Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1863-03-06

On the last day Of the Hin is Legislature,
Mr. Funk, Senator from Mclean county
! delivered a speech which is thus described and
reported by tie Springfield correspondent ol
the Chicago Tribune
A great sensation was caused by a speech
delivered by Mr. Funk, one of the richest
farmers Of the State, a man who pays over
! $4,000 per annum in taxes towards the sup
port of the Government. The lobby and gallery
was crowded with spectators. Mr.. Funk
rose to object to triaing resolutions which were
| being introduced by the Democrats to kill
time, and to stave off vote upon the appro-
priations for the support of the State Govern
ment. He said
Mr.. SPEAKER Il can sit in my scat nc
longer and see snch boys play going on
These men are trihing with the best interests
of the country. They should have asses ears
to set off their heads, or they are secessionists
and traitors at heart.
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 in this hall and
denounce the war and the Administration
prove it.
Team sit here no f6nger and not tell tLese
traitors what think of them. And while SC
telling them am responsible myself for what
l say. / 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 trait
ors. Tremendous applause from the galleries |
l am an old man Of 65. I came tn Illinois q
poor boy. have made little something for
myself and family. 1 pay $4,000 a year in
taxes. l am willing TO pay $4,000, aye SI2.-
600. [Great cheering, the old gentleman
bringing down his fist upon bis desk with a
blow that would knock down a bullock, aud
causing the inkstand 10 bounce half dozen
inches in the nr.l Aye, am willing TO pay
my whole fortune, and then give my life TO save
my country from these traitors that are seek
ing to destroy it. Tremendous cheers and
applause, which the Speaker could not sub
due.
Mr.. Speaker you must please excuse me-
I 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 viii
lains and traitors and secessionists in the Sen
ate strillibg his clienched fist on the desk with
blow that made the house ring again1 are
killing my Deighbors' boys now fighting in the
field. dare to tell this to those traitors, to
their faces, and that am responsible for what
I say to one or all of them. Cheers. Let
them come on, right here. l am sixty five
years old, and 1 have made up my mind TO
risk my life right here, on this floor, for my
country Mr. Funk stood near The lobby
railing, his desk heing one OF the row immedi-
ately in fropt of it. A crowd, as he proceed
ed, collected around him, evidently with the
intention of protecting him from violence, if
necessary. The last announcement was re-
ceived with great cheering, and 1 saw many
an eye fash and many countenance grow
radiant with the light of defiance.
These men sneered at Col. Mack, day or
two ago. He is little man but am a large
man. l am ready to meet any of them, in
place of Col. Mack l am large enough for
them, and l hold myself ready for them now,
and at any time. Cheers from the CALLER
ies.1
Mr.. Speaker, these traitors on this floor
should be provided with hempen collars
They deserve them. They deserve hanging,
say. Raising his voice and violently striking
the desk The country would be better Off
to swing them up. l go for hapgi0 aheRl,
and dare to tell them so, right here
traitors faces. Traitors should be hung. 1t
would be the salvation of the country to bang
them. For that reason would rejoice at it.
Tremendous cheering.l
Mr.. Speaker, l beg pardon of the gentle
men in the Senate who are not traitors, but
true, loyal men, for what have said. l only
intend it and mean it for secessionists at heart
They are here in this Senate. see them joke
aud smirk and grin at true Union man.
But defy them. ] stand here ready for them