Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-06-06
AN INTERESTING SLAVE CASE.

very Interesting slave case, "A short time since,
was brought hcforo the Supreme court Of New
Jersey. The facts in the case are, that in 1920
an act was passed by the Legislature of N. j.,
providing for the gradual extinction Of slavery in
the State. Slaves born before certain date were
To remain slaves, and children horn Of slave pa
rents who were born before 1904, were TO remain
apprentices until after they arrived at the age Of
81 All others were to be free. There are in the
State 700 slaves, and from 1000 to 5000 apprentice
es. The new constitution declares every man en-
titled to life and liberty. 1t is contended by the
friends Of the slave, that slavery is inconsistent
with the constitution, and that slave can be held
under that constitution moment. The question
was raised on the return of writ of habeas cor
pus, granted by the county to compel Edward
Van Buren, to bring before the court, Mary Te-
bout, and show the cause Of her detention She
was an apprcn,iced slave about 10 years old, and
has been sold three or four times.
Alvan Stewart of New York, argued the case
in favor Of the girl. His argument consumed Que
whole day, and is said to have been a most power
er(ul plea.
His closing appeal to the court was eloquent and
overw heming:
Gle answered with great fleet ths argument:
used by the opposing ronnsel, and drew his re-
marks to Il close hy appealing 10 tlrC0ur very car
nestlV rs to The high and solemn duty lett them IL
perform. 1t Is y0uS may ii please your hoiorsi
Che SAID, } TO put the last, the finishing stroke up
Oh slavery, in one ol the nobIest old STATES OF this
glorious confederation. 1t is an honor whtch you
a | uf1 fukn N trt
Leave it mt to other hands To flush noble ii
work.-What would the world say, to see IL cast
like this, Argued us il has been before this Cur
for two days, with the full light of the blessed am
glorious Constitution shedding lis rays upon it
turned off and decided against Liberty, upon The
worse than doubtful authority ui II few extinct ant
ex pl0ded statutes, which stand repealed III YOU
code 10y the voice of the people speaking through
Convention al their chnre, The acts " hch they
have also conf. med by their solemn votes? MAY
it please your H0norS, cannot believe that suct
VIII he Your decision. | have too much faiih II
my kln'i ton this. feel that New jersey will h"lo
up The hands Of lhls Cpur III coming Ia the sup
port of treedunl aud of Tree nstil uuus III her Dor
dcrs.
Never the act be regretted. Conscience
viii approve II. Time Will approve it.. Dealt
bed reflection will approve H. Eternity anu heav
Ell vii approve 1t. 1t has been long, too Ion;
postponed. But II is mol 100 late 10 come up,IIan
like, stateslnanllke, patrOllke, GOdhkr, and de
clare that it is indeed true, the language of you
new nrgnnc law, that all within your lleasan
borders at least, all mankind are, by nature, emit
tied 10 perfect freedom in the possession of life
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!
Alter MIR. S. resumed his seat, there was
pause of some duration The scene was quite i'm
pressve.
At length the bench arose and the Chief justice
adjourned the Court until morning.
The decision will probably be delayed until th'
next leIm.