Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1842-04-14

STIRRING TINES In RHODE ISLAND.
The political affairs of Rhode Island ap.
pear to be approaching a crisis On the
second of April, the legislature passed an
act, entitled ian act in relation to offences
against the sovereign power Of this State"
which has given great umbrage TO large
portion OF the people. 1t provides that no
person shall hold any county or township
office, contrary to the existing laws, under
high pains and penalties; that any one who
shall signify his willingness to ACCEPT of q
nomination under any pretended now con-
stitution, shalt be imprisoned one year and
fined two thousand dollars, and that all per-
sons who shall act in any legislative. judi
cial or ministerial office, under such consti-
tntion, shall be deemed guilty of treason,
and imprisoned for life. These provisions
are directed at the friends of what is called
tae "People's Constitution" They have
provoked most determined and unwavcr-
ing resistance.
The Providence Express of Monday,
says:
"This law, so barbarously introduced, and
so rapidly hurried through the Legislature,
can never be enforced; but its authors may
adopt the style of an ancient martyr and ex-
claim, we have this day kindled such torch
in Rhode Island, as Shall never be extin-
guished! 2"
But, letter which we have received from
Providence, too long to be published to-day,
speaks in much stronger terms. 1t says, ifa
single person, acting under the new consti-
tuition, is imprisoned, 1--WE shall open the
prison doors forthwith. We have two thou
sand men, at least, pledged to defend, at all
hazards, the lives, persons, and properties
of l,fn fh4,, \ 80
Smithfield and Cumberland are ready for
every emergency"
The Governor Of the State seems to appre-
bend serious results, for he has issued orders
to the Independent Charter Companies, to
report Immediately to the Adiutant- General,
the number of men fit for duty, and the
quantity of arms and ammunition on hand.
The friends of the new constitution on the
other side are rapidly furnishing themselves
with arms.
We find the following in Providence
Evening paper of Wednesday.
PosTscR1pT.-.l o'clock.-Nothing more,
since our last, of much moment has trans
pired in our city, relative to the great and
agitating questions which now divide the
people Of this State. The Peoples Consti.
tuition" men declare it to be their intention
to hold their election and preparatory meet
ings; while ON the other hand there seems to
be determination on the part of the author
lilies of the State, to carry out the require
ments Of the General Assembly. Military
movements are going on In accordance with
the Adiutant- Generals order which we no.
tced q day or two since. The Suffrage
meeting at the Town House night before last
was On oHerfowiag one; and we are told a
great and increased excitement was betrayed
there. We hear that this body of our fellow
citizens are every moment gathering arms
and ammunition. They say that they in
tend to act upon the defensive, entirely, shall
offer DO violence, but certainly resist any
which may be made by the authorities.
Hall past one o'clock.
We hear thut q stand of two thousand
nrms cnme up from Boston last evening, in
accordance with an order Sent day or two
ago, by the Suffrage people. The excite
nIent in the city has not abated. A match
only wants TO be lighted, and we shall he in
II most serious broil, the consequence Of
which both parties must depiore.
The Governor has also issued the follow
ing orders TO the commanders Of the differ.
emf chartered companies in The State.
ORDERS.
ADsurANr GENERALS OFFICE,
Providence, April a, 1912.
Sir: You are hereby ordered, forthwith, to
Ensemble the men under your command, and
direct them TO be in readiness at thirty min
utes warning, armed and equipped to obey
such orders as you may receive from the
COMMANDMENTS. chief.
You are also ordered to report to this De.
partment, Immediately after the above meet.
in0 tho n,,u,her nj pa nh nd file unHpr vnlr
command, with statement of their arms and
equipments.
BY order of his Excelleney Samuel w.
King, Governor and Communicating chief.
ELISHA DYER, in.
Adjutan, General Of Rhode Island.
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