The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-01-18
D. S. MURRAY, PRINTER.


: achusetts, but had briefly presented his
] views touching the unconstitutonaIity of
J these abolition petitions. He considered
that TO grant the prayer of these petitions,
: would be violation Of the Constitution,
| and therefore they ought not to be receiv-
ed. ..,
Mr.. ADAMS. am happy to hear he
did not apply his remarks to these re-
solves, but, as [ understand him.. to The
whole of the petitions, which ask for the
same thing sought by those resolves
Now, to me, it appears that if it is uncon-
situtonal in petitioners 10 ask for certain
things, it must be equally unconstilution.
al in The Legislature of Massachusetts to
propose those same things. A thing
that IS unconstitutional in itself, is uncon-
stitutional let who will ask or propose it.
Mr.. FRENCH. with Mr.. ADAMS assent,
again interposed and explained, that in
his remarks his main object had been to
show that Congress had no power to abol-
ish slavery in the District of Columbia,
and, therefore, was not constitutionaIy
bound to receive petitions asking that
they would do so.
Mr.. ADAMS. The explanation of the
gentleman leaves him still in what Judge
Chase once called " non sequitur." II
does not follow, as apprehend, that this
House is at liberty to refuse a petition be-
cause it asks Congress to do what Con-
gress has not power 10 do. Suppose, as
is the case in many OF these petitions, the
petitioners put their prayer in the form of
petition for the amendment of the Con-
stnution, so that what they wish may be
constitutionally done, land such is the
prayer of the Massachusetts resoIves) it
can be no objection to the reception of
such a petition that the object sought to
be obtained is mol now constitutional; for
the very thing prayed for is an alterna-
lion of the Constitution, and the Constitu-
lion Itself provides that such propositions
for its amendment may be made. Con-
gress has always power to propose
amendments TO The Constitution; this is
secured to it by the Constitution itself;
and, therefore, it cannot be unconslilu.
tiona to pray for it. Every body has
right so to pray it is one Of the liberties
of an American freeman. And | saw
further, that if any description, or class of
petitions deserves more especial respect
from this House than others it is PRAYERS
for the amendment of the Constitution.
Why, sir, what would become of this
House if every one Of its members was
precluded from The right Of Offering reso.
utlons for an amendment of the Consll-
tution2 Yet do not see but that fol.
lows from the gentleman's doctrine; for
It the House has no power 10 receive
propositions 10 amend the Constitution, it
might, it seems TO me, prohibit every one
OF its members from Offering resolutions
for that subject
Mr.. FRENCH once more explained, in
substance that he would not undertake 10
determine whether Congress might or
might not receive petitions for the amend
ment of the Constitution.
Mr.. ADAMS. now understand the
gentleman as expressly disclaming what
| Yesterday understood him as distinctly
affirming. hope now that the gentle
man will not vote against receiving any
petitions the prayer of which is for an
amendment OF the Constitution, on the
ground that the petition is a violation of
the Constitution.
Sir, 10 conclusiou have already tres
passed long on the patience of the House,
and Will at present saw no more; unless
it be 10 say, thai, although am not in the
habit of making broad and unqualified
professions of attachment to the Union, |
am nevertheless devoted to the Union &
devoted 10 the Constitution. Nv whole
life hitherto has been devoted 10 the sup
port of both, and all my remaining days
upon earth, which in the course OF ma
ture, can be bu; few, shall be in the same
manner dedicated, if God gives me The
power, to support and sustain both the
Union and the Constitution. But | do
not, therefore, pledge myself not to offer
resolutions of my 'own,nordo pledge N.Y.
self not to present the resolves oflhe Leg
isIature of Massachusetts, to amend the
Constitution, That is right we cannot
resign, it is within the power of the
House; but it is not SVithin the power of
this House TO refuse to receive petition
10 amend the Constitution in any of lis
parts.
Mr.. HOLMES asked leave to reply
The request, which could be granted on
Iy by consent or a suspension ofthe rules,
was objected to by several members, and
some momentary confusion ensued
Mr.. HUDSON moved that Mr.. HOLMES
have leave to proceed.
The Chair inquired whether the gen.
tleman meant to move that the rules be
suspended for that purpose
Mr. HOLMES objected 10 such motion,
and said he only wished To-
He was called to order.
Mr.. CAMPBELL, asked shat his friend