The Northern galaxy, and Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1843-1844, 1844-01-10

the,case now and that for which this bill pro-
vided! That was to regulate arrests on
mesne process. The bill, the Journal goes
on to say, was read a first and second tune,
and, on motion of Mr. White, the rules were
suspended that the House might act on the
bill at this time. Then motion was made
by Mr. Powell, of Virginia, to lay the bill on
the table, but it was disagreed to-no yeas
and NAYS asked; the House unanimously re-
fused to lay the bill on the table. Mr. White
then moved the previous question, which was
seconded, put, and carried and the main
question being on the passage OF the bill, 1t
was carried by a vote of ayes 135, noes 20.
Now, listen to the debate which took place
here yesterday, and which has been renewed
this morning. l confess that, as listened,
my memory recalled the former scene III a
manner which know not how to express
We were told yesterday that free man, a
citizen of Virginia, yes, Virginia, that State
who to mark her deep adherence of all OPP
preston, adopted and placed in her shield the
motto SO Sic SemPer I,yrannis," had been
here in jail for weeks and months, and Is
now advertised to be sold to pay his jail fees.
And what do we see and hear! Sir, in the
case | refer to, there was no talk about this
| being judicial question: there was no pre-
tence then that the House had no jurisdiction
| in the case. No, sir; the House listened to
no such suggestions they were all cast aside
instantly, and the House would not suffer an
hour to pass till it had passed an act to re-
| form the District law.
But how is it now A citizen Of Virgin
| il is said to have lain here in Jail for two
months; is advertised to be sold for his jail
| fees, and that without the denial of the fact
that he is free man. And what is the feel
| ing in this Housed There he is still and yet
do we witness any shadow Of that ardent
glowing zeal for freedom which was the glo-
nv of the 9th Congress! No sir; all is qui-
ct, all is calm. Or if there is any feeling
manifested for moment, it is subject of
complaint, and we hear it disclaimed from all
sides of the House. As to the very idea of
any feeling in any body's bosom for the poor
man in Jail, 10 such thing is thought Of
Instead of instantly appointing committee
to inquire-oh no, there is debate aud the
| resolution must lie Overt And so il is. The
man is still in jail and we are told We must
not inquire into the facts; that is a matter Of
Judicial decision, and we have nothing do
with it-nothing al all, though the man should
! lie in prison to the end of time or be sold for
his fees. No, we must not legislate for spe-
cial cases, and we need not inquire because
we have no power to set the man free. Sir,
was that said then? No inquiry was thought
necessary. The man was imprisoned, then,
in conformity to the law of the land, and yet
the House in one hour passed law to break
his chains and set him free.
THE FINE.
Mr. Slidell presented certain joint resolu-
tons of the Legislature of Louisiana, in rela-
ton to the rcfundng 70 Gen. Jackson of the
fine imposed upon him by Judge Hall, &c.
Mr. Slidell took the floor, and spoke for an
! hour in favor of the bill.
Mr. Barnard next obtained the floor, and,
at abou: shutdown, moved that the committee
rise which motion was metby negative ex-
clamation as loud as clap of thunder.
Mr. b. then, rema.-king on the obvious in
tention which was MANIFESTED, IN obedience
TO the high behests of party and for purposes
of party, to pass this bill tonight: referring
also to the uselessness of such violent ap-
plication of the power of the majority in view
of the ordeal which the bill mast undergo in
an other branch of the Capitol; but declar-
ing, nevertheless, that the House should not
pass it without, at least, being made aware
of the nature and character of the act it was
about to perform, proceeded to make some
remarks in opposition TO it. He had spoken
only few minutes, however, when
Mr. c. J. Ingersoll, disavowing for himself
any desire TO prevent discussion on the merits
of the bill, moved that the committee rise,
(Mr Barnard having yielded the floor for that
purpose)-
And the motion prevailing, the committee
rose and reported progress.