Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-01-31
TuE DOMESTIC SLAVE TRADE.


Mr. Shade Che state Of Vermont being called)
moved that tho 2lS rule, which provides that mo
petition, memorial resolution, or other paper pray
ing the abolition Of Slavery in the District Of Co.
lumbin orany State or Territory. on the Slave trade
between the States or Territories Of the United
States, IN which II now exists shall be received by
this House. or entertained 10 any way Whatever
be suspended to enable him to offer the following
preamble and resolution, which were read for
information.
Whereas by a law oflhe United States passed
on the 9Th Of May, 1920, the foreign Slave trade
is declared to be piracy, and is made punishable
by death
And whereas there is, and has long been, car.
rcd on in tho District OF Columbia, within sight Of
the halls OF the two Houses Of Congress and the
residence ofthc chief Executive Magistrate Of this
nation trade in men, involving all the principles
Of outrage on human rights which characterize
the foreign Slave trade, and which have drawn
down upon 1t the mule6rtions Of the civilized
world, and s,gmatized those engaged in it as enc.
mics OF the human race.
And whereas the trade thus existing this Dis.
trio; is aggravated in cnormity by reason ofits be-
ing carried on in the heart ofanation whose instiu
tons arc based upon the principle that all mon ere
created equal & whose laws have in effect proclaim.
ed its great &superlavc iniquty; aggravated more.
community--by its sun1crng the ties of Christian
brotherhood and by the anguish ofs remorsecss
/ violation of all the dom, sic relations rendered
the more deep and enduring by the halIowing in
fiuence the Christian religion upon those rela-
tons, and by the increased strength which il
gives 10 the domestic affection.
And whereas, one OF the purposes Of the Consti-
tuition, in providing for the setting apart and ex.
cmpting from State jurisdiction District for the
seat Of Government OF the United States was to
provide common ground wherein all could meet
under system of law not involving, of necessity
principles or usages peculiar TO any of the States
but based upon the great principles asserted in the
Declaration Of Independence, and looking to the
great objects contemplated in preamble TO the Con
stitution:
And whereas that purpose Of tho Constitutor
is defeated by suhjecting maioriy Of the Repre-
sentatives of the people and of the States in thu
two Houses Of Congress, and majority Of ,hos
employed IN the Executive departments atthe sea
of Government, to the necessity of witnessing
trade in human beings which is TO them source
of grievouS annoyance and an object of deep all
horrence and de,cSation:
And whereas this trade in human beings is car
red on under the authority Of laws enacted by tn
Congress of the United States, thereby ;nvovn!
the People of all the States in s guilt and dis
grace--a guilt and disgrace enhanced by the cor
sideration that those laws are virtual usurpatio
II of power, the Constitution of the United State
e having conferred upon Congress no right to estal
4 fish the relation ofSlavery TO sanction and pro
IF tect the Slave trade in any portion Of this Cor
federacy: Therefore,
Rcsolped, That all laws in any way authorzin
-" or sanctoning the Slave trade in this Distric
u, ought 10 be repealed and the trade prohibite
D. and that the committee on the District of Coun
er bia be instructed to report bill accordingly