Speech #510113567

I say that this younger generation of men in both political parties is proposing to take some interest in public affairs. I never have believed that any man. because he was not old enough to be in the Army. or was not born in time. was debarred from any or the privileges of an American citizen. and that was no reason why he should not aspire to the most exalted position in the land. I think really he ought tobe given an equal showing with our foreign citizens who come here and are naturalized. They do not seem to be impeached for their want of participation in the late struggle. and they have no difficulty in getting recognition here. and I do not hear gentlemen getting up here and saying to a man that because he was born in Ireland and came here and has been naturalized that that is a reason why he can not talk about these matters. If he happens to have come from Scandinavia. or Germany. or any other country you welcome him and you listen to his views upon this floor. and if he offers a political suggestion it has great weight. because there is generally a solid constituency behind him. 1 am one of the younger men who have come here proposing to take par in the deliberations of Congress. I entertain my ol~nions. even if they be erroneous opinions.