us to say that you yield to the request of the people.  In kindness we tell you that if this thing commences here we know not where it may end.  I am for mild measures myself.  The prisoners were in my hands, but I would not allow my men to inflict any punishment on them.

Dr. Bailey.—­Gentlemen, I appreciate your kindness; but I ask, is there a man among you who, standing as I now stand, the representative of a free press, would accede to this demand, and abandon his rights as an American citizen?

    One of the Committee.—­We know it is a great sacrifice
    that we ask of you; but we ask it to appease popular
    excitement.

Dr. Bailey.—­Let me say to you that I am a peace-man.  I have taken no measures to defend my office, my house or myself.  I appeal to the good sense and intelligence of the community, and stand upon my rights as an American citizen, looking to the law alone for protection.

Mr. Radcliff.—­We have now discharged our duty.  It has come to this,—­the people say it must be done, unless you agree to go to-morrow.  We now ask a categorical answer,—­Will you remove your press?

    Dr. Bailey.—­I answer:  I make no resistance, and I
    cannot assent to your demand.  The press is there—­it is
    undefended—­you can do as you think proper.

One of the Committee.—­All rests with you.  We tell you what will follow your refusal, and, if you persist, all the responsibility must fall upon your shoulders.  It is in your power to arrest the arm that is raised to give the blow.  If you refuse to do so by a single expression, though it might cost you much, on you be all the consequences.

    Dr. Bailey.—­You demand the sacrifice of a great
    right.  You—­

One of the Committee (interrupting him).—­I know it is a hardship; but look at the consequences of your refusal.  We do not come here to express our individual opinions.  I would myself leave the District to-morrow, if in your place.  We now ask of you, Shall this be done?  We beg you will consider this matter in the light in which we view it.

    Dr. Bailey.—­I am one man against many.  But I cannot
    sacrifice any right that I possess.  Those who have sent
    you here may do as they think proper.

One of the Committee.—­The whole community is against you.  They say here is an evil that threatens them, and they ask you to remove that evil.  You say “No!” and of course on your head be all the consequences.

Dr. Bailey.—­Let me remind you that we have been recently engaged in public rejoicings.  For what have we rejoiced?  Because the people in another land have arisen and triumphed over the despot, who had done—­what?  He did not demolish presses, but he imprisoned