Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-05-04

to be published, when the terms in which il is
conceived come 10 be read and understood, it
will be seen that 1t is measure differing in
sential material point rom laws existing in many
OF the free states and free countries everywhere
and as Senator near me says in some of the
slave States-making corporations under certain
circumstances liable for tho violence Of mobs
And whoever takes the ground that this bill has
been brought in at an unpropitious moment, and
Tor that reason denies it admission, assumes a
responsibility that he will sincerely wish byand
by 10 get rid of. What have we to do with the
present movement, sir-with the particular and
peculiar circumstances which surround the ques-
ton? In my judgment, nothing at ALL do not
undertake to say what the motives were of the
Senator from N. II. in introducing this bl it
does not become the to inquire into them. II is
enough for me to know that If the printing Of
fee Of The Union or National lntelligencer were
assailed and injured by mob, that it would be
my duty to inquire how it happened, and whether
farther provisions were required in addition to
the present laws of the District in order to sup
press such disturbances. The care and delibcra-
ton would myselfbe bound, under such circum-
stances, to exercise with regard 70 the property
of others, | should exercise in this case The
same measure of Justice should mete out in
other cases, would metc out in this. The pro-
lection which would eel it my duty to give to
the property of others, under all circumstances,
would give in this case And if it turns out
that this care is unworhily bestowed that it
docs not demand legislation, then let it take its
destiny. But this is not the way to deal with it.
1t does not, in my Judgment lave the sanction
Of deliberations have always been of the opin-
ion that nothing has been gained by the opposition
to the introduction OF petitions here. believe if
the subject had been left open, and we had been
allowed TO 70 into the consideration of the sub.
jeCt, gentlemen would huve found less excite
ment existing than has been created by the op.
posite course. 1t would have tended much more
strongly, in my Judgment, to tranquilize and har-
monze the public mind. Under all the circum.
stances, then, how are we to act | think the
question is n very PLAIN one. Things are brought
IN and made to bear strongly on the minds OF
| gentlemen which do not belong to this question
at all. | shall vote tor the reception of the bill,
in order that it may take the usual course of leg
isatlon.
Mr. CRITrENDEN.-Wha is the motion PEN
ding?
The PREsIDING OFFIcER.-The Senator from
Pennsylvania made a motion to adjourn, but gave
way 10 the Senator from South Carolina
Mr.. CRIrTENDEN.-I intend to renew that
motion. think after the excitement we have
all witnessed to-day, we will be better prepared
to decide with the elaboration which usually
marks the proceedings of this body, at future
session. | move, therefore, that we now ad-
journ.
Mr.. BENroN-Will the gentleman withdraw
the motion for moment? move that the pa
per be printed.
Ordered, That the bill be printed for the use
Of the Senate.
Mr.. JOHNSON Of Nd then gave notice that
should the Senator from New Hampshire have
leave 10 introduce tho bill, he would moYe the
following resolutions
ResOlUed That the Committee whom referred the
Bill relating to riots and unltwul assemblies in the Dis
trict Of Columbia, be- and they hereby instructed
amend the said bill by inserting section in the for the
eectual protection, by penal provisions otherwise of the
citizens of this District and other citizens of the Untet
States, in the undsubed possession and ownership of te
property in slaves in such District.
On motion, the Senate then adjourned.