Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-01-04

in any criticism the rhetorical part OF his dis
course, because he presumed that all the poetry
philanthropy of this served up for the instruc-
ton and entertainment Of the Representatives Of 1S
save-holding States and Territories in that House.
He would not, therefore, be ungrateful as 60
reject what might have teen intended as :" COM
pliment of the season." But he trusted the gen
,leman would pardon him for assuring him that,
whenever he was DESTROYS of gratifying them with
the pa'bos Of a certain ballad, entitled " the sun
stricken outcasts Of Africa, he nigh, save him.
self some trouble, by finding at his hands in the
Della Crusca Album of some boarding school miss,
much pre't,er verses than these.
But sir, said h., let this pass. Sufficient for
the day i, the evil thereof" Whenever the com
mittee on the District of Columbia report, may
have some more sui able occasion afforded me OF
applying some of the pbilan,hropic orstory Of the
gentleman of New York TO the great State he has
the honor 10 represent, either matter of curious
speculation, Of practicable utility.
Mr.. Miner then offered several resolutions an
amendment TO the resolution of Mr.. Ward, the
Object Of which was, that the Committee should
| also inquire into the expectancy OF the gradual
| abolition Of slavery in this District.
Mr. M. said that he was iaduced to offer these
resolutions by way of amendment, not by any
momeniary excitement of feeling, but from de-
lihera sense OF duty.
The Speaker decided that the resolutions were
not admissible amendment, being it, them
selves distinct and Independent resolutions, which
had connection with that under consideration by
the House. They would be in order, it offered as
separate resolutions, and at the proper time. He
ordered them, however, to be read by the Clerk.
for the information OF the House.
| Mr.. Brent objected to their being re1d at all,
unless read for the purpose Of consideration by the
House. II the consideration was out Of order, so
must the reading be also.
~ al. H., Hal
they related to the general subject the re
solution before the House, they might have been
added to it, and all considered together: but as
| this was not the case, lie had wish to violate
| the oder Of the House, aud would withdraw the
resolutions.
Tbes.were accordingly withdrawn.
! Mr. Letcher said, from the hatty examination
which lie had given TO the resolution now before
the House, he had no Hesitation in expressing his
opinion that there no sort of necessity for its
reference to committee. He did not think i,
presented ut subject for legislation. II is not
alleged that there Is any law IN existence in this
| District in relation fee men Of colour which
ought to be repealed modified; but it is asserted
by The mover OF the resolution, that if any statute
does exist, under which G.lb.r, Horton has been
injured and oppressed, that II j. unconstitutional
and void. The case, then, of the individual men
toned In the resolution, is for the Courts, and
not Tor this House. His redress al law is full and
complete, and 10 the proper tribunal lei him appeal,
and have his remedy. Believing this resolution
may, by possibility, lring up a delicate subject, and
by ITS discussion, produce unnecessary excitement,
move 10 lay it upon the table.
The question being put on Mr.. Fletcher's mo-
ton, il was ncgatved, ayes CT, noes 80. So he
House refused to lay Mr. Wards resolution on the
table.
Mr.. Wicklfe said, That he had no wish to en-
ter into the present discussion, did be partske
of any Of the exci eTient which was supposed TO
be connected with it. He had run his eye hastily
over the resolution OF the gentleman from New
York, and tiom a slight examinaticr. into the fact,
he was led TO the conclusion that no such law ex-
listed in the District of Columbia, as the resolution
referred TO. Abuses, no doubt, might have hap
pe1ed under the law which did exist, and he
thought it very probable they had. The law in
the District declared, and it was in this respect
not different from the law which was 10 be found
in every sIsve-hoIdng State, and in some States
not s!ave hoidng) that persons of color found loi-
ierins without employment, and supposed TO be
runaway slaves. might be Appreciated and impri-
soned. II was under this law, he presumed, that
the individual 10 whose case the gentleman from
New York alluded, bad been taken up. He was
found within the District without any evidence OF
his freedom, and lie TAXI UP and imprisoned
I'LL such evidence could be obtained. II was OBJ
tanned from the State of New York, and he was
have been the state of the facts, and bs thought
the statement ought TO be made for the informa-
ton of the House. II any amendment in the laws
Of this District was needed, or il any abuses had
taken place, (points he would not undertake to
lecide,) the object aimed by the gentleman f. ON
New York could a, we'll be attained by directing
Committee TO revise those laws, and report such
alterations 10 this House they might deem expe-
dent and proper. But the discussion of the sub
as DTe-enteu by the Ipman's
calculated to rouse feelings and produce an
excitement which il would be difficult 10 repress
lie deprecated such state of feeling he had no
wish TO the Missouri Question brought back
into this House. II the laws needed amendment.
lie, them be amended; but let not the House 20 on
in the supposition that certain laws existed which
were no where to be found. With these views
Mr.. w. moved 10 amend the resolution by striking
out, after the word g Resolved" and Inserting
THAT the Committee the District OF Columbia be
instructed to inquire into the expediency of amend
ing the laws in force in said District" upon the
subject of aPprehending AMI combining in ilil fugi-
tive slaves.
Mr.. Dorsey sad, as lie was not in attendance
yesterday. when the gentleman from New York
addressed the House, he ignorant if that gen
tleman used observations calculated to excite the
feelings of the Representatives on this floor from
the slaye-holdng States. In the resolution under
discussion, / see nothing, said Mr.. d. that can
produce such result. The gentleman from Ken
lucky, (Mr. Wcklife.) is in an error as TO the
law of this District. There is q iaw authorizing
a free person ofcolOy, arrested as runaway. and
as such committed, TO be sold for his prison fees
and The reward allowed by law 10 those who ares,
such persons. II was the law OF MARYLAND. and
as such, was adopted the law of the District.
for Washington county. Among the very eatlies,
laws Of Maryland, when manumission of slaves
ss..f -