Once the black could not testify against the white, and now in some places the testimony of a Chinese is rejected.

Hail, holy light!”--no matter from what star or what nation it may shine.

I simply try to relieve my country from an odious suspicion, and to advance the cause of good government.

Nay, Sir, the very suggestion of the Senator is an insult to him, which he is too just to resent, but which cannot fail to excite a smile of derision.

Why, Sir, our own State Department furnishes official evidence that the alleged sale of arms to the French by our Government is known in Berlin itself, right under the eyes of the Emperor.

I do not adduce them to show that the War Department did sell arms to belligerent France, but that even in Berlin the imputation upon us was known and actually reported by our Minister.

If these historic claims, so interesting to the American people, are to be pressed at the cost of purity in our own Government, they are not worth the terrible price.

Is that any reason why I should not also insist upon inquiry into the conduct of officials at home, to the end that the Government may be saved from reproach?

Surely we shall be stronger, infinitely stronger, in demanding our own rights, if we show a determination to allow no wrong among ourselves.

Therefore, because I would have my country irresistible in its demands, do I insist that it shall place itself above all suspicion.

The objection of Senators is too much like the old heathen cry, “Our country, right or wrong.” Unhappy words, which dethrone God and exalt the Devil!

I am for our country with the aspiration that it may be always right; but I am for nothing wrong.

When I hear of wrong, I insist at all hazards that it shall be made right, knowing that in this way I best serve my country and every just cause.

They reflect upon our country and hurt its good name who at the first breath of suspicion fail to act.

Our good name is not to be preserved by covering up anything.

Not in secrecy, but in daylight, must we live.

What sort of good name is that which has a cloud gathering about it?

Here at least must be that honest independence which shall insist at all times upon purity in the Government, no matter what office-holders are exposed.

Now while we debate, the national character is compromised at Paris, at London, at Berlin, at Geneva, where all these things are known as much as in this Chamber.

But your indifference, especially after this debate, will not tend to elevate the national character either at home or abroad.

In the discharge of neutral obligations a nation is bound to good faith.

This is the supreme rule, to which all else is subordinate.

Any evasion is a breach, without the bravery of open violation.

Now nothing can be more clear than that no neutral nation is permitted to furnish arms and war material to a belligerent power.

It is no interference with the right of a third party to say that he shall not carry to my enemy instruments with which I am to be attacked.