The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-05-13

be done, as there was no one more deserv-
ing of it than the deceased.
We shall continue our notice, as above,
of the diurnal proceeding.
sCRThe '1ntegrity of the Union con-
vention which we noticed in our last as hav-
ing adjourned without accomplishing any
particular object, must have transacted much
business IN the absence of our correspon-
dent About 100 delegates attended, rep
resenting 81 counties of the state; and with
the exception of few unsuccessful attempts
made by disguised aboltionists who procu-
red seats in the Convention, to disturb the
proceedings, there existed perfect harmony
of feeling, and unity of action. The Hon.
THOMAS ii. BAIRD, Of Washington presided,
assisted by twelve vice presidents and five
secretaries. We extract from the proceed
ings the following preamble and resolutions
as reported by the committee appointed for
that purpose, and which were unanimously
adopted by the Convention.
The cautious wisdom which distinguish
ed the trainers of the constitution of the
United States, is strikingly manifested in
the reserve with which the instrument al
ludes to the existence of domestic servitude
amonng ArcrIoussTs- ..--ss-.staa.s.1-
sarily presented to their view, and eXerted
an important influence on several articles of
n, tho CIavn 81 M
where occurs.
The appointment of representatives and
of direct taxes, is required to be made ac-
cording to the population of the states re-
spectively, by adding to the whole number
of free persons, including those bound to
service for term of years, and excluding
Indians not taxed, three ,tffthS Of all other
persons. The migration or importation of
soch persons as any of the states should
think proper to admit, is not to be prohibit
ed by congress prior to the year leO9.-
| No person held TO labor or Seruice in one
state according to the la,CS thereof, esca-
ping into another, shall in consequence of
any law or regulation therein, be discharg-
ed from such labor or service, but shall be
delivered up on claim Of the party, to whom
such labor or service may be due.
By this carefully varied but clear phrase
ology, it was sought to protect the interests
of the slave holding states, and to secure
the right of the master to the services of his
slave. Congress was vested with power
| to prohibit the introduction of slaves after
the year 1908; but in all other respects,
| the subject of slavery was included in the
! general reservation of powers not delega-
ted, and was left to the unrestricted action
of each state within its own limits.
Such are the articles of the constitution,
which relate to slavery within the United
States, fully recognising its existence, and
guarding against any legislation which might
liberate an absconding slave.
When it is remembered, how many con-
! ilicting interests, and how many variant
habits of thought and life, were reconciled
| by the spirit of mutual concession which is
embodied in this compact, no argument
should be required to enforce all its provi-
sions, and to rescue its principles from vio-
lation.
Nor can it be necessary to demonstrate
to the candid and the honorable, that the
spirit of this compact is opposed to meas
ures by which the rights it recognises are
disturbed in their exercise, or impaired in
their security. Principle cannot sanction
an indirect interference with relations,
which are thus formally vindicated and es-
tablished
Slavery existed in the District of Colum-
bia at the time of its cession to the United
States, and the rights growing out of this
circumstance have recently been made the
subject Of highly excited discussion. 1t is
not however necessary, in the judgment OF
this convention, to inquire how far those
rights are protectedby the terms of the con-
stitulion. 1t is enough that, whether SO
protected or not, they ought in no wise to
be affected by an act of Legislation. Were
even the power of Congress unquestiona.
BILE, its action on the subject is forbidden by
considerations Of the highest policy.
Suck il is believed are now the views and
opinions Of the people of Pennsylvania