Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1871-06-10

great Revolution. 1t was in this city o.
Augusta-this ancient old town upon the
banks of the Savannah. shat my father
then but mere boy, came to join the
Revolutionary forces, and enlisted beneath
the American flag. l am proud of my
father, and proud Of his State. If It is q
crime to feel proud of this sire-to glory in
his devotion to the cause of the right-to
remember with eXultation his services in
defense of liberty, then, my friends, it is
also crime to oppose despctic centrali-
cation ofpower and uphold the right of q
State to withdraw from a voluntary COM
pact entered into only for the preservation
of the freedom of them all. If this is q
crime, then am ! criminal, and it is the
| only oflense of which l have been guilty. L
repeat, Georgians, that l claim to be of
Georgia descent, and glory in my lineage.
Although the distinguished gentleman Who
welcomed me to your city, with words SO
kindly and so eloquent, has said that you
pay tribute to me by your presence here
tonight, cannot think that he was correct
in this remark. 1t is not tribute to me
| individually, but because you feel that
am one of yourselves that you come to do
me honor. And while am fully aware of
this fact, do not imagine that feel at all
mortified at it,or that my vanity is wound
ed because you honor me only as the rep
resentative OF your case. That cause is
dear to me-more precious even than life
larplause)-and 1 glory in its remem-
brance.
Just here let me say to you thatI we'll
know how every utterance of mine is seiz-
ed upon by the organs and members of
certain faction. 1 am well aware of the
eagerness with which every word of mine
is caught up, and the ingenuity with which
70 I,ntp ta1 o,,1 20
designs upon my people, and hence dare
full to overflowipg, God knows, but can
not speak. Many memories of the past
are struggling in my brain, but must be
silent. Though must not speak, it is no
fear for myself which commands my lips
to be closed. No; have been punished
for my crimes, and have experienced the
worst which could be imposed. In the
cant language Of the day, punishment with
me is "played out" TIE worst that can
be done has been done, and have no more
to fear. If Ispeak it is not myself but you
who would be injured, for, unfortunately,
additional wrongs can yet be heaped upon
you. Therefore, if 1 claim merit for any
thing, it will be for keeping silent. My
| say, GOOD night, my friends, 60 10 your
homes" and Congressional investigating
committee happened to be within hearing,
it's members would say that directed you
to 60 off and join the ku Klux. Laughter
and applause. Filled with that jealousy
which springs from the knowledge of their
inferiority, and the justice of your preten-
sions, and conscious of broken covenants
and violated Constitution, they mistrust
every movement, and tremble with fear
when they think that right may again pre-
vail. [Applause.l But wrong cannot al
ways be triumphant. / will say nothing,
and you must do nothing, even though
tyranny oppresses grieyously upon you.
when all will be yet well. l may not, nor
may some of you live to see it, but it is
surely coming. Applause.l He who
reigns above and lives always will see that
justice is done. He will not ALLOW the
wicked to always remain in power, nor the
righteous to be oppressed. We can wait
until that day comes, and in the meantime,
be quiet. IT'S an old and wise saying that
good biting dog never barks much. If
we wait patiently, e sense of justice will
return to the people Of the United States,
or an opportunity will come when our rights
can be gained, and not only our rights-the
rights of the South-but the rights of all
the people the rights which were fought
for and obtained at the point of the sword
in the first revolution. Applause But
though cannot and should not speak, l
fear that where the mind and the heart are
both so full will not be able to restrain
my words. l cannot think one thing and
say another, and unless the honest emo
tions of my soul can be expressed do not
care to speak. i thank you, gentlemen,
for your kindness, and feel deeply touched
at its exhibition. May God foster and
preserve you. If ever the day comes when
| can speak freely, will be among you and
say to you all that is in my heart. Till
then farewell, and may the great God be
with you always. Applause.