Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-02-16

usman had himself been hoaxed.
Mr. Lewis said if i, was a farce i,
vas very solemn farce thus 10 ,r;fl.
Nth the feelings OF the whole Southern
members. and he would resist il with
punishment.
Mr.. Glascock said that the case wa.
just n bad a. if the gentleman from
Massachusetts, had presented the petit
ton. MIR. Adams explanation offered
nojus'ificaton. The very movement
made by him was an irsult TO the
House. for he well knew the excite
,uent it would produce. lie knew il
from the confusion he created every
Monday. for he generally occupied the
larger portion Of every petition dry.
Mr.. Lawler protested against press.
ing the question that night. and soon
after this. without taking it, the House
adjourned.
TUESDAY, Feb. Z.
CENSURE OF MR.. ADAMS.
Tho House resumed the considera-
ton OF the Resolutions of censure, yes.
terday offered by Mr.. Thompson. Of
sc.
Mr. Jeniier referred to the statement
N the Globe Of this morning. that Mr..
A. did not present or oher 20 present
the petition.
Mir. Adam, said he did not present
nor offer TO present the petition. Ths
statement OF the Globe Mas correct
lie asked the Speaker. he said. whether
apeti,ion purpor'ins to he from slaves,
came under the order of the 10th ult.
The Speakers reply he wished and
had not yet received. lie did not say
that it vas petition FOR The abolition Of
slavery.
ffn had been petition for the abo-
liiion Of slavery from slaves, he might
not have presented il, without much
hesitation. The mere circumstance OF
,be petitioners being siprs, would NOT
have prevented him from presenting
the petition. He felt bound 10 be ex-
pheit on this point. It the House choose
70 censure him for this declaration be
MAJ willing TO submit, to it.
II slaves were TO send him q petition
Of u nature unreasonable aud unjust he
would exert his discretion in regard to
the matter, aud withholdit. What was
a petition supple alton from an in
i-ror 10 a superior power-such as We
all both bond and free. address 20 the
Almighty. Any petition Of a reasona-
bic nature, he would Presen, and con-
slider, no matter from whom It might
come.
II horse, or dog. had the power
ri speech. and should request him 20
present petition for more comfortable
quarters, he would present il, if the
House would allow him 10 DO so. IL
he was brought TO the Bar Of the House,
he hoped he should be heard in his dc.
fence. Blu. he took this opportunity 10
say, that whatever was tho opinion OF
the gentleman from South Carolina no
had no disposition 10 rrirc with the
House. As an evidence Of il. he did
mol follow the impulse Of his feelings,
which would have led him 10 present
the petition. at once, without asking
leave Of the House, but he asked the
Chair whether he could present it,
The Chair said IL was a question that
was Few TO him. and that he must refer
w vac PiopCt auiuOshits. iHAt answer
he stin wanted. and, by it. he intended
90 be governed.
Mr.. Jeniier protested against the
doctrine Of the gentleman. The RICH,
Of petition preSupposed the power to
remedy :he grievance complained of.
This House had no power to abolish
slavery, even If they were disposed 20
grant the prayer Of slaves pe,itionin9
for it. II the gentleman had presented
his petition from slaves, he should vote,
without hesitation. for tic resolution of
censure. Let the gentleman then pre-.
sent his petition, which he claims the
right Of doing, and will vote. not ONLY
for the resolution ofcensure, but for the
expulsion of the member.
hir. Jenifer expressed bis regret that
= gentleman who had filled SO high a
station in the country. and who repre-
.senied one Of the oldest States in the
Union, should pursue course so hos
tile TO the peace OF the House, aud Of
4he country.
Mr.. Drongoole offered substitute
for the resolution under consideration,
declaring that Mr.. Adams. having
brought to the notice Of the House
petition from siares, and given room to
the idea that slgres have The right Of
petition, and avowed bis willis znsss
TO be Their organ. be severely eensur.
ed by the Speaker, 10 presence Of The
Houge.
Sir. Elmorc expressed the hope that
the Southern members, without any
division Of sentiment, would vote for
this resolution. !, was time for them
10 forget their own divisions. and unite
"a oppoh'ion 20 the FIRST attempt to 10
troduce a petition from slaves.
Mr. PlckenS expressed he gra,ihca-
ton at the unanimiiy Of feelings mani.
Toaed on lai, subject by the members
from the South.
Mr.. LauleT said be understood tho
purpose Of the gentleman from Ma'sa.
chusetts 20 give practical evidence Of
che sbsurdiiy Of sending ali petitions 10
The fable. Nod that he did not attemut