asses ears to
set off their heads, or they arc traitors and
Secessionists at heart
l say that there are traitors and Secession
lists at heart in this Senate. Their actions
prove it. Their speeches prove it. Their
gibes, and laughter, and cheers here nightly
when their speakers get up to denounce the
war and the administration, prove it.
can sit here no longer, and not tell these
traitors what think of them. And while
SO telling them, am responsible, myself, for
what say. l stand upon my own bottom.
| am ready to meet any man on this floor, in
any manner, from pins point TO the mouth
of a cannon, upon this charge against these
traitors. Tremendous applause in the gal
leries.] l am an old man of sixty-five; /
came to Illinois poor boy; l have made a
little something for myself and family.
pay three thousand dollars a year in taxes.
| am willing to pay six thousand, ayetwelve
thousand, great cheering, the old gentleman
striking the desk with blow that would
knock down a bullock, and causing the ink
stand to fly in the airl aye, am willing to
pay my whole fortune, and then give my life
to save my country from these traitors who
are seeking to destroy it. Tremendous
applause, which the Speaker could not con-
troll.
Mr.. Speaker, you must please excuse me,
| could not sit longer in my seat and calmly
listen to these traitors. My heart, that feels
for my poor country, would not let me. My
heart, that bleeds for the widows and orphans
at home, would not let me. Yes, these trail
tors and villains in this Senate striking his
clenched fist on the desk with blow that
made the Senate ring again. are killing my
neighbors' boys, now fighting in the field
and / am responsible for what say to any
one or all of them. Cheers Let them
come on now, right here. am sixty-fye
years old, and | have made up my mind 10
risk my life right here, on this floor, for my
country. (Mr. Funk's seat Is near the lobby
railing, and a crowd collected around him,
evidently with the intention of protecting
him from violence, If necessary. The last
announcement was received with great cheer
ing, and saw many an eye flash, and many
a countenance grow radiant with the light
of defiance)
These men sneered at Colonel Mack a few
days since. lie is small man. But am
q large man. am ready TO meet any of
them in place of Colonel Mack. am large
enough for them, and hold myself ready
for them now and at any time. lCheers
from the galleries
Mr.. Speaker, these traitors on this floor
should be provided with hempen collars.
They deserve them. They deserve hanging,
| say, (raislng his voice and violently strik.
Ing the deskD the country would be the
better OF swinging them up. 40 for hang
Ing them, and dare 10 tell them 30, right
here 10 their traitorous faces. TrlioTs
should be hung. II would DO tho salvation
cf the country 10 hang them. For that rea-
son rejoice ~ Il. Tfemeadous cheering.
Mr.. speaker, beg pardon OF the gentlemen
In this senate who arc not traitors, but true
loyal msn, foI what ] have said. only
intsnd y and mean !, fog sseessloAisis Al
heaf' They arc here In this Senate ! sss