Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-01-13
Ohio Legislature.

SENATE -Dec. I9.---Hffefn0 on SESSION.
The Senate in committee Of the whole
took up the bill in relation to the immigra-
ton and colonization of negroes, mulattos,
quadroons, &C., in the State of Ohio. =
Mr. Ewing moved to amend the bill by
striking out all after the enacting clause,
except the first and last sections, and in
serting others which were read from the
chair.
The amendments proposed by Mr. E.
impose heavy penalties upon those who will
lease lands or give encouragement and pro-
lection to colored Immigrants, and make it
the duty of township officers to inforce the
law on this subject by information.
In sustaining his amendment, Mr. Ewing
said--It may be recollected, Mr. Chairman,
that on the death, some time ago, of the
late John Randolph, Of Va, that his slaves
were manumitted and an attempt made to
settle them in this State. As soon as the
intelligence Of this intention reached the
General Assembly Of Ohio, they immedi-
ately adopted measures TO prevent the set.
tlement Of this Stale with such worthless
population. A resolution was presented,
and adopted by Senators with few excep-
tons, at the last session, to prevent the eset-
tlement of colored persons in this State,
and bill was reported from the committee
to whom the subject was referred, Of which
Mr. Kelley was the chairman, prohibiting
colored persons from settling in the State
Of Ohio, without securing the property and
peace Of its citizens.
The Governor of Virginia, continued
Mr. E. recently advised the Legislature OF
that state to send all manumltted slaves or
other free colored persons, out of the state.
And, sir. it is fact we'll known that we
have class of citizens who are waiting
with open arms to render to such any com.
fort and assistance that they may need.
These facts, said Mr. E., induced me to in
troduced the bill | did, the other day,
and though it may carry the aspect
Of severity towards the portion Of our
population which it embraces in its
provisions, in authorizing, under certain
conditions, the sale ofsuch refugees, it was
induced from necessity Of the case, and to
preserve those principles upon which our
constitution was founded.
Our laws, as heretofore enacted, are in
effectual to prevent the evil; but Of this
would not complain, if the Governor Of
Virginia had not in his late annual mes.
sage recommended that the broken down
slaves be forced to our shore. From the
facts, continued Mr. E., conceive il is
time to meet the evil with a determined
front-sending a population among us
which Governor Smith declares, is unwor-
thy to associate with the convicts in states
prison. He concluded by wishing the bill
to be referred to its appropriate committee
in the Senate, or submitted to select CON-
mittee.
Mr. Beaver wanted to know if it would
be in order to offer an amendment to the
first section2
The Chair decided that it would not be
in order.
Mr. Beaver then said he was glad that
some people were getting alarmed about
the subject Of slavery.
Mr. Ewing said that the object of the bill
was to prevent the increase Of coiored
population in Ohio. The bill is proposed
as matter Of defence, and think the gen.
tleman cannot object to it.
MIR Ewing's amendment was then put
and agreed to. s-s
On motion Of Mr. Ewing the bill as q.
mended, was referred to select commit.
tee ofone, and Mr. Ewing was appo inted
that committee.
Mr. Reemelin moved to take up the bill to
amend the act to tax all property in the
State according to its true value,which was
agreed to, and the bill taken up. #5
[ This bill provides that all property with.
in the State, including capital vested in
bank and State stock, jewelry, &c, be sub.
ject to taxation.]
Mr. Eckley moved M commit the bill to
the committee on Finance. /
Mr. Goddard moved that the conmitteeI
be instructed to inquire into the exediency|
Of amending so that mechanics and labor.
ers owning town and city property, be not
taxed as high as other citizens.
The question being put on Mi Goddard's
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