The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1878-07-25
Dr.. 10. Roberts Speech.


1t was so late on Monday, 10Th,
when DR.. Roberts spoke in reply to
Hon. n. Smithson that our reporter
failed to get it in time for the last
issue. He had been spoken of as a
candidate for the State Senate. but
he disclaimed being a candidate,
and took issue with the Hon. n.
Smithson on the causes that led to
the late war, Smithson charging the
north with wanting to free the slaves
and DR.. r. claiming that it was from
attractions upon States, as IN the
concessions made in the Missouri
compromise, and the South resolved
to defend the rights of States
against Federal encroachments. He
held that the right of secession was
yet a debstable question; he did
not wish to disturb the peace or
avoid the logic of events. He OPP
posed the greenback move, holding
that it is nothing more nor less than
VOORHEES, of Indiana had contended
for, and he regarded him as the IA
ther of the move, and the only man
that had the ability and patriotism
to throttle the United States Sen
ate. He proposed as a compromise
that Smithson quit the track and
permit his name to run on a ticket
in 1880 as Vice President with
VOORHEES, as President, thereby fus-
ing the parties, holding that the
Democratic party had just brought
US back to our ancient moorings,
restored the franchise and removed
the bayonet and restored the rights
of States; urged the early settle
ment of the State debt at Is or 20
cents on the dollar, so as to dis
charge it in retired non-interest-
bearing notes or bonds, payable
when able, and that these retired
notes might become a indus for a
currency.
He urged the people to be uni
ted and firm against the monied
monopolies of the'country; thought
that nothing but the thunder tones
from united South and West
could loose the iron fangs of the
bondholders from the shoulders of
the laboring masses of all sections,
holding that there is no power IN
der the sun to save except we stand
by the constitution as interpreted
by it's trainers. The form of gov
eminent must correspond to the
character of its people. All gov
ernments have failed when corrup-
ton enters the body polite. They
become subjects of despotism, and
a despot is always at hand. A Ce-
sar could not subject people who
were fit to be free, or a Brutus save
if prepared for subjugation. Then
let US rejoice In the regained pos
session of local self-government.
The contraction of currency neces-
sarily heightens the value and pow
er of money; hence, as history
proves, it has destroyed other and
all governments of a republican
form. Take Rome as an example.
She contained one hundred and fifty
millions of free people. She was
destroyed by 1000 bondholders.
They 1.-THE bondholders) went to the
Roman Senate and demanded the
tax lists. OLD Cato told them that
no free government could stand IN
der such oppression as contraction
and high taxes would bring, and
drove them back. They met Caesar
at the Rubicon and proposed to de
fray the expenses of his triumphant
army to Rome if he would give them
the lists, which done, self govern
ment was destroyed and a check col
lar placed on each mans neck with
his value and his owners name. In
conclusion, the constitution inter
preted by those who made it is to
be the prophets rod to sweeten the
bitter waters of strife, bloodshed
and misery of the past. Be true and
we will rise PhGnix-like a beacon
light to the world.