Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1863-03-06
Scene in the Illinois Legislature.

The Springfield correspondence of tn,
Missouri Democrat contains the followin,
account Of an exciting scene in the Illnoi
Legislature:
A great sensation was created by
speech by Mr.. Funk, one Of the richest far
mers in the State, man who pays owe
three thousand dollars per annun taxes to
ward the support of the Government Tn,
lobby and gallery were crowded with spec
tators. Mr.. Funk rose to object to trif1ins
resolutions which were being introduced BY
the Democrats TO kill time, and stave Off ,
vote upon the appropriations for the sup
port Of the State Government. He said:
Mr. Speaker-I can sit in my seat nc
longer and see such by-play going on.
These men are trifing with the best inter-
ests of the country. They should have
asses ears to set off their heads, for they
are traitors and secessionists 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 to denounce the
war and the Administration, prove it.
/ can sit here nc longer and not tell these
traitors what think Of them. And while
so telling them, am responsible, myself,
for what | say. / stand upon my own bot
tom. ! 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 ap-
plause in the galleries.) am an old man
of sixty-fve; / came to Illinois poor boy /;
| have made little something for myself
and family. Ipay three thousand dollars
a year in taxes. am willing 10 pay six
thousand, aye twelve thousand, (great cheer
ing, the old man striking the desk with a
blow that would knock down bullock, and
causing the ink stand TO fly in the air) aye,
l am will willing to pay my whole fortune,
and then give my life, to save my country
from these traitors who are seeking to de-
stroy it tremendous applause, which
the Speaker could not control.)
Dir. 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 cries out for the
lives of our brave volunteers in the field
that these traitors at home are destroying
by thousands, would not let me. MY heart,
that bleeds for the widows and orphans at
home, would not let me. Yes, these trait
ors and villains in this Senate (striking his
fist on the desk with a blow that
made the Senate ring again) are killing my
neighbors' boys, now fighting in the field.
dare to say this to these traitors right
here, and am responsible for what / say
to any one or all of them. (Cheers.) Let
them come on now, right here. / am sixty
FIVE years old, and have made up my mind
to risk my life, right here, on this floor, for
my country. (Mr. Funk's seat was near
the lobby. railing, and crowd collected
around him, evidently with the intention of
him from violence, if necessary.
The last announcement was received with
great cheering, and saw many an eye fash
and many countenance grow radiant with
he light of defance.)
These men sneered at Col. Mack few
lays since. He is a small man. But am
. large man. l am ready to meet any of
hem in place of Col. Mack. / am large
enough for them, and hold myself ready
or them now and at any time. (Cheers
rom the galleries.)
Mr.. Speaker, these traitors on this floor
should be provided with hempen collars.
They deserve them. They deserve hang
ng, / cay, (raising his voice, and violently
striking the desk) the country would be the
,etter ofswingingthem up. ] 60 for hang
ng them, and dare to tell them so, right
lere to their traitorous faces. Traitors
hould be hung. 1t would be the salvation
# the country to hang them. For that
eason must rejoice at it. tremendous
heering.) Mr.. Speaker. beg pardon of
he gentlemen in this Senate who are not
raitors, but true loyal men, for what have
aid. / only intend it and mean it for
ecessionists at heart. They are here in
his Senate. l see them gibe, and smirk,
md grin at true Union man. Must defy |
hem? stand here ready for them aud
are them to come on. (Great cheering.)
What man with the heart ofa patriot could
lo...r>