The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-10-16
Conclusion OF Senator Thurman's speech
n at Batavia.

have now replied to the points made by
Morton in answer to my speech. Ihave not
replied, and shall not reply, to some rant in
which lie INDUCED, and which cannot be
described by any less expressive terms than
the word scurrility. He seems TO tinB that
it is the duty of public man to do nothing
but praise the government, and to hide out
Of sight everything like fraud and corrup-
ton. To lay bare official misconduct, to
expose frauds by which the people are made
to lose millions upon millions OF dollars, to
show how corruption is sapping the founda-
lions Of public virtue and threatening its
utter destruction, is, in the opinion Of Sen
ator Morton, to SANDER the country and to
ignore everything that is great and grand
and beautifuiin il. Ny friends, overlook
nothing of the greatness and grandeur and
beauty of the republic ] have IS much
reason to admire all that is great and good
in it as Senator Morton has. l have as
much interest in its welfare and good
name as he has, and it is precise
" because I prize its welfare and
good name that 1 expose the cor
ruptions that must be condemned by the
people, If its welfare and good name arc TO
be preserved. 1t is not by hiding out Of
sight the sores Of the body polite that a
cure can be effected. Il IS treason 10 the
people to conceal what they ought 10 know
when knowledge is necessary, in order that
they NAT apply an efficient remedy. And it
is not a libel on our government to tell 70
the people what our public records show TO
be true, hurt whom Il may. Senator Nor
ton volunteers to give me some advice In
return let rio advise him TO dispr0ve, If he
can. the facts stated IN my speech and not
answer 1t by rant and scuTnlity. Until he
can do that. aud until he can 90 further
and deny the existence Of other practices
that demand the condemnation Of the peo-
pie, he had better hold his peace. Does he
not know that a Republican Senator from
Kansas obfained his seat By wholesale bri-
berry, Did he not so report himself 70 the
Senator Docs be not know that another
senator from that State attempted 10 pro-
cure his re-elcctioniu the same wayl Does
he not know that the corruption Of some
Of our commissioners sent 70 repre-
sent this country az the Vienna Ex-
position brought disgrace upon the
American name before the whole civ
ilized world9 Does lie not know that
the government was set up ia the State
Of Louisiana by the bayonet, under the
order Of a Federal judge, made, not In
court. but IN his private chamber, and
which. as found by MortOn's own commit
tee. the Judge had no authority whatevert 70
makel Does he not know that every free
government that was ever overthrow was
destroyed by corruption, beginning In high
places. and thence spreading throughout
the body politicl No, fellow-cifizens heis
not your friend who has nothing but fat
terry for your ears. lie Is not your friend
who cries out .sAll Is weIlw when "a enemy
i within orr camp. But he Is your friend
who warns you Of the approaching danger
and warns you before It g too Late, u has
I,een no pleasant task % me 20 speak % tie
cogrupti5n that las disgraeed The heplDic.
I know thal 10 doing - 1 should Dil1e
do.rn mon myself ugilimitcd abuse y
,rould have been ar more pleasant Tor me
81 took only on the bright side q the pie
s,,,e- INT should hffe been false 20 mg
s,-.-S snd miserable recreaut bad failed
ID sbow ron the dark SIDE too. he facts
have faled are f0und u the o1ciei re
-..rts made 70 your Congrs; and, u ifWae
r4ft ~ reveal them % Congress e i
eah.llf right 70 reveal them 70 the people.
n this country lhe people ere me soFtIeien
no9cf, and al public men are but their
tacnfs No efficient reform % Government
c6n take place without the support 81 The
peonIe. And they mat know Whist are The
cTils that demand ateuedT before they can
sncct fully apply ihsn fes % flc task ~
Reform And be s. 70 true ille q mes