The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-02-09

The most interesting or rather the most laughable
debate that has taken place in Legislature
Mr. Bradburns bill to repeal the law against inter
marriages between whites and blacks a law which,
strange to say has been in force $50 years and yet it
said there are of the mix ed in the old Bay
State than the pure wooy -headed African. mem
Der asserted that the Africans the only genuine
sons of Ham, and that Moses the great law gver
practical anal amator, he married an Ethiopian
wife Member number two said he would much
rather any beloved friend connexion of his in
her grave, than united in marriage TO black. A
third member in reply, asked if the gentleman would
not sooner give his daughter to the sooty Moor"
(Othello) than to many white which might be
picked out fourth member thought there
necessity of any law the subject, believing that the
odorerous perfume emitted by the black would prove
sufficient repcllent to any delicate white damsebut
if this would not no law could be made that would
prevent fair Dcsdemona, If disposed, from taking
to her embrace generous and noble Othello.
This vexed question of the repeating of law for
bidding the intcrmarragc of blacks and whites,
raised by the ladies', dear creatures, thousand
less, having petitioned the general court to
that effectno doubt desiring, that in Of union
with gemmen of color, their children would then
be legitimate, and entitled legally to nheri, their pro-
perry, &c &c. The bill was finally rejected Yeas
40, Nays 20i.
Now, the general court has refused to the far
petitioners hearing of their prayer has been sug-
gesed to the dear creatures here to turn their atten
ton to their individual wants, and instead of
praying a repeal of general law for all the State,
provided any Of them should wish and think il
conducive to her happiness unite hcrscfn marriage
to darky) respectfully petition the Legislature for
special law praying that she may be permitted to take
unto herself Mr.. Sambo CufIee colored gentleman,
as her lawful husband, and there will not be voice
raised against granting her petition.
II is singular fact, that while many members Of
the Massachusetts, Legislature were hard at work to
get the intermarrage law repealed, the Pennsylyana
House of Representatives passed bill prevent the
inter marriage Of blacks and whites
In the House tbs bill to abolish the office of Attor-
ney General passed to third reading almost unani-
mousy. The retrenchment committee reported
order which adopted, that the committee on banks
and banking inquire into the cxpedency of aboishing
the Board of Bank Commissioners.
communication from the Attorney General was
read by the Speaker in which he says he has been
cused of official misconduct on the trial Of Mrs.
Hannah Kinney and Of disrespect to the consti-
tuted authorities of the State, by a speaker in the
debate Of the day before, and demands TO be allow
cd to confront and refute his accusers. This he
asked as the right of citizen as well as Of a State
Officer and because the dignity and interest of the
commonwealth might suffer if he should be allowed TO
appear beforcthe U. $. Supreme Court, marked by this
apparent expression Of want of confidence on the
part Of the commonwealth
After good deal Of conversation the subject was
referred to a select committee.
Exploring xpedon.-The, whale ship Nantuck-
et Capt. Edwards, arrived at Tarpaulin Cove, Feb.
lst, reports having spoken July 23d, of the Fejee
Islands, y, $. brig Porpoise, Capt Ringould, all we'll
bound to Waalo, to rejoin the Commander OF the
Expedition in the schooner Flying Fish. The Vim
cennes and Peacock were at Sandawood Bay. The
Expedition were engaged in a survey Of the Fejec
Islands and shoals, which was nearly completed So
says the New Bedford Register.
oThcm's my sentiments" as every body exclaims