The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-11-28
C0LQUITT STANDS FIRM.
TARIFF REFORM DEsERTERs PUT
DOWN AS TRAITORS.

The Protective System Declared a
Foul Monster Gnawing at the vitals
OF the Nations Prosperity Railroad
Consolidation Before the Senate -
New Bills in the House.
ATLANTA, GA, Nov. 27.-In the legisla-
ture at l2 O'Clock to-day, business was sus-
pended for the purpose of listening to a
short address from Senator-elect Alfred II.
Colquitt. The senate came in. and was
presented by Speaker Clay. He was re-
ceived with applause, and during his ad-
dress said:
My object in coming before you to-day is not
to deliver an address; My only purpose is TO
express in a few words my honest and sincere
thanks ! should be devoid of all senslbility
and Just feeling il did not MAKE known to you
how deeply am affected by the testimonial
you nave given me OF your esteem and co06-
dence. You have renewed the trust which you
put INTO my hands few years ago. 1t imposes
upon me new Obligations. 1t increases my de-
votton to the people before whom bave walked
and whom have loved from my childhood. It
strengthens my purpose amidst evil days and
evil tongues, AID through all the vlcisst Ides OF
political fortune, whether of victory or defeai,
TO MAINTAIN their rights and defend their honor.
NOT BED OF ROSES.
Many of you know that public life is rot free
from STRUGGLES and irritatiOns, and that some
times you will meet with rancor and bitterness
where you least expected. am not n stranger
to such experience. on the other hand, there
are rich rewards and consultations which cheer
and gratify the heart, and tins reward and this
consolation you have given me in an almost un-
divided vote expressive of your confidence and
approval.
That there should be a suggestion Of opposi-
tion is not surprising | have been no neutral
in politics. | have not been evasive and non
committal have not spoken in barren gener-
H. fTnn MI
pendently, emphaucally have | declared my
views.
FOUL MONSTER.
Especially in the last twelve months have |
spoken in unmistakabe terms of that foul and
unnatural monster which, under the name Of
protect on, invades eve Y community to plum
der and destroy. We have read of the goths
and vandais and their ravages upon the splendid
monuments of Roman genius and the proud
trophies OF Roman valor But these do not sur
pass III euormty that legislative warfare that is
carried ON against our trade, our commerce and
our industry.
To he sure, we do not see the arm of violence
Our fields are not overrun by foreign soldiery;
our towns are not consumed by fire; our ships,
freighted with the products of the laborious
huSbandman, are not plundered by Algeria n
pirates. but the work of destruction is NOT less
certainly accomplished by the invisible minis
try of the law" which goes forth like the genius
of famine and pestllence.
MoNoPoLYs MAILED HAND.
The power of monopoly is felt everywhere.
1t has its paid agents, its conspirators and its
subsidized press. BY appeals To ambitions OF
some, and to the avarice of others, 1t has com
bined a confederated strength that threatens
the overthrow of all popular rights and inter
eSts By concession. by concillation l might
have appeased this unsatiated power, but pre-
ferred to run the hazard of becoming its victim
rather than an instrument of its oppression.
It has been whispered in this hall that since
the defeat of the democratic candidate for the
presidency should abandon our principles
repudiate the declaration of our state conven
ton and county meetings and OF the t00O0
democratic majority of the state | am proud
to know that the general assembly OF Georgia
has not been ssduced into a betrayal of her
professed principles, The resolutions of the
talented member from Bibb, unanimously
adopted by this body, gives assurance that you
stand steadfast and immovable.
TRIMMER OR TRAITOR.
Only trimmer or traitor would abandon
the effort to reduce the burden of taxation be
cause of our defeat. We will not desert our
post because it is difficult to hold. We will not
our fidelity to the cause to last only so long as
we can rejoice in its triumph? Are our convic
tiOns so faint and heartleSs that they will be
abandoned because Of temporary defeat?
URGED TO STAND FIRM.
The senator appealed to the members II
stand firm in their principles and then said
While We have met for the purpose allude
to- shall we not use the occasion for q higher
nobler purpose, and pledge our mutual faith "a
hold to the last all the principles we have pro
fessed and that whoever may prove recreant,
we will not abandon our leaders, nor desert the
cause handed down by our fathers to the keep
ing and preservation of the Democratic party.
For one, | don't mean to desert them. Whether
at home or in public councils my voice will be
heard in their vindication, aud my best efforts
will be used to save the people from unneces
sary burdens and oppressive taxation.