Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-06-03
Further Deeeiopem,nis in Rhode Island
TfOm he New NniE New Era.
,,n TILE pEDpI nE nnnlE ISLAM

TO TUE PEOPLE OF RHODE ISLAND.
In presenting TO you bret statement OF some OF
the events Of the present week, in which you have
frl, so deep an interest shall perform an act of
duty to myself and TO The of the people oil our
State.
Upon nv return to Providence from the city of
New York on the 18th of May, was received as
the Chief Magistrate elected under the Peoples Con-
s,iiution with the most honorable and gratifying de-
monsira,ions Of the respect and confidence of my fell
low citizens who assembled in great concourse to well
come me The station from which had been for few
DAYS absent mission To promote their interests IN
other States and al the seat Of the National Govern
ment. Among other demonstrations not 10 be mistaken
this occasion, The presence OF military force OF
nearly 400 men, IN respectable state OF discipline,
and whose port and spirit indicated TO all observers
that they ready, in the last resort, to sustain the
People Constitution and the Government duly elected
under it, by all necessary means. AT the close OF the
ceremonies Of the day, the great assembage of citizens
was addressed by me- concerning the position OF af
fairs and the duties which the present exIgency might
demand When repeated the well .known declaration
under which We had 50 long acted-"The people are
sovereign their Constitution is adopted, and shall be
maintained the universal enthusiastic response, with
one heart and voice. that ii shall be maintained,
ed 10 be the pledge Of final 10 the peoples
canec.
When the military dismissed, thirty men re-
NAMED nj the house of b. Anthony my head quarters,
as guard against any nrcud the part Of oppo.
ucns which might be directed by the Charter Govern.
nrnt, auds communicate the necessary summons for
other aid rs occasion should require.
The omission 10 occupy the State house in Providence
and othcr State property, tie day oil The first
sons of the General Assembly, regarded by many
both home and abroad, very different light from
act Of moderation, as it was prompted by desire 10
avoid unne cessary collision and il seemed to them 10
Indicate on the part of the constuonasts, want OF
the confidence necessary 10 carry into operation the
Government which they had established. 1t is we'll
known 10 many Of that difference of opinion
cured at the Inauguration OF the Government, on the
I'D Of May to the propriety of Immediately taking
possession al the public property. expressed the OPT
mon tina, the time had arrived 10 d. so, and that such
step would prevent difficulty and the use of greater
force at later period a decisive action like tins was
deemed pr nature, and yielded TO the wishes OF my
associates. hey however passed resolution requiring
all persons having charge or possession of any public
PROPERTY to deliver it 10 the officers severay auhor
zed TO receive it. This resolution was proclaimed by
he, and i; part Of ny obligation TO enforce II
equally with the other laws OF tie State.
The point of time seemed 10 have arrived, al
which The general expectation required that some &C
ION should take place, 10 vindcatc the rghlul auhor
III Of Tie People's Government. On the 18th day oil
MAY four da,s previous CT the largest mass meet
ings held in tic city had assembled 81 Providence
and had resolved, without dissenting voice. that nc
farther arrests should he permitted under the law o
pans and penalties Of the Charter Government The
same determination 20 rcpc force by force was express
ed in Tie proclamation Issued by the lG.h inst
The rcqus,tron Ia surrender tie public property had
10, been complied with The powers vested in HE ny
the constitution 10 reclaim this property, had ye,
been exercised. Complaints made at the delay;
and farther, the Chief Magistrate Of the State was
prisoner in The hands OF his friends requiring con-
stan, military protection for his personal security
assins, the violence of the opposing party. This state
OF tliars could not long continue. Further delay
the part of the Government had become incompatible
with respect for itsel! and felt myself obliged to ap-
ea! to the power Of the Stale 10 give 10 IT'S Govern.
ment an exsiencc in fact, well as in right.
On the Eth Of May direction was issued 10 the mi.
,a.v al several towns in the county Of Providence to
repair forthwith 10 the head quaers and TO await fur
;be- orders In the evening of that day, council oil
military officers was held 10 whom plan Of operations
was submitted and whose advice freely asked and
received There was no difference of opinion among
them as to the necessity of immediate action. but some
question arose the point at which should be COM
menced On a view of all circumstances, the arsenal
in Providence seemed to be the position 10 which
attention should first be directed; and decided accord
ng!y A DELAY till past midnight occurred IN waiting
for the arrival of the military from the country towns;
and in thus time Of the city volunteers had retired
1t was not until early hour on wednesday morn
ing that the force assembled, consisting oil two hundred
and fifty men of all arms, was put IN motion. AT the
meeting of officers | was requested remain al head
quarters; but deemed my duty to direct the opera
tons in person. and accompanied our men on foot to
tie field. On the line Of march, and when the late
ness of the hour did not admit of any further delay,
informed that only twosof the four pieces OF Artil
ery ordered by me for the servce had been brought
forward one Of The heaviest pieces having been IL