Year: 1871

to remember with exullation his servi-
ces in defense of liberty, then my
friends, is it also a crime to oppose a
despOtic Capitalization of power, and
uphold the right of State to withdraw
from voluntary compact entered into
only for the preservation of the freedom
of them all. If this is a crime, then,
am a criminal, and it is the only Of
fense of which I have been guilty. 1
repeat, GeOrgians, that claim to be of
Georgia descent, and glory in my line
age.


Although the distinguished gentleman
who welcomed me to your city with
words so kindly and so eloquent has said
that you pay a 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 your
selves that you come to do me honor.
And while am fully aware of this fact,
do not imagine that 1 feel at all mOrti-
fed at it, or that my vanity is wounded
because you hOnored me only as the
representative of our cause. That
cause isdear to me-mOre precious even
than life (applause,) and glory in its
remembrance.


just here let me say to you that
well know how every utterance of mine
is seized upon by the organs and mem
bers of a certain faction. 1 am well
aware of the eagerness with which ev-
cry word of mine is caught up, and the
ingenuity with which it is distorted
and used in furtherance of designs upon
my people, and hence dare not speak
to you as 1 desire. My heart is full to
Overfowing, God knows, but can not
speak. Many memories of the past are
struggling in my brain, but 1 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 The worst that
can be done, has been done, and have
no more to fear. If speak it is not
myself, but you who would he injured,
for, unfortunately, additional wrongs
can yet be heaped upon you. Therefore
if 1 claim merit for anything, it will be
for keeping silent. My simplest words
may work you harm. If say Good
night my friends, go to your homes
and a Congressional investigating COM
mittee happened to be within hearing,
its members would swear that I directed
you to go off and join the Ku-Klux.
daughter and applause.) Filled with
that jealousy which springs from the
knowledge Of their inferiOrity, and of
the justice of your pretensions, and con-
sciOus of broken covenants and q viola
ted Constitution, they mistrust every
movement, and tremble with fear when
they think that right may again pre-
vail. (Applause.)


But wrong cannot always be trium-
phant. will say nothing, even though
tyranny Oppresses grievOusly upon you.
FOrbear for season, and a day will
come when all will yet be WELL 1 may
not, nor may some of you live to see it,
but it is surely coming. (Applause.) We
can wait until that day comes, and in |
the meantime be quiet. 'Tis an old and |
wise saying, that a good biting dog new
er barks much. IF we wait patiently a |
sense of justice will yet return to the
people of the United States, or an op-
pOrtunity 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 revOlu-
ton. (Applause.)


But though 1 cannot and should not
speak, I fear that where the mind and
the heart are both so full, that 1 will
not be able to restrain my words. I
cannot think one thing and say anoth-
er, and unless the honest emotions of
my soul can be expressed, do not care
to speak. 1 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 1 can speak freely, will be among
you, and say to you ali that is in my
heart. Till then, farewell, and may the
Great God be with you always. ZAP ,,
)lause,