The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-30
GOV. DORIS SPEECH.
To he Editor Of lie Union |.

Will you do many of your readers the favor to
publish the following brief but eloquent speech, de-
livered by Gov Dom at the late liberation fete in
Rhode lsland' 1t exhibits the lofty spirit Of man
whom the most vndictive oppression ever practised
in free government could not cramp subdue; and
one who, though not personally known TO the great
mass Of the people Of this country, is among the
truest bravest and most patriotic and talented Of her
sons. Gov Dorr asks no fayors from his late OPP
prcssors, and looks only to the democracy Of his
tive State for his restoration TO his civil rights. This
is worthy Of the man whose fearless spirit would
brave maryrdo at the stake, 10 vindicate the great
truths for which he has been prosecuted with inn
prisonent for life; from which the fears only Of his
base and cowardly oppresscrs have released him.
From the Republican Herald
MR.. DORIS SPEECH
Having been called upon repeatedly by the audi.
cnce, Mr. Dorr expressed his pleasure at seeing 80
many Of his friends assembled this OCCASION and
regretted that he did feel able to address them
any length, on account Of the state OF his health
which was well understood by them. This necessary
brevity might be the less regarded, as the audience
would bear him witness that he had contributed his
full share in l842 to the work Of declaring and ex-
pounding the principles for which they had contend
ed; and that he was also ready to act for them,
and with them, when the time for words had
passed, and the time for action had arrived. He
might perhaps be allowed to deem hmeef entitled
to the consideration allowed 10 soldier who had en-
countered SOME fatgues and batdshps In the com
mon cause, and to withdraw from the more active
duties Of the political contest, to the repose which
was now rendered desirable to recruit his strength;
leaving to the more youthful and vigorous in the
ranks the present duty of vindcating their party,
and raising it from its present depression to desi-
rable condition Of prosperity.
Mr. D. said he would briefly occupy their atten-
ton with one or two topics suggested by the place
in which they were assembled.
II was along the stream which washes the neigh
boring shore, that Roger Williams and his associ-
ates, a little more than 400 years ago, passed to
their destination among the savage inhabitants OF
the then wilderness, bearing with them as their
treasure the hopes Of humanity and freedom for the
New World. Few in numbers but great in prin-
cipes, they enjoyed even in their own day the sue
cess Of the cause which they had embraced with
whole souls, and at every sacrifice. Their princi.
Piles have since gone back in triumph to the State
from which themselves had been cast out; these
principles have passed into the State constitutions
they have become the common inheritance of the
people of our country they are destined to become
the patrimony of our race. Would not then III,
people Of this State both masters and subjects, bt
instructed by lesson SO significant as thisl The
cause Of equal rights might have been put dowr
here but the truths on which il stands never could
be- The generations Of men are fugitive and tran.
silent: the principles Of truth and justice are immor
tai and invlnciblc. Having prevailed here once in
the days Of our ancestors they might prevail again
Whose fault is it that they do noi The Rhode Isl.
and question recognised and understood through.
out the country. The doctrines of popular sover.
eighty and equal rights prevailed, and were fully
adopted and warmly cherished abroad The peo-
pie are with us. Public sentiment is with us
The Algerne doctrines and practices, and the
Algcrines themselves, are frowned down with
contempt almost everywhere out Of Rhode Isl.
and. What is there to discourage the democracy
in this State in their extrtions at the baot-box 10
bring the Algerine dominion to an endl Il can be
done; il ought to be done. Nothing stands in the
way, but want of the proper spirit a lack of per-
sona independence and energy in action. The DEM
ocratic or suffrage party in this State have the right
principles; good cause, though defeated; and still
farther the same great majority, though their voice
has been suppressed in manner that does no honor
to themselves or their enemies
Again the place on which they were assembled
had once been rudely visited by the elements: the
forest had been swept away by a tornado, within
the recollection Of most Of those who were present
small portion only Of the older growth ESCAPED
the ravsges OF that destructive day (September o.
1887 and they, by stronger tenacty at the root,
or more plant yielding 10 the blast The pleasant
shade OF the beautiful arches under which they
were now gathered, was furnished by the new
growth with which nature, in inexhausird fertility,
restores the rnvages OF storm and time Is there no
lesson for us here A tornado has recently swept
over the political affairs of this State The cause of
the people has been swept away by the fury of the
opposing elements. Its defenders In time Of need,