We have every desire not to disturb in any way
the tranquillity which it is, above all things, our desire to maintain.
May I conclude, then, that this is your intention?"
"No, sir," I said, "certainly not! With all due respect to the Court,
I cannot submit to the jurisdiction. The only privilege I claim is the
privilege of an alien and a stranger, who in a perfectly peaceful
manner, and with no seditious intent, has re-entered this land, and has
thereupon been treated with gross and unjust violence. I do not for a
moment contest the right of this community to make its own laws and
regulations, but I do contest its right to fetter the thought and the
liberty of speech of all who enter it. I make no submission. The Lady
Cynthia came here under my protection, and if any undue influence has
been used, it has been used by Lucius, whom I treated with a confidence
he has abused. And I here appeal to a higher power and a higher court,
which may indeed permit this unhappy community to make its own
regulations, but will not permit any gross violation of elementary
justice."
I was carried away by great indignation in the course of my words, which
had a very startling effect.
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