Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-03-04
Plain Talk to the Copperheads.
SPEECH OF A BRAVE OLD PATRIOT
In the Illinois State Senate.

The Springfield correspondence of the Mis-
sonri Democrat contains the following account
OF an exciting scene in the late Illinois Leg
isature:
A great sensation was created 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 toward the sup
port of the government. The lobby and gal
lery were crowded with spectators. Mr.. Funk
rose 10 object to trifing resolutions which
we're being introduced by the Democrats to
kill time and stave off vote upon the appro-
priations for the support of the State Govern
ment. He said
Hr. Speaker 1 can sit in my seat no longer
and see such by-play going on. These men
are trifiing with the best interests of the coun-
try. They should have asses ears to set off
their heads, or they are traitors and Seces-
sionists at heart.
say there are traitors and Secessionists al
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 1t.
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. 1 stand upon my own bottom
am ready TO meet any man on this floor in
any manner, from pins point to the mouth
OF cannon, upon this charge against these
traitors. Tremendous applause IN the gal
lrrtosl am an old man of sixty five L came
10 Illinois poor boy l have made little
something for myself and family. pay three
thousand dollars year in taxes. I will
ling to pay six thousand, aye twelve thou
sand. [great cheering, the old gentleman stri-
hlu- ;he desk with blow that would knock
do"n a bullock, and causing the ink stand to
hy IN the airl aye, L 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 applause,
which the Speaker could not controi.l
Mr. Speaker, you must please excuse me,
could not sit longer in my seat and calmly
listen to these traitors. My heart, that feels
Tor my poor country, would not let me. My
heart, that cries out for the lives of our brave
home are destroying by thousands, would not
let me. Ny heart, that bleeds for the widows
and orphans at home, would moi let me. Yes,
these traitors and viIlans in this Senate (stri-
king his clenched fist on the desk with blow
mat made the Senate ring again) are killing
my neighbors' boys, now lighting in the field.
l dare say this to these traitors right here,
and am responsible for what say to any one
OF all of them. [Cheers.l Let them come on
now, right here. | am sixty-five years old,
snd have made up my mind to risk my life
right here, on this floor, for my country. (Mr.
funk seat is near the lobby railing, and
crowd collected around him, evidently with
'he intention protecting him from violence,
II necessary. The last announcement was re- |
ceiSed with great cheering, and saw many
sa eye Hash and many continuance grow ra-
uians with the light of defance.)
These men sneered at Col. Mack few days
SINCE. He is a small man. But am large
Haa. am ready to meet any of them IN |
pace Of Col. Mack. l am large enough for
Them, and hold myself ready for them now |
ana at any time. [Cheers from the galleries. I
mr. Speaker, these traitors on this floor |
should be provided with hempen collars. |
ioey deserve them. They deserve hanging.
say (raising his voice and violently strik- |
'os the desk,) the country would be the bet. |
''' OF swinging them up. 60 for hanging