The right of petition, I have said, was not conferred on the People by the Constitution, but was a pre-existing right, reserved by the People out of the grants of power made to Congress. Caleb Cushing confercongressconstitution Change image and share on social
I declare and protest in advance, that I do not intend, at this time at least; to be drawn or driven into the question of slavery, in either of its subdivisions or forms. Caleb Cushing advancedeclaredraw Change image and share on social
Men of New England, I hold you to the doctrines of liberty which ye inherit from your Puritan forefathers. Caleb Cushing doctrineenglandforefather Change image and share on social
These our great natural rights we keep to ourselves; we will not have them tampered with; respecting them we give to you no commission whatsoever. Caleb Cushing commissiongivegreat Change image and share on social
Here, again, as I conceive, gentlemen forget that this government is a republican one, resting exclusively in the intelligence and virtue of the People. Caleb Cushing conceiveexclusivelyforget Change image and share on social
Some of them, in accepting the proposed plan of government, coupled their acceptance with a recommendation of various additions to the Constitution, which they deemed essential to the preservation of the rights of the States, or of the People. Caleb Cushing acceptacceptanceaddition share on social
The Normans came over, lance in hand, burning and trampling down every thing before them, and cutting off the Saxon dynasty and the Saxon nobles at the edge of the sword; but the right of petition remained untouched. Caleb Cushing burncutdynasty share on social
Upon the Constitution, upon the pre-existing legal rights of the People, as understood in this country and in England, I have argued that this House is bound to revive the Petition under debate. Caleb Cushing arguebindconstitution Change image and share on social
If there be any plausible reason for supposing that we have the right to legislate on the slave interests of the District, you cannot put down the investigation of the subject out of doors, by refusing to receive petitions. Caleb Cushing districtdoorinterest share on social
And if this House is to be scared, by whatever influences, from its duty, to receive and hear the petitions of the People, then I shall send my voice beyond the walls of this Capitol for redress. Caleb Cushing capitoldutyhear Change image and share on social
