i'ki;.si;.\ii:i) ii>' A COMPLETE EEPOET OF THE l^^L / <3J AmericaQ-RepuMican Lesislative Caucus IN NEWPORT. VI ^.S^J\>4 «f From the Providence Daily Post, July 29, 1837. "> '.1> ill >1 1 ' > ' J ' J » » 3 > , > > > , } > » J 1 > 1 I > > 1 ' J > ' > ' > 1 1 . ) PROVIDENCE SIDNEY S. RIDER 1885. p. Publ. 25 H '03 fc< t ..... • * '■' 1 I . rf re ' f '»»•»•« • »•««« « The following burlesque political squib appeared in the Prov- idence Daily Post, July 29, 1857. The Post was the organ of the Democratic party in Rhode Island. Hence such a squib would naturally find a place in its columns. It was written by the late Henry B. Anthony, then editor of the Providence Daily Journal, the leading Republican paper in the State. Those who are familiar with the political history of the time will readily detect the severe satire, or the keen wit, which pervades it. To those who are unfamiliar with that history, annotations would be of little use. All notes are therefore omitted. The object of the publication is " To make Iiim laugh who never laughed before, While he who always laughed will laugh the more." AMERICAN-REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS IN NEWPORT. Never since the day when the good ship Argo cut her way through the dark Symplegades, did so goodly an assemblage stand upon one deck as that which weighed down the jPerry, when she started from the wharf at Providence, at precisely three o'clock, on the 25th day of May, a. d. 1857. For on that deck stood the selected wisdom and virtue ' and patriotism of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Never before had the members of the General Assembly been chosen with such exclusive reference to high character, per- sonal qualification, experience in public affairs and legislative ability. It is not to be denied that good men have from time to time filled the Executive chair of Rhode Island. We have had a Ward, a Hopkins, and a Fenner, and in later years a Francis and a Jackson ; we never before had a Dyer. Tris- tarn Barges, and John Whipple, and John H. Chirkc, and Edward Carrington, and George Curtis, have, with such manner of al)ilitv as was allotted to them, represented the town of Providence. But it was reserved for our day to produce an Oliver Johnson, a Preston Bennet, and ^'Time's noblest offspring, and its last," an Ansel E. Bradley. A large con- course of people, consisting mainly of those useful and patriotic classes of the community, hackmen, porters, and policemen, gathered on the wharf to bid Godspeed to the floating greatness of the State ; and others still more daring, chiefly candidates for legislative favor, fearlessly braved all the perils of the deep, and accompanied them all the way to Newport. Among the distinguished personages who wxre standing on the wharf, we noticed the editor of the Providence Journal, supported on one side by the Hon. A. C. Barstow, on the other, by the Hon. Thomas AVhipplc, waving his tearful adieus to Albert Sanford and Ansel E. Bradley. Rowland G. Haz- ard, late a delegate to the National Republican Con- vention, and William E. Richmond, President of the Citizens' Meeting at Howard Hall, lent their countenances to the occasion. No convulsion of nature, no visible sign of the great event signalized the departure. A slight depression of the boat was noticed when Mr. Bradley stepped on board, as though she gracefully bowed to the embodied great- ness of the Seventh Ward, and a scarce audible grunt escaped, but whether from the engine or the representative was not precisely apparent. As the boat rapidly descended the bay, the flags on both the clam houses were gaily displayed, and several men who were ducking in the river discharged their guns, as much in honor of the General Assembly as in hope of knocking over a brant. While the members broke into groups discoursing with each other the momentous questions that were to be presented for their consideration at Newport, or condescendingly accepting the congratulations, and returning the greetings of their grateful consti- tuents who crowded around them, one man remained apart ; it was the member from Smithfield ; " severe in youthful beauty" he paced the deck alone. Althouo-h neither he nor his friends had suggested it, although with the instinctive modesty of true o-reatness, he had shrunk from the honor that an 8 admiring people were pressing upon him, yet it was impossible to doul)t that the Speaker's chair awaited him ; it would have l)een alfectation in him to ques- tion that the whole State was eagerly looking for his elevation, and waiting, with an impatience that could not be concealed, that eloquent speech in which he hurled defiance at a miserable and corrupt judiciary, and taught the Supreme Court of the United States that there was no such a man as Sul- livan Ballou. He was then meditating that great speech; its burning periods, its Hashes of poetry, its scorching invectives, were then passing through his mighty brain, which could scarce contain the great thouo-hts with which it was swelling. In vain for him the boat spread out those attractions usually provided for an intelligent and refined people at election, in vain for him the dice rattled in the for- ward cabin, in vain rose to his ears the wild and plaintive songs of the banjo man, who continually informed his audience that he " Bet his money on de bob tail mare, Does anjbodv bet on the bay?" And even when a small boy came around with a plate to collect the grateful coppers, with which 9 those sweet sounds were rewarded, he waved him off with a dignified gesture, and referred him to the future Chairman of the Committee on Finance, who was attentively reading the first volume of "Por- traits and Memoirs of Distinguished Americans." Far other thoughts than any that related to the "bob tailed mare " absorbed the Demosthenes of Smith- field. He knew that Woonsocket was watching him; he kncAV what Council No. 10 of Smithfield expected of him. Suddenly he stopped for one moment ; he held " His arm Aloft extended like eternal Jove, When guilt brings down the thunder." With his other hand he beckoned to Mr. Bradley. The member from the Seventh Ward thrust into his pocket the cake of gingerbread that he was eating, and in an instant stood by the side of the Speaker. "Ansel," said he, in a voice of terrible calmness, " shall I give it to them ? " In the excitement of the moment he forgot that he had not communicated to the member from the Seventh the subject of his meditations. But it was not necessary. Genius communes with genius with electric rapidity, and 10 the quick perception of Ansel yaw wliat was pa^s- inof in the mind of Sullivan, lie knew that it was the Supreme Court ; and he knew, too, that the fate of that tribunal hung upon his answer ; for a mo- ment mercy struggled with justice in his generous bosom ; he knew the}^ deserved it, but he knew they could not bear it ; Taney was old ; the other mem- bers of the Court had some reputation, should he suffer his youthful friend to annihilate them ? As the two stood together they presented a group for a painter, and it was regretted that at least a daguerreotypist had not been on l)oard. Ballou stood with his arm extended as w^e have described ; Bradley stood in his customary attitude Avhen on- gaged in deep reflection, his head a little bent for- ward, his eye expanded, and the ends of his lingers passing slowly backwards and forwards over that voluminous part of his person where his brains are supposed to lie. Justice triumphed. He said, " AVhy, Sul., they don't deserve no better." From that moment the fate of the Court Avas sealed. The Speaker's speech was iinished ; everything was dis- posed of — the American Eagle, Roger Williams, Dred Scott. The boat touched the wharf. A line 11 of carrriages was drawn up at the landing. An enthusiastic crowd of hackmen pressed their services upon the passengers. Every kind of conveyance was proffered to them with an eagerness which showed how deep was the impression they had made upon the public mind. One gentleman from Coven- try was so beset with his own doubts and the con- flicting claims of the applicants, that he went to two places in exactly opposite directions at the same time, an operation which, however difficult and remarkable, his previous training had fitted him for. As the long line of carriages moved ofi" in proces- sion, Mr. Ballou called from the window to remind the members of the caucus that had been notified at eio:ht o'clock in the evenino^. The appointed hour in the evening having arrived and the party having now assembled in full caucus, the first duty which devolved upon them was the election of chairman. The Hon. Preston Bennet arose with nervous activity and said that he should nominate for that high post his friend and fellow laborer in the Lord's vineyard, the Hon. Ansel E. Bradley, of Provi- dence. It was hardly necessary to dwell upon his 12 merits ; any one could see at a glance that nature had fashioned him to till the chair, and that even intellectually he was as well qualified as most of the members present. But ^Nlr. l>ennet had another and a higher object in view in this proceeding. He wished the party to understand that himself and his Honorable associate represented in this General Assembly the friends of ultra temperance and of general but not disinterested godliness. The leader of their select association was now at home. He was devoting his energies and his genius at present to the manufacture of patent metallic coffins, which he hoped soon to bring to such a state of perfection that he might bury in comfort and security all the sinners in Rhode Island, who consisted mainlv of those unregenerate souls who had suspicions that he, Barstow, was not entirely the just man made perfect, though it was acknowledged even by his enemies that he had played upon a harp of a thou- sand strings. Mr. Bennet further stated that he lamented, as did all the saints, that just now the great Barstow was rather under a cloud ; that his fellow citizens, the better they became acquainted with him, l)eiian to feel about as much contidcnce in 13 him when he was purchasing property for himself as when he was buying it for other people. Still there was no doubt but that the City Hall matter was merely temporary, that part of the blame he had already transferred to other people, and the rest would soon blow over. And he would boldly state that as soon as his pious and godly brother could read that title clear, he w^ould emerge into greater favor and popularity than ever. Mr. Bennet said that it was their design so to harmonize and manage the party, that when they delivered it over into the hands of the immaculate Barstow, at his political resurrection, it would be all prepared for the great work of advancing him to, at least, temporal glory. Mr. Oliver Johnson, of Providence, desired to know if the «:entleman nominated was a free and accepted mason, for though he was associated with the same devout political section as the Rev. (he begged his pardon, the Hon.) gentleman who had preceded him, and was willing to go Avith them to almost any extent, yet it was well known to his friends and the public generally, that he could not conscientiously do anything which would imperil his own private advancement. That certainly he had no 14 objection to ]Mr. Bnullcy ; on the contrary, he sym- pathized with him and his distinguished master. That they always had hung together, and if each had his deserts they always should hang together, and from the same platform. Mr. J. said that if the desired o1)jects could be accomplished without detriment to himself, Ihey should have his hearty co-operation. But that he was a mason, a free and accepted mason, in fact, he would state to the caucus confidentially that he was an eminent officer of that glorious society. He would further say that he had certain private expec- tations from a leading brother with whom he had that day exchanged the fraternal grip, and if those expectations wxre not interfered with by the arrange- ments alluded to, they had his concurrence. Those high hopes were connected with the speakership and the committee on corporations. Mr. Johnson here exchanged secret sisfus with Mr. Ballou.the member from Smithfield, and proceeded to say that as he saw nothing in the proposed movement adverse to his interests, he felt morally bound to give the nominee his support and his vote. Mr. Howard, of Coventry, desired to explain his 15 mind to the caucus. Mr. H. said it had been wisely remarked by an ancient philosopher that there were two sides to every question. That he had, after much deliberation, concluded to act with impartiality in his course as a statesman; he always should be, as he always had been, upon both sides. His ex- perience so far had satisfied him that this was the true policy, and he was free to say that he had suc- ceeded so well in this line of conduct, that if any member could show him a third side to any of the issues upon which they might be called to act, he should feel under great obligations to such member, and that he should be upon that side also. He believed the golden rule was to agree with every- body about everything. That he always, by this judicious course, obtained several small offices, and had his eye on several others. Not that he was avaricious of fame ; on the contrary, he had on a recent occasion magnanimously oifered to a rival candidate for a snug little appointment the high honor of carrying the electoral vote to the city of Washington, if he would only give him the emolu- ment. Mr. H. said he had not heard enouoh of the views of members to decide how he should act. He 16 hoped lliere would be a geneml expression of senti- ment, wliieli, when he had listened to, he should cheerfully cnst his vote with the majority. As the remarks of the orators seemed to meet the approbation of the meeting, and no other gentleman was prepared to speak upon the subject, the vote was put, and the Hon. Ansel E. Bradley was elected without a struggle and with scarcely a groan. Upon being conducted to the chair, the Hon. Ansel but- toned up his coat, pulled up his inexpressibles, and addressed the caucus as follows : Fellow Representatives^ American- Bepuhlicans^ and Repuhli- can- Americans : I am deeply obligated to you, one and all, for the appoint- ment to this important position. I own up that I am not void of ambition, and am gratified some at this election. I did think at one time that my genius lay in the military line. I fancied that I should look uncommon handsome in uniform and on horseback. But his Excellency Governor Hoppin, though urgently requested both by me and my bosom friend 8anford, neglected to appoint me one of his aids. Since then I haven't thought so much of the military, but have turned my attention exclusively to statesmansliip ; the result you behold before you. I am now prouder at filling this chair than I should be to wear half a dozen uniforms. 17 though each of them were scarlet and gold, I have been elevated, gentlemen, to the office of -ReiDresentative of the Republican- Americans of the city of Providence, a most intelligent constituency. And this, gentlemen, they did of their own free choice, assisted by my friends, the Hon. A. C. Barstow and Albert Sanford, Esq. I have been pro- moted in the same manner, gentlemen, (to speak metaphori- cally) as the kangaroo leaps the widest ditches, by means of his tail — alone — assisted by his hind legs. The ex-Mayor has not been quite so open in his demonstrations as the noble Sanford, but in his sly way he has boosted me first rate. Though I think much of Sanford, I think more of Barstow ; not that I love Ctesar less, but I love Rome more. I owe him a heap of gratitude, (here the orator appeared much affected, his feelings were evidently too many for him. After a short struggle between his sensibilities and his pocket handkerchief he proceeded.) He is an extended individual, gentlemen, and no man sympathizes more deeply with the poor slave than Barstow. Though he has a white face he has a black heart. (Here the speaker was interrupted by loud and repeated cheers.) I mean, of course, a heart that feels for the down-trodden colored folks, and my highest ambition is that I may live to be buried in one of his patent metallic coffins of the largest size. Gentlemen, I feel that I am not qualified for this high office. You all feel it, and the better you know me, the 18 Diorc you will loel it. But my talents, such as they are, are at your service for this or any other ofRce. Trusting to your forbearance, I hope to perform my duties to our mutual satisfaction. Wishing you, gentlemen, a safe return to your families, I tender you my warmest thanks for the great com- pliment which you have bestowed upon my character and ability. Here the Chainnan gracefully dropping into his seat, informed the meeting that the next business in order was the election of a Secretary, and he sug- gested that he should consider it a personal compli- ment if his young friend, Albert Sanford, Esq., should be invited to act in that capacity. Mr. Sanford was elected by acclamation. Mr. Sanford returned thanks for his election, and said that he w as naturally of a modest and retiring disposition, and disliked the strife which prevailed in the busy haunts of men ; that if he had a weak- ness it was his love of peace and quiet. He some- times thought he was a natural Quaker, and if any irentleman in that caucus or out of it denied his statements, he'd lick him, and he was free to confess that Avhen his principles w^ere attacked he sometimes felt as if he was a cross between the harmonious 19 reptiles and the Plug Uglies. He had always lived in an atmosphere of repose, and had now reached a haven of rest in the peaceful Seventh Ward of the city of Providence, where lions and lambs lied together, and babes of grace led them ; that he occasionally attended political meetings, but always with reluctance and simply to aid in preserving that harmony which Christian men should cultivate in their intercourse Avith one another. But he had no personal ends to advance in accepting the ofSce to which he was elected. That he was influenced solely by patriotism, and he thought he could honestly say that he had always acted with a single eye to the public good. He said that they had a lively time at the last election in Providence, or as Brother Bar- stow expressed it, a refreshing season. That him- self and Ansel had been bosom friends from the cradle. They had grown in beauty side by side, and he had made up his mind to stand by Ansel to the death. He had not expected this appointment. He had come down for another purpose, which was to head ofi" Wheaton, the aristocrat from the Second Ward of the city of Providence, who lived in a brick house, and wore a clean shirt every day. That he 20 tlioimht Ansel and himself had arrancred that little matter with the Speaker that was to be, not that they thought much of the gentleman from Smith field for a Speaker, though he was born in freedom's eagle nest and rocked by the whirlwinds in their rage. But that it was necessary to make a tool of some- body, and they had selected him as the most Avilling instrument. lie was happy to add that the trade was consummated, and he thought they had managed pretty slick. And now he really hoped that every- thing would go on peaceably and quietly in the good old way. As no one in the caucus seemed willing to tread on the gentleman's coat tail, he squared himself to the performance of his duties. The chairman then informed the meeting that they would next proceed to the most important business of the evening, which was, to select a candidate for Speaker of the House of Representatives. Gentle- men would please to nominate. At this announcement the eyes of the whole cau- cus Avere turned as if by magic, or prompted by some preconcerted arrangement, to the member from Scituate, the Hon. Isaac Saunders. Mr. S. rose majestically from his seat and stood grand, l)land 21 and peculiar, wrapt in the solitude of his own origi- nality. He seemed conscious of the arduous duty which he was expected to perform, and he appeared determined to do it though he collapsed a flue in the eftbrt. Mr. S. proceeded to say that the selection of a Speaker was a task of no ordinary magnitude. That he had been requested by a number of mem- bers, principally from the rural districts, to make and advocate a nomination. That several names had been suggested for that responsible office, but that one name which had been suggested by the gentle- man himself, he thought most favorably of. He had no doubt that any nomination made by him would be received with great consideration. Perhaps the fact that of all the sons of Rhode Island, he alone had been deemed worthy of a place in that great work called "Portraits and Memoirs of Eminent Americans," accounted for that consideration. He could cheerfully recommend that book to the perusal of his fellow citizens, though modesty forbade any allusion to the slight biographical sketch of himself contained therein, and written at his request by a Reverend friend for a moderate compensation. There they might see what large oaks from little acorns 22 grow. He had stilted that one gentleman had sug- gested his own name for Speaker. He should more properl}' have said that the llonoral)le member from Smithtiekl and himself had interchanged sentiments upon the important topics of the day. In other words, he is to be Speaker, and I am to be Chairman of the Committee on Finance. I think I may say, gentlemen, without vanity, that my distinguished career has peculiarly fitted me to deal with the sub- ject of finance. — From the time when, at eleven years of age, I exchanged science for candy, and fell down the college stairs to the unmanly glee of the students of that aristocratic institution, to the time of my election to the Presidency of the Citizens Union Bank, finance has been my study. No boy could more skillfully make change than the indivi- dual who now addresses you, as in the streets and lanes of the wicked city he disposed of his twisted treasure. No man can more skillfully extract from the purse proud aristocrats of the Second ^Vard the means of carrying aged and infirm voters to the polls at the annual election. No man can forget it sooner after the election is over. True genius alone can use such instruments for its own elevation, and when 23 it has attained that elevation it then " unto the ladder turns its back, scorning the base degrees hy which it did ascend." It is time, gentlemen, that the intelligence of the country should rule the atliiirs of the State, and the insolence of the city be trampled under foot. When I say the city I do not mean to include the Seventh Ward of Providence, for that lies contagious to the country, and they have sent us a Representative of whom even Nooseneck Hill might be proud. Gen- tlemen, 1 will not trespass longer upon your time. Allow me to nominate as the candidate of this party for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Sullivan Ballou, of Smithfield. Here the member from Block Island, in a state of tremendous excitement, rose to a question of privi- lege. He said that it w^as perfectly apparent (so plain that they who run might read) from the whole proceeding of the caucus, that there had been a vast deal of trading between certain hioh contractins; parties. He had no doubt that some valuable con- sideration had passed between them, but he solemnly declared on his honor as a Block Islander that not a syllable had been breathed to him before the meet- 24 ijig. lie could not say how it was with A\'est Green- wich, but none of the gentlemen interested had offered to Block Island the poor compliment of a single dollar. As some member might consider it undignitied for a member of the Legislature to carry round his hat at a caucus, he felt it to be at least his duty to record his serious protest against all such proceedings. Notwithstanding this untimely interruption, which was not provided for in the bill, the vote was de- manded and Ballon was enthusiastically elected. After profound silence for some moments, the Speaker elect rose to the floor, and in spirit-stirring tones addressed the cancus as follows : At this point the proceedings were interrupted by a seeming scuflle at the door, accompanied by the falling of a heavy l)ody and the rattling of metal. Sereral gentlemen hastened to the door, on opening which they discovered the venerable Vice Consul of the French Empire in full official cos- tume, lie was just rising from the floor, his fall having been occasioned by stumbling over a young man by the name of Fairbanks, who with a zeal in the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties which 25 promises to conduct him to the most exalted posi- tion in the Republican party, was standing with his ear to the keyhole, listening to the proceedings. He was so attentively engaged in that praiseworthy duty that he did not observe the approach of the Vice Consul. He apologized, however, in the most handsome manner, and with that modesty which always accompanies true merit, disclaimed his real object, and said that he was looking for a penknife that he dropped somewhere in the State House the day before. As the Vice Consul entered the hall, the members received him standing, all except the Hon. O. John- son, who was asleep, and the Hon. Ansel E. Brad- ley, who had disposed himself in such manner, sit- ting on one seat and his feet elevated high upon the back of another, that he could not bring himself to a perpendicular till the gallant Frenchman had made a graceful salaam to the chair, and had already com- menced opening his grand " Rhode Island and Med- iterranean Atlantic Steamship Navigation and Iron Company's Bank." In the course of his speech the Doctor was inter- rupted by Mr. Johnson, who wished an explanation 20 on a single point ; he desired to know if there was to be any distinction of color recognized in the man- agement of these steamships. If these floating pal- aces were to be employed in perpetuating the absurd and unnatural distinctions of race and color, he for one would rather sacrifice all the advantasres that they are calculated to confer upon the State, rather than to add anything to the absurd prejudices which separate us from those who are men and brethren. Mr. Bennet also inquired what were to be the regulations as to spirituous liquors and tobacco. He had heard, though he was unwilling to believe it, that both the English and American steamships sup- plied wines and liquors to their passengers. He thought that this ftict, if proved, was sufficient to justify the instant repeal of the charter of the com- panies, and he should bring the subject before the General Assembly on the first day of the session. The explanations of the Doctor were satisfactory on both points. The first class staterooms would be reserved for our colored fellow citizens, and it was the express command of His Majesty, the Em- peror, that no wines, liquors or tobacco should be introduced on board the ships. In reply to an 27 inquiry from Mr. Bradley, the Vice Consul gave assurance that in case these ships should come to Providence, they would invariably land on the West Side. This was received with manifest sisrns of approbation, in the midst of which the Vice Consul gathered up his maps and papers and retired grace- fully from the hall, whereupon Mr. Ballou here rose and said : I am profoiiiidly impressed with the honor which this Con- vention have now conferred upon me. To ascend thus rap- idly to the summit of renown was as unexpected as it is agreeable. It is true that I have not hitherto been unvis- ited by tokens of public favor. In many a factory village, after the noise of spindles was hushed, and all nature was bathed in the gentle yet melancholy radiance of moonlight, have young men and maidens visited the public hall to listen to my lectures upon Shakspeare and Esthetics — and it is not unknown to you that during the last autumn, surrounded by the fading memorials of the dying year and depressed by the consciousness of a sinking cause, I lifted up my voice in hut and hamlet for freedom and Fremont — until gaping school-boys wondered as they gazed, and sentimental girls threw bunches of dahlias upon tlie platform. Little did I think that these humble beginnings were to be followed up by a sudden advancement in public life, unpar- 28 alk'led .since tlie younger Pitt was Prime INIinistcr of Eng- land at twenty-three. But I mean to rise and be equal to the occasion. I will not allect a modesty wliich I do not feel. Uoni in the wilds of Smithlield, cradled in the eagle nest of Woonsocket, I stand before you this day a man whose capacities for public service have not lost their fire by "working the treadmill of experience, whose soul in the cause of freedom is unalloyed by the base metal of knowledge, and wliose confidence in himself has never been disturbed by contact with men older or wiser than himself. No, fel- low-members ; I will not prove unworthy of your clioice. I am exalted now, but in the beautiful language of the Latin poet — P^xcelsior. Here Mr. Bnidley asked an explanation. Mr. Ballou explained to the member from the Seventh Ward that the idea which he meant to con- vey was, that " more higher" was his motto. .Mr. Bradley was heard to whisper that he did not know about that — some other folks would like to have a chance. It is quite evident that Mr. Bradley understood Mr. Ballou to express an intention of going to Congress, which he well knew would inter- fere with a cherished project of his friend now in the metallic coffin line. 29 Mr. Ballou proceeded — We are entering upon important duties. To quote the beautiful expression of Homer — " We live amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds." Council fires have gone out. North and South are in collision. Americans and Republicans are mingled to- gether, and alas, contending with each other — while the Devil, Slavery and Buchanan are riding rough shod over the prostrate and bleeding form of freedom. In such an hour as this, may I not exclaim in the sublime language of Mil- ton — *' See approach proud Edward's power, Edward, chains and slavery! " But there is one subject to which I feel it to be my duty to call your attention. It is directly in the line of your duty as members of the Legislature, and falls peculiarly within my province as Speaker. You cannot fail to perceive that I allude to the late atrocious decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Dred Scott. As a man I abhor that decision, as a lawyer I spit upon it, and as a politician I intend to make a noise about it, and if the cares of public life should ever leave me a few days of leisure I intend to read it. Fellow citizens, has it come to this, that the men who have been appointed under the constitution to interpret that instrument, can determine who are and who are not citizens • 30 of tlic Unitctl States without consulting the Americcan-TJcpub- lidan party? I tell you, fellow citizens, tlic spirit of free- dom is abroad in Rhode Island, and her beacon fires are lighted on every high-place, from Louse-Hill to the shore. Then the black and lowering cloud of human bondage arose over the rice-swamps and cane-ficlds and cotton plantations of the God-forsaken South, and moved slowly northward and hung over Newport harbor. Then the spirit of Roger "Williams and Liberty, one and indivisible, arose and called for her favorite sons. She ascended the valley of the Paw- tuxet and found thy noble breast, young gallant Howard, ready to face the enemy from all points of the compass at the same time. Passing through Scituate, she stirred within the soul of Saunders the noble ambition of adding another volume to the lives of distinguished Americans, published by John Livingston, Esq., at one dollar per copy. It may not become me to tell with what success she visited the eyrie of Woonsocket, and caused the young eaglets of freedom in that highly favored spot to plume their wings for a nobler quarry and a sublimer flight. Descending the valley of the Blackstone and entering the city of Providence, she turned sorrowfully from the cotton-ridden dough-faces of the East Side and visited the suburban regions of the Seventh Ward, where she found a circle of congenial spirits, among whom she raised a spirit which no mortal power could have evoked, and which the devil himself cannot lay. 31 Thus has been collected together a body of men, to whom I am bold to say the history of the past can furnish no par- allel, and I may be permitted to doubt whether in the long and interminable vista of coming time we shall ever be per- mitted to look upon the like again. But I must take leave of you now to prepare for the great effort which I intend to make upon taking the chair to-mor- row. Go then, fellow members, — To each and all a fair good night, And pleasing dreams and slumbers light. \ I shall follow you to your rooms, and over the virtuous couch of each of you the spirit of your chosen speaker will hover and repeat the words of Virgil : " Hush, my babe, lie still and slumber." Majestic Johnson, free and accepted brother, farewell, and may the consciousness of duty performed console you in some degree for the repose and enjoyment which you have so often and always so reluctantly abandoned at the call of the citizens of the Fourth Ward. Saunders retire, and emulate if you do not surpass the fame of Hamilton in the profound and difficult science of finance. Howard, good-bye. Made virtute puer, and take care of your health. Good men are scarce. Serum in coelum redeas* 32 For in the great cause without thee, I may truly say, sine qua non. But I am reminded that in the words of the poet — "We are not all here ! " Let us not forget in tliis parting hour the character of our origin. In the free hmguage of Shakespeare let us remem- ber the pit wlicnce we were digged. To those of our brethren who have not yet attained to the honors Avliich we enjoy, let us pay a tribute of affectionate regard. I need not name them For a common man 'tis praise enough ; That Sanford's language is his mother tongue, And Barstovv's name compatriot with his own. Here a gentleman whose name our reporter did not catch, but w^io w^as understood to be an old Whig, addressed the convention as follows. We should infer that he was not entirely satisfied with the pro- ceedings — but our readers Avill judge. Mr. Cliainnan — I feel it to be my duty to leave this Convention, and I wish to say a few words in explanation of my conduct. I do not expect to rival tlie eloquence with which we have been entertained this evening, but I think I shall make myself understood. I am well aware that every man who undertakes to act with others in a common cause. 33 I must make many allowances for differences of opinion, and I be ready to extend that charity to others which he will be obliged to ask for himself. But there is a point at which this kind of forbearance ceases to be a virtue. Such a point this Convention has in my opinion now reached, and proper respect for my constituents and myself forbids me any longer /to occupy a seat here. Let me, Mr. Chairman and gentle- ,men, retrace briefly the steps by which you have ascended I to the position which you now occupy, not with any vain ) hope of your improvement, but for the purpose, if possible, r of awakening a generous shame in the constituencies which ^you here misrepresent and disgrace, to the end that your iplaces may hereafter be filled with more worthy men. ' I was once a member of the Whig party. The party, ^ though not often in power in the general government, yet '^ vas so respectable and so much respected, that even in a ^ ninority it was always able to exercise a controlling influ- f mce upon public affairs. In this State, for many years, it as the dominant party, and now that heats are over, no an will deny that under its control the State was well overned. But, sir, in an evil hour for the cause of good sense, good anners, and good morals, a set of men in that party under- took to get the control of it, who had none of the qualities ivhich deserve the regard and respect of the community, pnder the pretence of regard for freedom, temperance, and V 34 I know not wliut other moral cause, they set on foot a sys- tem of public whhiing, preaching and praying, and private intrigue, lying and slander, which was finally successful in corrupting the party to which they belonged — in one word, they succeeded in recovering tlie position of that party and settinjT: it in motion tail foremost. An attempt was made to remedy matters by forming a | new organization, and for a time it seemed that it might be , successful, but the same set of men wdio have disturbed, dis- j graced, and finally destroyed the old Wliig party, again made their appearance, and in a condition seven times worse than before. Again they began to clamor in public for temperance, freedom and morality — again they set in' motion privately the old machinery of intrigue, lying and slander. Behold tlie result in the body which I am now reluctantly compelled for a few moments to address. I shall now relieve myself of all responsibility for your conduct, and I here give notice to the public of the city of Providence, whom I in part represent, and to the people of the State at large, that unless they do at the earliest opportunity, send the great majority of you into private life, they will attach to themselves the disgrace which is now your private prop- erty. I The following letter, picked up after the adjourn- ment of the caucus, near the seat of the Plon. Pres 35 . ton Bennet by the enterprising Fairbanks, would seem to indicate that one eminent rat was about J leaving a falling house : "Vestry of the High Street Church. Dear Brother : — I avail myself of the few moments of leisure which I am able to spare from more important affairs to confer with you about the things of this passing world. You are well aware that I have nothing but a common school education, and that I owe all my success in life under Divine Providence, to my own exertion. I have often reflected jupon what I might have been with the advantage of a thorough education, such as I have heard can be obtained ^pnder those eminent instructors, the Jesuits. But I do not bomplain. I have done what I could. Dear brother, we ^are, politically speaking, in a very bad way. I endeavor to ^bear this with Christian fortitude and resignation, but I should not be unwilling to improve my condition. When ^ ive first set sail upon the troubled sea of politics, you are iware that the banner over us was temperance and freedom. [ think we have been found out. The fact is we have been :>bliged to work with unworthy instruments. It is quite jvident that the people have had enougli of these men, and kve must change our associates. I write now to put you on lour guard against allowing yourself to be identified in any Ivay with the leading men in the present General Assembly. 36 It is well probably that under existing circumstances I am able to keep out of sight. Dear brother, keep clear of Bradley, Ballon, Howard, et id omni genus. They are evidently in the condition of an unfortunate church of which we read, and they will certainly at no distant day be spewed out of the mouth of any decent society. Yours, A. C. B." LIBRARY OF CONGRESS {Mil. I III I I III I 014 111 297 1