From: Aus <moo...@vi...> - 2009-08-28 05:30:07
|
I am concerned. "Gentlemen, I am the smallest part of this trial. I have lived long enough to appreciate my own personal insignificance in relation to a great issue, that involves the welfare of the whole people. What you may choose to do to me will be of small consequence after all. I am not on trial here. There is an infinitely greater issue that is being tried today in this court, though you may not be conscious of it. American institutions are on trial here before a court of American citizens. The future will tell." 5. DEBS TALKS TO THE JUDGE The jury found Eugene Debs guilty and on Saturday morning the judge pronounced sentence. Before the sentence was given, Debs had another opportunity to tell someone about Socialism--this time it was the judge. Debs never loses a chance. When the clerk asked him whether he had anything to say he made another Socialist speech. Said he: "Your Honor, years ago I recognized my kinship with all living beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanes |