The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1848-05-10
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.

motion of Mr.. Hale, 1.-THE Abolilionist,) for
leave to bring in bill relative TO riots and
unlawful assemblsges 10 The District Of
Columbia
Mr.. Bagby said he should take occasion
should this bill ever come before The Sen.
ale, to move an amendment TO proven, the
crime Of kidnapping and make q few re-
marks upon what he conceived to DO the
object OF The bill.
Mr.. Hale would 60 heart and hand with
the Senator from Alabama in his efforts TO I
punish kidnapping; for if he was rightly
Informed, case OF kidnapping Of a most
aggravating nature, and ia defiance of law
and the mandate Of the Chief Judge of the
Circuit Court, occurred within sight Of the
Capitol yesterday. lie would remark.
however, that the amendment would be
foreign to the purpose Of the bill. which
was SIMPLY 10 protect private property
from destruction by mob, in the District
of Columbia. He regretted that the Sc"
ator from Alabama bad iosroduced the sub
i~-. " slavery, which he (Mr. H.. had
carefully ab.taned from. The bill was
simply what i, Purpor,ed 10 be, and had
nothing to do with the question of slavery.
Mr.. Benton deprecated discussion Of
this kind and hoped The Senate would leave
II and 90 10 business.
Mr.. Calhoun said no one could mistake
the obIec, in introducing this bill. He re.
garded II as impoli,Ic and uncalled for.
The right TO deuounce such outrages upon
property, as had recently taken place, was
necessary TO abate the nuisance. Al act
of wholesome robbery had been pcrpetra-
ted, and he warned southern gentlemen Of
It's results. He had been, and should ever
be found, the strenuous opponent of any.
thing interfering with the institutions Of
the country, so long as our constitution and
laws are 10 existence. If anything can
divide this Union ii is this very question Of
Slavery. If the vessels of the North can.
not come to the South without endangering
the safety Of Southern property, the South
would take measures TO prevent their com.
ing at all. The bill introduced by the
Senator from New Hampshire, was a bill
to disarm their kidnappers. He wanted
10 meet The question upon this bill, and he
hoped that lis reception would be refused
by the Senate.
MIR. Westcott demanded the Yeas and
Nays upon the motion TO introduce the bill.
lie knew Of no riot, or threatened riot c all
ing for any such bill. He had attended
an assemblage Of citizens last evening, and
had heard but one opinion among all good
citizens Of the District in reference to the
matters now agitating this community.
There was no danger Of any riot, and no
necessity for any such bill.
Mr.. Davis of Miss. did not consider the
rights OF property, in Slaves. as a question
Tor debate. Ii was occasionally impru.
IDENTIFY thrust forth by The rash and self
styled friends of the slaves, but he could
no, give countenance 10 them by delber.
ately considering their propositions in that
Hall; but, # the question was to be brough,
to an issue, he was prepared 10 NEE, il, e.
ven unto the death.
Mr.. Footc said that aboiItionisis, having
tailed OF their purpose out Of doors, had
darlngly come into these Halls, under as
sumed rights TO be heard. He denounced
The recent kidnapping case, and said if re.
port out ol doors was true. the Senator
from New Hampshire Mr.. uale) was con.
ceined in The act. Ii this were true, he
would avoid the Senator from New HamD.
shire as he would hghwayman. Mr.. F.
also alluded TO a member Of the House
(Nr. GIddings) who was compelled TO 5ea,
has'y re,rea, from the jail, whittier he
had gone TO give "a aid and comfort" 10 the
kldnappers. After some further remarks,
Mr.. Foole minated TO Mr.. Hale that if
he would pay Visit to the Stale Of Mis-
slssippi, aud proclaim his sentiments, he
would be treated to very elevated posi-
ton upon one Of the highest oaks nearby,
and he Mr. FL would be very happy to
assist IN his elevation.
MIR. Hale sald in answer TO the imputa.
ton that he had been concerned 10 the late
affair, that 1t was totally aud unqual6edIy
without foundation. He had nothing what.
ever 10 do with il, directly or indirectly,
either by counsel, silence or speech, and
ne knew nothing whatever Of it, until il
had occurred and became generally known
nor would he countenance any such vio.
latlon Of the law. He also defended DR..
Bailey from any such charge. In return
for the invitation 10 visit Mississippi, he IN.
vited Mr.. Foole to visit New Hampshire.
and promised him cordial reception from
thousands of people, who instead Of doing
hun personal harm, would listen attentive.
Iy what he had 10 say and discuss the ques.
ton calmly with him.
Alter some remarks from Mr.. Butler
and Mr.. Hale
Mr.. Calhoun said he would as soon mr..
que with maniac as with the Senator from
New Hampshire upon this question.
Mr.. Mangum made brief and very
sensible speech upon The subject and urged
a strict adherence to the resolution adop.
led SO many years since, TO avoid all dis.
cussion Of the question Of slavery ia the
body.
The discussion was continued until
late hour by Messrs Douglass, Calhoun,
Eanfp navio nf M,.,