, 1843-04-22

Ous OF, and who "wi!l not down at
their biddingg" II they are intended
to apply TO the latter, then why are
they lugged into this long array a.
gainst the petitioners, whom he pro.
iesses to lie arguing against! But if
they are intended TO apply 10 the
petitioners themselves. aIen ] can tell
him that he has missed his aim, and
mistaken his game, and that such in
science (forno other term will proper
ly describe it, wi not be toleratedty
a free people, jealous Of a decent self
respect. am very well aware that
at the time ga full expression Of
The popular opinion was ascertained,"
and clearly demonstrating at least a
.mGjority O. the people to be in favor
of a certain "ciayorile point" as in
opposition to the present location,
til was irdustriou>ly sent forth to
he world" that the while move
ment was merely the result OF the
effirts OF n few interested individuals,
that the large number OF the signers
were gulled into it by deception. mis-
representation. &c. an! that they
were not capable of judging and act.
ing for themselves &c. And | have
even heard that some of the signers
were ST. far convinced Of the truth Of
the statements, as 10 sign a regular
pOwer Of ottornty, for some person TO
ACT for them thereafter on that sub
ject. All these things were charged
at the time sir, tut whether tue, or
false. it is not my present purpose to
assert. But these assertions were
the opinions OF Psivate individuals.
and as insulting and degrading as
they were to a majority Of the peo-
pie, those individuals had a right to
their opinions and to express item.
icing responsible for the abuse of
them. ! am willing also to concede
. tie Hon. Judge the right to enter
tain and express in private, such O.
pInions. But sir, deny his right
ofIiciaIly and publicly 10 proclaim
any u h opinions with regard to
any portion of tie people over whom
he has been called TO presiie AMI
s~orn TO act inpartially towards
How does he know whether the sign
ers will be many or few, till their Pc
iilion be presented! If many, even
their guessing" might be entitled
to a lille respect, at leas, in refusing
heir petition and If but few, then
The task Of showing them to be sig
norant' dupcs or designing knaves,
would be lighter. and his Honor
would possibly have a smaller ac-
20 int TO balance with the people
whom he has so grossly %insulted in
lis efforts to strike at individuals
| will make n single remark only
in relation to the contract entered in
T., and ! assure you i. is in no spirit
OF detractIon towards the Court, the
super niendent, or the contractors,
anl that is to remind his honor OF the
Cd adage of sails we'll that ends
WE'LL" and sincerely hope the Con-
trac,crs for whom | have a high re-
gard. may finish the job in a style
creditable to themselves and the
county. and have fair balance left
on tie right hand column Of the ac-
count. But if before the compile
ton Of the building. the calculations
Of some mechanics. not altogether
ignorant" in their calling should be
realized, they may find to their cost
that the guessing" Of the ignorant
people in their petition. did not de-
serve all the ignominy attempted TO
e cast on them BY thislearned Judge.
One or two general remarks shall
close this communication, insensibly
run out beyond my intention.
The constitution and laws OF our
country have guaranteed TO the peo-
pie the right peacibly to petition their
rulers. for a redress Of grievances,
whether real or supposed; and | con-
slider this extraordinary communica-
ton of Judge Edwards. if not a d.
rect attack on right Of the petit
ton, at least a bold attempt to brow
beat .intimida,e. and fors,all public
opinion in relation to the subject mat
ter Of 1t. and a precedent for which,
he and all who thus act. will be held
accountable to the people. ! care moi
what the subject Of petition be, so
that it be legal, or how few the sign
ers; they have a right fairly to be
heard, and their Ease decided on &C.
cordlng TO its merits.
In conclusion | take this occasion TO
say, that | have no wish to stir up
discussion. or excite angry feelings
on any Of the subjects mentioned in
this communication. bnt f~eelino as-