[245] further. Some there are who are best answered by silence; best answered by withholding the words which leap impulsively to the lips. And now, turning my back upon these things, let me, as I close, dwell on a single aspect of this discussion which will render it memorable. On former occasions like this, the right of petition has been vehemently assailed, or practically denied. Only two years ago, memorials for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Bill, presented by me, were laid on your table, Mr. President, without reference to any Committee. All is changed now. Senators have condemned the memorial, and sounded the cry of ‘treason,’ ‘treason,’ in our ears; but thus far, throughout this excited debate, no person has so completely outraged the spirit of our institutions, or forgotten himself, as to persevere in objecting to the reception of the memorial, and its proper reference. It is true, the remonstrants .and their representatives here have been treated with indignity; but the great right of petition—the sword and buckler. of the citizen—though thus discredited, has not been denied. Here, sir, is a triumph for Freedom.
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