State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-02-23
MR.. CALHoUN'S GAG-LAw RE-
PORT.

GOhIs
We briefly noticed last week the bill
introduced iuto the Senate by Mr. Calhoun.
That our readers may have u full view of
the moster, it is here subjoined in its length
and breadth. We look forward for an
interesting discussion, when the bill shall
be called up for a second reading. We
want to hear the thunder Of a Patrick
Henry on such q theme. 1t is the greatest
question that could be submitted TO the
Representatives of u republican people
Laurels await the man who has moral
courage enough to stand up in the Senate
and vindicate the rights of his constituents,
win WEBSTER dare to do it? "Tis
Rome demands your help"
"a BILL prohibiting deputy postmasters
from receiving or transmitting through
the mail, to any State, Territory OF Dis
trct, certain papers therein mentioned,
the circulation of which, by the laws of
said State, Territory, or District, may be
prohibited, and for other purposes.
BE itenGcted By The Senate and House Of
Representatives. Of the United States of A.
merica in Congress assembled, That it shall
not be lawful for any deputy postmaster in
any State, Territory, or District, knowingly
TO receive and put into the mail any pamph-
let, newspaper, handful, or other paper,
printed or written, or pictorial representa-
ton, touching the subject of slavery, ad.
dressed to any person or post Office in any
State, Territory, OF District, where, by the
laws of said State, Territory or District,
their circulation is prohibited. Nor shall
it be lawful for any deputy postmaster, in
said State, Territory, or District, knowing
ly TO deliver to any person any such pamph-
let, newspaper, handbil, or other paper,
printed or written, or pictorial representa-
ton, TO any person whatever, except to such
person or persons as are duly authorized,
ny the droper authority of such State, Ter
ritory, or District TO receive the same.
SEC. 2. lind be 1t further enacted by The
authority aforesaid, That it shall he the du
~ ofthe Postmaster General to dismiss from
office any deputy postmaster offending in
the premises, and such deputy postmaster
shall on conviction thereof in any court
having competent jurisdiction, he fined in
any sum not less than dollars,
and not more
according to the aggrayation of the offence,
Mt the discretion of the court.
SEC. 8. find be 1t further enacted by the
authority aforesaid, That it shall be the
duty of deputy postmasters, mail carriers,
md other officers and and agents of the
Post Office Department. to cooperate, as
. far as may be, to prevent the circulation of
any pamphlet, newspaper, handbill, or other
paper, printed or written, or pictorial repre-
sentation, as aforesaid, in any State, Ter
ritory, or District, where, by the laws of
said State, Territory, District, the same are
prohibited, and that nothing in the acts of
Congress to establish and regulate the Post
Office Department, shall be construed to
protect any deputy postmaster, mail car
rer, or other officer or agent of said Depart
ment, convicted of knowingly circulating
in any State, Territory, or District, as
aforesaid, any such pamphlet, newspaper,
handful, or other paper, printed or written,
orpictorial representation, forbidden by the
!. laws of such State, Territory, or District.
SEC. 4. find be ii further anacted, That it
shall be the duty ofthe Postmaster General
to furnish to the deputy postmasters, and
the agents and officers of the Department,
copies of the laws of the several States,
Territories, and Districts, prohibiting the
publication or circulation of any pamphlets,
newspaper, handful, or other paper, printed
or,written, or pictorial representation, with
in the limits of said States, Territories, or
Districts, for their government in the prem
Uses and make such regulations and give
such instruction, in carrying this act into
effect as may not be contrary to law.
Sec. ). find be ii further enacted By The
authority aforesaid, That the deputy post
masters Of the offices where the pamphlets,
newspapers, handlils, or other papers, prin-
ted or written, or pictorial representations
aforesaid may be deposited, SHALL under
the Instructions of the Postmaster General,
from time to time give notice of the same,
so that they may be Withdrawn by the qer-
son deposting them; ami if not Withdrawn
in the space of one month thereafter, shall
be burnt or otherwise destroyed.
The following sneering notice of the
Pennsylyania Masonic Investigation 20 Cro,,,