Bloomsburg democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1867-1869, 1868-04-29
colonel Dan Rice's speech,

Colonel Dan RiCe's speech, y
In Washington, Saturday, April 4, 1868.
There being very large attendance, Col
onel Rice was called on to define disposition
on National affairs, in conformity with ru-
NOR that had been put in circulation during
the day by various parties in tho metropolis
7. Mr.. Rice said: I understand that it has
been intimated, and I presume that am
expected to expressmy views with reference
to the great political questions now agitating,
dividing, and perplexing the public mind:
I know that it is considered improper, as
well as impolitic for public artists to intrude
as it is termed, their individual opinions
where they ore expected only to amusc but
as have never adhered to this rule or fear
ed to raise my humble voice when my duty
as an American citizen compelled me to
speak, will not now hold my peace when
I see such dsgraceful f;trce as is being
enacted in this, the Nations capitol. ZAP
plause.)
Neither personal considerations nor pecu-
mary advantages shall restrain me from rails
ing my voice in protest against this outrage
upon the peoples rights. can say, as was
said by Senator Foote to General Cass, in
reply to an attack made by him upon the
"Sage Of Ashland" II ask no favors, and
fear no assaults" (Applause.)
Would to God that we had now in the
Councils Of the Nation such men as Clay,
as Webster, men Of massive intellect, Of
exalted worth and purity of purpose, before
whose giant minds the miserable tricksters
of the present day appear as insignificant
pigmics."
But alas! alas! they arc gone and !
fear much I'VE shall never look upon
their like again!,.' ] am free to admit that
there are in the halls of legislation, men Of
undoubted integrity, who, cannot believe,
will be so forgctful Of their solemn oaths as
to purjer themselves, and ignore all justice,
humanity, and equity, by consummating the
"greatest of wrongs" against both the ma
ton and an honest man. (Applause.)
Although I can with difficulty make my
self heard, if there are any Senators within
the sound of my voice, hope they will
hear and read my protest, made "in the
name Of the people" for Ihno,o the people.
and IteN you they ,ciH not permit you to
go unrebuked, if you allow partisan neces-
sity or political prejudice to prevail in your
councils, over justice, patriotism, Or that
''grave sense of duty" which you must feel,
| and which your States erpect you will ever
bear in mind. ..,........ ...
The eyes of the world are upon YOU, and
if you do not wish to break up and destroy
''the great Republican party" you must
abandon this whole scheme, for the remova!
of President johnson sounds its death knell.
(Here the Colonel made movement as
though to retire, when some one in the au-
dience cried out, $50 on, Dan, you have a
right to speak !" cries Of that's so, 'go on,
80 on" .... ... .t.-.
The Colonel resumed: Yes l have right
to speak / am not partisan, but the friend
of the people and the soldier / love the
Union honor its defenders! and to the
extent of my means l have crer contributed
to its support and defence. I gave the first
fit out to regiment raised in my county,
the gallant SD Pennsylvania, led by the
immortal Col. Mclean. Those men went
forth to enforce obedience to the Constitu-
ton and laws!
Where are the Constitution and the laws
now? They have been wrenched from the
hands Of President johnson, (who hung on
to them as long as he could) and locked up
in strong box at the War Office. Who
has the key? General Grant did have it,
but he gave it up to Stanton, the first time,
by the way, that I ever heard Of General
Grant surrendering. daughter and ap
plause.)
By and by, speaking Of General Grant, l
have an undying regard for the heroic Gen.
eral, whose military achievements will ever
illume the pages of tour country's glorious
record and l cannot believe that General
Grant will be SO unwise as to become the
tool Of designing politicians who desire to
use him for their own base ends.
Grant is great General, but "sick old
politician" Qaughter) but don't deceive
yourselves, he is not as weak in the upper
story as many of you suppose. daughter
He is not going to give up sure thing"
for an uncertainty. "a bird in the hand is
worth two on the bush," and he knows it,
you bot-unless he is greater fool than |
take him to be. profound laughter and
applause.) a.. IF bsu..: -, ,l!s.f
THE Colonel again attempted to retire
but the audience testified their non-ooncur-
renee by repeated cries Of ''go on, we want
to hear more,") III -. .nl
He then resumed: The condition Of my
voice is such, my friends that I shall be
compelled to bring my remarks to speedy
conclusion, but before I bid you farewell
YOU NAV desire to know where live. My
home is in Girard, Pennsylvania, where
cordially invite you, ono and oil, should you
pass that way, to call and see me. In the