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Story
February 26, 1817
The Rhode Island Republican
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
In June 1816, Rhode Island legislature illegally elected James Burrill Jr. as U.S. Senator effective March 1817. He resigned amid doubts but was re-elected and went to Washington. (148 characters)
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Full Text
In June last, the legislature of this state, contrary to law and practice ever since the adoption of the constitution, proceeded to the choice of a senator in Congress, to commence from March 4, 1817. James Burrill, jun. was chosen, and it was stoutly urged by his political friends that the whole transaction was just and legal. Mark the issue.
Burrill comes forward with a whining, canting, hypocritical letter to his excellency, and declares, although he thinks the choice in June was perfectly legal, (and judicious, no doubt,) yet that some of his friends think it was not so; and forsooth begs leave to decline the appointment. The resignation is accepted—and our grave legislators proceed again to the choice of a Senator, when behold this same luckless wight is again chosen, and forthwith proceeded to Washington to attend the Executive call. We shall pay some further attention to this ridiculous, not to say infamous proceeding, and publish Burrill's letter in a future paper.
Burrill comes forward with a whining, canting, hypocritical letter to his excellency, and declares, although he thinks the choice in June was perfectly legal, (and judicious, no doubt,) yet that some of his friends think it was not so; and forsooth begs leave to decline the appointment. The resignation is accepted—and our grave legislators proceed again to the choice of a Senator, when behold this same luckless wight is again chosen, and forthwith proceeded to Washington to attend the Executive call. We shall pay some further attention to this ridiculous, not to say infamous proceeding, and publish Burrill's letter in a future paper.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Deception
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Senator Election
Political Resignation
Legal Controversy
What entities or persons were involved?
James Burrill, Jun.
Where did it happen?
This State
Story Details
Key Persons
James Burrill, Jun.
Location
This State
Event Date
In June Last, To Commence From March 4, 1817
Story Details
The legislature chose James Burrill, jun. as senator in June, despite controversy over legality. He resigned citing friends' doubts, was re-chosen, and proceeded to Washington.