"We, therefore, respectfully, but earnestly and sincerely, entreat you to repeal the law of the last Congress respecting fugitive slaves: first and principally, because of its injustice towards a long sorely oppressed and deeply injured people; and, secondly, in order that we, together with other conscientious sufferers, may be exempted from the penalties which it imposes on all who, in faithfulness to their Divine Master, and in discharge of their obligations to their distressed fellow-men, feel bound to regulate their conduct, even under the heaviest penalties which man can inflict for so doing, by the divine injunction, 'All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,' and by the other commandment, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy neighbor as thyself.'" Mr. President,--This memorial is commended by the character of the religious association from which it proceeds,--men who mingle rarely in public affairs, but with austere virtue seek to carry the Christian rule into life. THE PRESIDENT [Mr. KING, of Alabama]. The Chair will have to interpose. The Senator is not privileged to enter into a discussion of the subject now. The contents of the memorial, simply, are to be stated, and then it becomes a question whether it is to be received, if any objection is made to its reception. Silence gives consent. After it is received, he can make a motion with regard to its reference, and then make any remarks he thinks proper. MR. SUMNER. I have but few words to add, and then I propose to move the reference of the memorial to the Committee on the Judiciary. THE PRESIDENT. The memorial has first to be received, before any motion as to its reference can be entertained. The Senator presenting a memorial states distinctly its objects and contents; then it is sent to the Chair, if a reference of it is desired. But it is not in order to enter into a discussion of the merits of the memorial until it has been received.[95] MR. SUMNER. I do not propose to enter into any such discussion. I have already read one part of the memorial, and it was my design merely to refer to the character of the memorialists,--a usage which I have observed on this floor constantly,--and to state the course I should pursue, concluding with a motion for a reference. [95] On any subject but Slavery there was no check upon Senators at any time. THE PRESIDENT. The Chair will hear the Senator, if such is the pleasure of the Senate, if he does not go into an elaborate discussion. MR. SUMNER. I have no such purpose. MR. DAWSON [of Georgia]. Let him be heard. SEVERAL SENATORS. Certainly.