strict, to accede to our
request. [Loud shouting heard at the Patent Office.]

_Dr. Bailey_.--Gentlemen: I do not believe you are
actuated by any unkind feelings towards me personally;
but you must be aware that you are demanding of me the
surrender of a great constitutional right,--a right
which I have used, but not abused,--in the preservation
of which you are as deeply interested as I am. How can
you ask me to abandon it, and thus become a party to my
own degradation?

_Mr. Radcliff_.--We subscribe to all that you say. But
you see the popular excitement. The consequences of your
refusal are inevitable. Now, if you can avert these
consequences by submitting to what the people request,
although unreasonable, is it not your duty, as a good
citizen, to submit? It is on account of the community we
come here, obeying the popular feeling which you hear
expressed in the distance, and which cannot be calmed,
and, but for the course we have adopted, would at this
moment be manifested in the destruction of your office.
But they have consented to wait till they hear our
report. We trust, then, that, as a good citizen, you
will respond favorably to the wish of the people.

_Another of the Committee_.--As one of the oldest
citizens, I do assure you that it is in all kindness we
make this request. We come here to tell you that we
cannot arrest violence in any other way than by your
allowing 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