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The Dorr Letters ProjectWilliam Sprague to John Brown Francis: |
Introduction
In this remarkable letter, U.S. Senator William Sprague discussed the possible necessity of freezing out Rhode Island workers by closing the mills and hiring new workers. Sprague believed that the laborers that worked in the mills could easily be replaced. Sprague also mentioned the $1000 reward for Thomas Dorr’s capture and the need for a new constitutional convention.
Letter
Washington June 12, 1842
Dear Sir,
I am decidedly of the
opinion that the Legislature should call a
Convention at the next session. I mean when
they meet in the present month, but as I do not
know the state of public feeling I cannot of course
say understandingly what should be the suffrage
for the election of delegates. If however a decided
majority could be obtained in the Convention I
think it would be good policy to adopt the
suffrage in the late Constitution, but I should
wish not to extend it beyond taxation, military
and Fire Engine duty in the Constitution to be
framed if it could be avoided.
By allowing the delegates to be thus voted for
it would deprive the ultra suffrage men of all
arguments if suffrage should be more restrictive
in the Constitution when framed, but I would
not do this if there was danger of the suffrage
party getting a majority in the Convention.
You can judge this better than I can, but
I think we might arrange so as to elect half
of the delegates on our side in Warwick.
Your election would be certain if you would
consent to be a delegate which I think you
ought to do, and Brayton or Harris should be
the other. The others we might select for as
to avoid the Ultra class. If I could be elected
I would make no objections but from what
I hear the Suffrage people are quite violent against
me – before another year votes round there will be a change
among some of them.
I do not know how the manufacturers
are in regard to this matter but I presume
they have a strong desire to restrict suffrage
as far as they can. At present there is a
very bad feeling on the part of the workmen
against those they work for but this will
change as they will soon understand that it is
not for their interest to indulge this malicious
feeling. If every operative and mechanic
should leave R.I. their places could be filled
in 60 days from Scotland and at less price.
The manufacturers know this and I should
not be surprised if several mills have a
new set of hands in a short time.
As Mr. Rhodes says it would ruin the
manufacturers if they were governed by their
hands for any length of time, but I have
no fear of this, than who carry on the
business must of necessity have the control
and if they can’t have it one way they will
another.
I think it would be good policy for
every mill in R.I. to stop. It is to their interest
to do so. We should in this way get relieved
of a very large number of the most desperate
characters and when business revives again
others could be procured to take their places.
I think some of coming on in a few
days, should I do so I will endeavor to
see you.
A reward I see is offered for Dorr’s
apprehension. This will probably increase
the feeling in his favor for a short time
but at the same time it will intimidate
as it evinces a determination by the government
to maintain its authority. I hope it may
have the effect to drive him out of the
country.
Questions
What does Sprague mean by the Ultras class?
On what terms did Sprague believe that suffrage should be extended?