Speech of Mr. Cushing, of Massachusetts, on the Right of Petition, by Caleb Cushing

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About this eBook

Author Cushing, Caleb, 1800-1879
LoC No. 10034654
Title Speech of Mr. Cushing, of Massachusetts, on the Right of Petition,
as Connected with Petitions for the Abolition of Slavery and the Slave Trade
in the District of Columbia. In The House Of Representatives, January 25, 1836.
Note Reading ease score: 47.8 (College-level). Difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Curtis Weyant, Andrea Ball and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team.
Summary "Speech of Mr. Cushing, of Massachusetts, on the Right of Petition" by Caleb Cushing is a historical speech delivered in the House of Representatives in the early 19th century. This document addresses the critical issue of the right to petition the government, particularly in the context of petitions advocating for the abolition of slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia. Written during a period marked by intense debate over slavery, the speech underscores the fundamental democratic principle that citizens have the inherent right to voice their grievances and seek redress from their government. In his speech, Cushing emphasizes that the right of petition is not a privilege granted by Congress but a pre-existing right protected by the Constitution. He argues that the House has a responsibility to receive and consider petitions respectfully, regardless of the subject matter. Cushing recounts the legislative history regarding similar petitions and highlights how previous Congresses have engaged with such issues without denying the right of petition. He warns against the consequences of refusing to hear these petitions, suggesting that suppression only fuels further agitation. Throughout, Cushing appeals to the members of Congress to uphold democratic values and protect the rights of their constituents, ultimately inviting the public to hold representatives accountable for their actions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class E300: History: America: Revolution to the Civil War (1783-1861)
Subject Slavery -- United States -- Speeches in Congress
Subject Slavery -- Washington (D.C.)
Subject Petition, Right of
Category Text
EBook-No. 13986
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Dec 18, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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