Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1838-06-29

unfortunate debtors, II was no fancy Sketcn.
The subject has been deemed worthy the
presentment of grind jury OF that city
They visited, in body, the prison, and
"were shown range OF twelve cells, OF the
dimensions of about ten feet by seven each,
occupiei. as they were informed blythe keep
er, BY twenty.three individuals, or about two
TO ench cell. These cells, originally design.
ed for the occupation Of but one person, are
obviously not sufficiently well ventilated for
the accommodation OF two, particularly dur
inp the present extreme heat OF the weather.
In addition TO this, from the manner Of the
building and consequent dampness Of the
cells, the walls of which are plas,ered upon
stone, they are deemed as yet TO be in very
unfit situation 10 be tenanted by individuals
whose lives or health are Of the least import.
ance to themselves to families from whom
thew NAV be separated, or to the community
at large 1t is but an act OF justice 10 say
that the arrangement of two persons in n
cell was dictated BY motives Of humanity. as
being the best that could be done under en-
isting circumstances, the ground tier ofcells,
from their excessive dampness, being abso-
lutelv untenantable From the nature Of the
laws ofour State upon the subject of impris-
onment for debt, the persons thus confined
are strangers, and certainly not a class who
are TO be considered as having. on that ac-
count, diminished claim upon our sympa-
thy. Among their complaints Of severe colds
and various rheumatic affections resulting
from the causes adveried to, some where oil
a character such MS being thus brought TO
the notice of the proper authorities. we are
persuaded will not fail TO receive that imme-
date and proper attention for which the cir
cumstances call"
There is no doubt that the proper authori-
lies will do all in their power, and all tina,
humanity requires, TO alleviate the condi.
tion ofthese unfortunate debtors.
would remind the Senate that as appears
from the presentment of the grand jury. The
persons thus confined are strangers" ciii-
zens of other States, and all imprisoned I'M
der the benign laws Of the United Stalesl Is
there Senator here whose blood does not
boil with indignation at the very idea that
citizen Of his own State should be ;hus con-
fined, like a felon, far from his home, be-
yond the reach of sympathy, with perhaps
a wife and children depending on him for
support, and anxiously waiting his return2
Is there Senator here who will, for one
moment, consent that the health, and per
haps the life of that citizen shall be sacrifi-
ced, or even ieoparded under the operation
of the barbarous code which still prevails
in this Government
'sShut from the common air, and common use
or their own limbs, how many drink the cup
OF baleful grief, or eat the bitter bread
OF misery %
Ifsuch would be the feelings OF every
Senator. let him unite with me TO wipe this
foul bio, from the statute books of the ma
ton
Leave was accordingly granted the bill
was Introduced read twice, and referred.
On motion Of Mr. Buchanan, the Senate
took up the motion of Mr. Williams for leave
to Introduce bill TO provide for the survey
and determination ofthe Northeastern boun.
diary line OF the United SIales, according to
the provisions Of the treaty of 1888.
Mr. Buchanan at much length, proceeded
TO prove, by documents and arguments. that
this boundary was well defined, and easy 10
be ascertaned but he opposed the BILL as
likely under existing circumstances, 10 lead
to unnecessary war, though he declared
himself ready TO go TO war, rather than
Maine should be Gismembered. In conclu,
sion, he gave notice that if it should be re.
turned TO the Senate by the Committee on
Foreign Relations. and should come up for
consideration, he should then move for its in.
definite postponement.
Mr. Davis argued and insisted, in reply
to Mr. Buchanan. that an order fora survey
was in ITSELF even under the circumstances,
no other than pacific measure. He also.
at some length, adduced additional facts and
arguments to those already adduced, TO show
that the boundary Of the treaty was allogeih,
er definite and easily found.
Mr. Williams also addressed the Senate
on the subject. especially in reply TO re-
mark OF Mr. Buchanan, that Maine, had ac-
ted with somewhat of passion, Mr. w. going
into the history of the case TO show that
Maine had acted at leas, with great cool
ness and deliberaton and also argued III
length in favor Of the bill.
Mr. Clay Of Kentucky, having expressed
a desire 10 speak on the subject.
The Senate held an Executive session,
and then adjourned.