Now, Sir, I have nothing to say of the present Governor of Virginia. I am told that he is on this floor; but I have not the honor of his acquaintance, and I know very little about him. I make no allegation, no suggestion, with regard to his former course. He may have been as sound always as the Senator from Nevada himself; but the petitioners from Virginia say the contrary. They are so circumstanced as to know more about him than the Senator from Nevada, or than myself; and they are so circumstanced as to have a great stake in his future conduct. Thus circumstanced, they send their respectful petition to this Chamber, asking a hearing; and what is the answer? Denunciation from one Senator of Nevada echoed by denunciation from the other Senator of Nevada. The voice of Nevada on this occasion is united, it is one, to denounce a loyal petition from Virginia. Was I not right in presenting the petition? Shall these people be unheard? The Committee which the Senator represents, led by the Senator from Illinois [Mr. TRUMBULL], and now led by himself, are pressing this measure to a precipitate conclusion. These petitioners, having this great interest in the result, ask for a hearing. Several days ago I presumed, respectfully, deferentially, to ask that this measure should be postponed a few days in order to give an opportunity for such a hearing. I was refused. The Senator from Nevada would not consent, and with the assistance of Democrats he crowds this measure forward. Sir, it is natural, allow me to say, that one acting in this new conjunction should trifle with the right of petition. When one begins to act with such allies, I can well imagine that he loses something of his original devotion to the great fundamental principles of our Government. Something was said by my friend, the other Senator from Nevada [Mr. NYE], on another passage of the petition, referring to a distinguished colleague of my own. Why, Sir, that very passage furnishes testimony against the cause represented by the Senator from Nevada. It shows how little to be trusted are these men. It shows the game of treachery which they have undertaken. It shows how they are intending to press this measure through Congress so as to obtain for Virginia the independence of a State. Are you ready for that conclusion? Are you ready to part with this great control which yet remains to Congress, through which security may be maintained for the rights of all?