Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1852-03-18
SPEECH OF
LIEUT.. GOV. V.LAyYRENCE,
M AIN l. LA w =.
IN The Senate of Rhode kiand,
FEBRUARY 10. 1852.

FEBRUARY 10, 1882.
May ii please your Erceiien y:
The embarrassment which, under any
circumstances, | must necessarily eXpe-
rlence IN rising 10 oppose proposition,
originating with an honorable Senator
(Mr. Porter with whom have been
IN the habit OF acting in concert ever
since my entrance into the public coun-
ellis of Rhode Island, is not ltle in-
erased by what has just occurred. -
( Though | deem my position somewhat
peculiar representing not as Honorable
Senators do, homogeneous constituent
cy, but the entire State, between differ
ent portions OF which, Notwithstanding
lis limited territory, n great diSsimilarity
OF habits pursuits and avocailons exists,
inducing n correspondent con'rariety OF
sentiment on the absorbing topic before
US and which, therefore. makes it par
ticularly desirable Il at should fully ex-
plain the grounds Of the vote which |
am about 10 give; yet, ! should not have
asked for myself any special privilege,
were il not that, owing 10 absence from
\ The city, was not aware Till tins morn
4
unpreparcd TO compress my remarks
within the limited period which 1t re-
quires. Indeed, have been so constant
/ ly alb orbed in pursuits OF Il wholly diff
ierent character, since our ad ournment
on Friday, as entirely 10 prevent the
preparation Of an argument AT all wor-
thy OF the importance OF the subject
and to obligc me TO OTTER an apology TO
the Sennte for the crude remarks, that
am about TO present. There are ques-
tions involved IN this discussion far more
important than the proposed purpose of
the bill, objectionable as | consider that
to be- which makes me particularly anx-
ious that should not be misunderstood,
either by the Senate or by those to
whose kindness am indebted for being
member OF the General Assembly.
The course, however. which have
ever taken. since have been connect
ed with the Legislation Of this State, for
bids my evading the responsibility of
meeting this or any other question, as
il arises. II is due 10 myself it is due
u my position and to the people, that |
should frankly, iearlessly and MANU- ~
express my opinions on all matters that
they, or any considerable portion sflhcm,
deem important, in order that, II they
do not agree with me respecting them,
and regard the subjects, as to which we
may differ, paramount. TO all those great
principles, which were at issue in my
election, and supposing that the pro-
posed law is consistent. which | most
I.I - =, I'll ii,
damental doctrines Of the Democratic
party, they may choose, in my place, a
\ citizen, who is more fully entitled to
their confidence, and in whose efficiency
they may more securely rely
For myself, hesitate not 10 say, that
am Christian, not a Mohammedln
that the New Testament is code OF
morals sufficiently good for me, that
recognize It's divine inspiration, and that
want no Improvement in II, and least
Of all such an IMPROVEMENT as the sub
stitution oil the Koran.
. II is well known TO Senators that no in
considerable portion Of the time that
1 have been connected with the affairs OF
the State, either by my present office,
or as the Chief Magistrate, during your
ExceIlcncy's absence i'll Europe. has
been devoted TO an examination OF our
jaiIs and prisons, and 10 efforts TO effect
the abolition oi Imprisonment for debt, Il
rchct OF barbarlsm, which exists no
where in the United States, save III
Rhode Island.
\ Cases were brought to light by the
reports, which ! submitted, OH behalf of
the Select Committee, where persons
had been taken from their families and
incarcerated for weeks Tor the most .ri-
fling claims, in some instances not ex-
ceedlng hall Il dollar, but which were
augmented by their very imprisonment
TO many times their original demands.
In connection with these measures. I
look 10 educa'lon. our common school
system, as the efficient means of moral
culture, and IL was a conviction of the
/ importance OF the dissemination of knowl-
edge. that has induced, during our pre-
sent session, my strenuou. efforts To re-
store the School Fund TO the condition
in which the constitution placed IL. Aud
| regard as among not the least lmpor-
tant modes of raising the standard Of
humanity. universal suffrage and the alb
rogation of the nvidious distinctions. now
I, he found, in our State alone, between
different classes OF citizens. Make our
adopted citizens, citizens in fact, aud you
at once, elevate them in their own eyes
and give them something to reflect on,
TO occupy their leisure moments, other
than the routine oi their daily labors or
sensual qualifications.
It was my happiness in early life to
partake Of The hospitality of Jefferson,
Of Madison, and Lafayette, and with
them TO commit what this bill, by lis
very title, regards as "A hcinous offence.
am not willing TO suppose or to
admit by my vote that they offended
against any law human or divine, in