It was thus that the Abolitionists dexterously killed two birds with one stone; for at the same time that they made their defence before the committee, they managed to present their cause to the attention of the public as well.
Appearing before the committee to prevent hostile action on the part of the legislature against their movement, they skillfully turned the occasion into the most notable meeting for agitating the subject of slavery in the State during the year.
The pro-slavery malignity of the chairman helped not a little to bring this result to pass.

He again and again interrupted the speakers with the greatest insolence of behavior.

Garrison, for a wonder, was allowed to finish his remarks without interruption.

Here is a specimen of the way in which Paul addressed himself to King Agrippa's master--public opinion: "Sir," spoke he to the committee, "we loudly boast of our free country, and of the union of these States, yet I have no country! As a New Englander and as an Abolitionist I am excluded by a bloody proscription from one-half of the national territory, and so is every man who is known to regard slavery with abhorrence.

Where is our Union?
...