The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1848-05-10
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.

WASHINGTON, Apr'l ~.
I the Senate, Mr.. Hale introduced bill to
nrevent riotous assemblages in the District Of
Columbia. He said it was copied from law
of Maryland, passed some years since, making
the city responsible for all damages done pro-
perry, &c. -.
lie referred to recent demonstrations in this
city, as grevious, and strangely in contrast with
what welwere rejoicing over as the result OF the
French revolution,
Mr.. Bagby said that when the bill should
come up, he would propose substitute, provi.
ding for furnishing kidnaPpers. The reference
10 France he considered not in point, unless
the gentleman regarded that revolution as CIV
inc permission TO rob citizens of their property,
or to cut their lhroats at p easure.
Mr.. Hale responded and referred to case of
kidnapping (as he designated it.) but yesterday
in this city.
MIR. Calhoun regarded the bill as uncalled for
and impolilic. The right to denounce such
outrages upon property, as had recently taken
place, was necessary to abate the nuisance.
An act of wholesale robbery had been perpe'
trated, and he warned Southern gentlemen OF
its results. He had, and should ever be found,
the strenuous opponent of anything interfering
with the institution of slavery, so long as our
constitution and laws were in existence.
Mr.. Westcott moved to lay The motion 10 re.
ceye The bill OH the table. He had no know
ledge of any riot, though he had attended the
assemhlage of citizens recently; and had heard
bu, ono opinion among all good citizens of the
District, in reference 10 the matters now agta.
ting this community.
Mr.. Davis, of Mississippi, did not consider
the right of property, in slaves as question
for debate. II was occasionally imprudentIy
thrust forth, by rash and self:styled friends OF
the slaves, but he could not give countenance
to them by deliberately considering their propo.
sitions in this hail. but, if it must come to that,
he was prepared 10 meet the issue' even unto
death.
Mr.. Foote declared that abolitionists having
failed of their purposes out of doors had daring
ly come into these halls, under assumed rights,
10 be heard He denounced all those who aid
in deprvng citizens Of this class of property as
highway robbers. But yesterday member OF
another branch Of Congress ,(Mr.Gddings')
had to beat hasty retreat, from the Jail, where
he was found tampering with the slaves recent
ly captured, to avoid being properly chastIsed,
not by rabblc, but good citizens. who justly
felt the insult offered them. He regretted now
to find Senator abelting so monstrous MI out.
rage upon The rights Of citizens; and reSa rded
this movement as little short OF robbery ltseif.
Let the gentleman avow his real purpose, and
If he is determined to carry out his conscenti.
Gus views even with the sword he might hnd
grave near the capitol, in conflict so disgrace
full to those who instgato it. Does not the
gentleman know that his course, with that OF
those accused persons acting with him. Is lnlm'
iraI TO the hest interest Of the slaves! lie
would invite the gentleman to visit the sunny
South. but with this caution, that If he should
promnlgate his obnoxious doctrines there, he
would most likely be honored by an elevation
upon one Of the highest trees OF the fotes'
and he would not refrain from aiding in doing
so.
Mr.. Hale in answer TO various imputallons,
declared he had never directly or indirectly aid
ed IN the recent abscondlng OF slaVes-nor
would he commit any violation ot law. lie
read card, published by MIR. Bailey, one Of
the editors of the National Era, making SIM
liar defence OF himself.
Mr.. Il. said if Mr.. Footc, should visit The
North, he would not be treated in any harsh
manner-the people would listen to his argu.
mems The Introduction Of bill To protect
property, as contemplated by this bill, be cons-
dered in accordance with proprety and justice.
Mr.. Butler. (in,errup'ing.) asked, "lf bill
should be introduced providing proper punish
men, for invcigling slaves from this District,
would the gentleman vote for it!
Mr.. Hale responded negatively; bnt would
vote for abolishing slavery in this District.