Loud cries of "Order," "Order!"
Mr. Adams.-"Do most earnestly petition your honorable body—"
Mr. Chambers of Kentucky rose to a point of order.
Mr. Adams.—"Immediately to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia—"
Mr. Chambers reiterated his call to order, and the Speaker directed Mr.
Adams to take his seat.
Mr. Adams proceeded with great rapidity of enunciation, and in a very loud tone of voice—"And to declare every human being free who sets foot upon its soil!"
The confusion in the hall at this time was very great. The Speaker decided that it was not in order for a member to read a petition, whether it was long or short.
Mr. Adams appealed from any decision which went to establish the principle that a member of the House should not have the power to read what he chose. He had never before heard of such a thing. If this practice was to be reversed, let the decision stand upon record, and let it appear how entirely the freedom of speech was suppressed in this House. If the reading of a paper was to be suppressed in his person, so help him God, he would only consent to it as a matter of record.
Mr. Adams finished the petition. The petitioners "respectfully announce their intention to present the same petition yearly before this honorable body, that it might at least be a memorial in the holy cause of human freedom that they had done what they could."
These words were read amidst tumultuous cries for "order," from every part of the House. The petition was finally received, and laid upon the table.