the proposition that we may
impose upon the people a government without legal sanction and
demand their obedience to and support thereof, said government
meanwhile determining the character of its successors and thus
perpetuating its talent, and yet are powerless to admit a Senator
elected thereby.

In my judgment, this question shall at this juncture be
considered and decided not on abstract but practical grounds.
Whatever wrongs have been done and mistakes made in Louisiana by
either party, the present order of things is accepted by the
people of the State and by the nation, and will be maintained as
a final settlement of the political issues that have divided the
people there; and no changes in the administration of public
affairs can or will be made except by the people, through the
ballot, under the existing government and laws of the
Commonwealth.

Under these circumstances, holding the question in abeyance is,
in my judgment, an unconstitutional deprivation of the right of a
State, and a provocation to popular disquietude; and in the
interest of good-will and good government, the most judicious and
consistent course is to admit the claimant to his seat.

I desire, Mr. President, to make a personal reference to the
claimant. I would not attempt one or deem one proper were it not
that his personal character has been assailed.

As a father, I know him to be affectionate; as a husband, the
idol of a pleasant home and cheerful fireside; as a citizen,
loyal, brave, and true. And in his character and success we
behold an admirable illustration of the excellence of our
republican institutions.[5]

This speech, printed in its entirety, is an honest, frank, and
convincing enunciation of republican truths. It is an unselfish and
sober appeal for justice to another member of the Negro race. Bereft
of all rhetorical embellishments, as the speech is, it may well pass
for a masterpiece of logical thought and dynamic expression. It is the
forerunner of even mightier utterances.

Long before Senator Bruce donned his senatorial toga, rioting in
Mississippi had become prevalent. In fact, his own county, Bolivar,
was perhaps the only one in the State which had not furnished a stage
for bitter race feuds; and even this county narrowly averted a
calamity. Back in the early seventies, a rep