The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-05-19
Grand total,

These were not merely men from the city but from
all parts of the State and other States. The pro-
cession marched through the principal streets, and
was dismissed at Federal Hill. Mr.. Dorr made flu
rous and nlammatory speech,in the course OF which
he drew his sword brandished and hourished it
around, and declared his readiness to die in the
in which he has sacrificed every thing but life
He then ordered the military to hold themselves in
readiness at hours notice. and directed the officers
to meet him at his quarters"
1t is rurnOred that attack is to be made on the
arsenal but we do not place confidence in it.
Among the many other reports in circulation, Is one
that Dorr goes to New York this afternoon.
The following was issued this morning:
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTA-
TATIoNs-A Proclamation by Thomas W. Dor7',
Governor and Con,mander-ia- Chief of the same.
Felloo Enthusiastically after the adjournment Of
the General Assembly, and the completion OF lndls-
pensabe Executive business, was induced by the
request of the most active friends OF our cause, TO u
dertake the duty which had been previously suggest
Cd of representing person the interests OF the Peo-
pie of Rhode Island in other States, and at the Seat
of the General Government By virtue OF resolu-
ton of the General Assembly, appointed Messrs.
Pearce and Anthony commissioners for the same
purpose.
Of the proposed action Of the Executive in the at
fairs of our State you have been already apprsed In
case of the failure of the civil posse, (Which express
sion was intended by the President, have been in
any of the laws of the Charter Assembly, including
Il cir law of pains and penalties, and of treason as 1t
has been for the first time defined, the President init
mates an intention of fesortng to the forces of the
United States, to check the movements OF the People
of this State in support of their Republican Constu-
ton recently adopted.
From decision which conflicts with the right Of
sovereignty inherent in the People of this State, and
with the principles which lie at the foundation Of
Democratic Republic an appeal has been taken to the
People of our country. They understand our cause ;
thew sympa thize in the injuries which have been in
HcteI upon u.s. they disapprove the course which the
National Executive has adopted toward this State;
and thew assure us of their disposition and intention
to nterpose barrier between the supporters OF the
Peoples Constitution and the hired sodiery OF the
United States The democracy of the country are
slow to move any matter which involves issue SO
momentous that which is presented toy the conlro-
versy in Rhode Island. But when they have once put
themselves in notion they are not to be easily diverted
from their purposes They believe that the People Of
Rhode Island are the right that they contend
ing for equal Justice in their political system that
they have properly adopted Constitution OF govern,
ment for themselves they were entitled to dos and
they cannot and will not remain Indifferent to any
act, from whatever motive it may proceed which they
deem to be an invasion Of the sacred right of selfgov-
eminent of which the People of the respective States
cannot be dlvesled.
As your representative | have been everywhere re-
ceiyed with the utmost kindness and cordially 10
the People of the city of New York. who have ex-
tended to us the hand of generous fraternity, 1t is
impossible to overrate our obligation at this most I'M
portant crisis.
1t has become my duty to say, that SO soon as a
soldier of the United States shall be set In motion, by
whatever direction, to act against the People OF this
State in aid of the charter government, shall call
for that aid to oppose all such force which, am fu-
" authorized to say, will be Immediately and most
cheerfully rendered to the service of the People OF
| Rhode Island from the city of New York and from
other places The contest will then become national,
and our State the battle ground OF American Tree
dom.
As Rhode Island man, regret that the Constitu-
tonal question in this State cannot be adjusted among
| our own citizens. But as the minority have asked
that the sword of the National Executive may be
thrown into the scale against the People, it is mpera-
| tive upon them to make the same appeal to their
| brethren of the States an appeal which, they are
well assured will not be made in vain. They who
have been the first to ask assistance from abroad can
have no reason to complain of any consequences
| which may ensue.
No further arrests under the law of pains and penal
ties which repealed by the General Assembly OF
the People at their May session, will be permitted.
hereby direct the military under their respective oi-
GERS promptly to prevent the same, and to relieve all
who may be arrested under said law.
| AS requested by the General Assembly, | enoin
mon the militia forthwith to elect their company Off
| GERS and call upon volunteers to organize them
selves without delay. The military are directed to
hold themselves in readiness Tor immediate service.
Given under my hand and the seal of the State, at
the city of Providence, this 9th day of May,
IT, THOMAS w. DORR.
| Governor and COMMANDMENTS Chief Of the State OF
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
| BY the Governors command:
WILLIAM II. SMITH, Secretary OF State