e bettered, I want to better
it."

Mr. Morrill replied to the speech of Mr. Cowan. "Does any suppose,"
said Mr. Morrill, "that he is at all in earnest or sincere in a single
sentiment he has uttered on this subject? I do not imagine he believes
that any one here is idle enough for a moment to suppose so. If it is
true, as he intimates, that he is desirous of becoming a Radical, I am
not clear that I should not be willing to accept his service, although
there is a good deal to be repented of before he can be taken into
full confidence. [Laughter.]

"When a man has seen the error of his ways and confesses it, what more
is there to be done except to receive him seventy and seven times?
Now, if this is an indication that the honorable Senator means to
out-radical the Radicals, 'Come on, Macduff,' nobody will object,
provided you can show us you are sincere. That is the point. If it is
mischief you are at, you will have a hard time to get ahead. While we
are radical we mean to be rational. While we intend to give every male
citizen of the United States the rights common to all, we do not
intend to be forced by our enemies into a position so ridiculous and
absurd as to be broken down utterly on that question, and who ever
comes here in the guise of a Radical and undertakes to practice that
probably will not make much by the motion. I am not surprised that
those of our friends who went out from us and have been feeding on the
husks desire to get in ahead; but I am surprised at the indiscretion
and the want of common sense exercised in making so profound a plunge
at once! If these gentlemen desire to be taken into companionship and
restored to good standing, I am the first man to reach out the hand
and say, 'Welcome back again, so that you are repentant and
regenerated;' but, sir, I am the last man to allow that you shall
indorse what you call Radicalism for the purpose of breaking down
measures which we propose!"

"He alleges," replied Mr. Cowan, "that I am not serious in the
amendment I have moved; that I am not in earnest about it. How does he
know? By what warrant does he undertake to say that a brother Senator
here is not serious, not in earnest? I should like to know by what
warrant he undertakes to do that. He says I do not look serious. I
have not perhaps been trained in the same vinegar and persimmon
school, [laughter;] I have not been doctrinated into the same solemn
nasal twang which may characterize the gentlema