Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-04-12

!
THE UNITED STATES, MARCH IL, ISL
Tho resolution reported by the Select Committee,
to which was referred tho memorial OF the
"Domocratic Members Of the Legislature of
Rhode Island, asking authority to sond for per-
sons and papers, being under consideration:
Mr.. CALEB Il. SMITH, Of Indiana, being en-
,itled 10 tho floor, SAID no was ut loss to conceive
what motive had prompted the Introduction OF the
memorial to the House, what object was OK
a,ectcd to be attained by those who had caused
It's Introduction.
1t purports (said Mr.. Smlh.) to be menori-
nj from the ..Domocratic Mcnbors' OF the Lcgis
laturo Of Rhode Island. 1t is not usual for per-
sons who petition this body for legislative action
10 assume distinct political character, and pre-
sumo II is tho first time that petition. or memo
rial. has ever been presented TO either branch of
Congress- which. upon its face, purported to cma-
nate from any political party. 1t IS true that
majority of the members Of tins House belong to
that political pary which styles itself tho ''Dem-
ocratic party" Why is an appeal made TO thoir
political proudiccs! DO the menorlasts suppose
that their pray crs arc moro likely to be granted
because they assume the name Of ''Donocrats!"
Do they entertain poor opinion OF the
oritv upon this floor to- believe that they will
Yield to them, on account Of the identity of their
political opinions that which, without such ldon-
tty Of opinion. thor judgments would inducc
that thor petitions will be granted upon such
grounds, must be base and corrupt rs this
House would be, should It be influenced by such
considerations.
Icannot believe. Mr.. Spcrkcr that it has ever
boon expected. either By those who signed this
memorial or by those who have boon instrument
tai in bringing II before tho House. that any sorl-
action would be had upon It here. We arc
about entering upon an important political can
vass-a contest for the supremacy for the noXt
four wears Is about being commenced between the
political parties which divide tho pcople-the par
" which was driven from power IN 1910, for It's
humorous and gross abuses IL again seeming pos
session of the Government. Its leaders, with an
appetite for the ..spoiIs whctted by n four years
abstinence. have again spread upon the breeze
the sta ntla ri of Locoocoisn. To encourage their
followers and afford them prospect OF sue
cess some new questions must be presented. and
some new issues raised. The stale and exploited
humbuos OF Mr.. Van Buron's administration will
no longer answer the purpose of dcludng the Peo-
pic. Some new political capital must be manu-
tact,,red. az basis for future Pcrations.-l his
capital is to be sought for IN tho Door robelIlon OF
Rhode Island.
This memorial has been presented and refer
red to committee. which now asks from the
House authority to send for persons and papers
Should this powcr be granted, n few lndIN ldults
of the proper stamp may DO Scnt for, to tell the
story of the wrongs and sulilrings OF the ''perSe
cuted patriots'' of Rhode Island. an Inilammato-
r, report bc made. presenting a partial ana or
parte statement of the matter. which may be
spread before tho country to enlist It's sympathcs
in behalf of those who have boen successfully ro-
sisted. their attempts to subNCrt the government
of State by Iawloss violence. Beyond thus the
action of tins House cannot 60.
That We have any right 10 Interfere with the
domestic affairs of Rhode Island viii not be con-
tended for. Whether Thomas w. Dorr IS the
lawful Governor of the State or whether he is
1, tIoS fots Af,Ia-
tons with which have concern: and any
attempt by to investigate them. would be Il
misappcation of our timc. and an abuse OF the
trust confdcd to us by those whom we represent
Some portion of timo has already been
spent in the expression Of our opinions upon nero
abstract questions. presented in the shape OF re-
solutions. which required no action beyond SIM
pie EXPRESSION of opinion. w neither the OPINIONS
of the members of this House are of sufficient
consequence to the country. 10 justify our sitting
hero. at the public expense. to promu3g2 them.
would bo worthy the consideration of those gen.
tlc,ncn who have brought such matters before Us.
have supposed that our duty to constituents
would be best performed by the completion of
such practical legislation rs tho interests OF the
country requires. and that our opinions upon 9TH
err matters might. with great proprIety. be rcscrv-
cd, at least. until may express them without
taxing the country with tho cost.
Tho memorial of the democratic Members"
of the Legislature of Rhode Island has. however.
been presented and referred. Some disposition
be made of IL and If unnecessary con-
Sumption of time Is the consequence. the rcspon-
sibility mus, rest with those who have brought
the matter hero. There contained in the me-
moral. and also IN the spoechos of the gan,loman
from New York. Nr. Rathburn.( and of my hon
orable colleague. Nr. konncdy.l who have ad-
dressed the House upon this subject. principles
extraordinary in their character. and - alarming
and dangerous in their tendency. that cannot
of
press nv dissent from them.
In monarchial governments II IS an established
principle that '.tho King can do no wrong" In
this country we have class of politicians whC
apply tins principle TO the people. They are pro
Pie-they descant. with glowing eloqucnce. upor
thor "nataral rights upon their virtues power
ana lnteihSence-and upon the majority 10 Dc