of all free institutions—it should never be lost sight of, but should be constantly watched as the polar star of civil liberty. The writer is conscious of the perilous position which he has assumed; he knows full well the intensity of those fires which that controversy enkindled, and is aware that beneath their sleeping ashes there may be livid coals which will glow again as soon as stirred. He has no desire to provoke anew those angry feelings which raged with so much fury during the period in question: yet, in obedience to his own convictions of truth and justice, he has plainly and fearlessly made known his own sentiments respecting that controversy and the character of its master spirit—THOMAS WILSON DORR. TAUNTON, April 1, 1859. The Abrogation of the Royal Charter by the Declaration of Inde- pendence. —Its Defects and practical Injustice, and Efforts of Landholders' Constitution formed and rejected.— Proceedings CH A P T E R v. The Algerine Act. — Application to the President of the United States for Troops. – Correspondence between the President Minority. — The Neglect of the People's Legislature to take Possession of the Public Property, and its Consequences con- The Right of the Charter Government to hold out against the Mr. Dorr's Return. — Proclamation. —Dismisses his Men, and ings. – Measures taken to form another Constitution. — Con- Mr. Dorr’s Return. — His Arrest and Imprisonment. —Trial. — Conviction.— Speech. — Sentence.—Removal to State Prison. 189 CHA PTE R x I v. CHA PTE R xv. Report of a Committee of the House of Representatives in the |