The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-03-11
Law Of ssss.-I.~ss.ua,ure OF sx~u,.cky.


II any age or country.
Law Of Is33.-L~gisiaturee Of Eentscky.
The reader will find, on the first page, the |
fullest synopsis published-it is, unfortunately,
very meagre-of the debates in the Legislature
on the law of 1888
These debates have occasioned some neasi- |
ness in the public, especially with those unsc-
ouainted with our political action, or ignorant
Of our domestic pecalisrities. For this, there is
no cause whatever. The last Legislature was |
holder in its speech, on anti-slavery subjects; |
more downright and outright in its denunci-
stoa Of the accused slave trade in all its forms;
than any legislature which has assembled since
1882
When people are beginning to feel q neces-
siiy for a change in their institutions, neither
they nor their Legislators, assail directly the
main cause which makes them anxious for that
change. This is more especially the case where
large interests, Pecuniary and political, are in
volved. Hence, If We hear people complaining
of the slow progress in Kentucky, of the dis
astrous effects of slavery upon her interests, of
the huge injustice Of traffic in human beings
for gain as if they were cattle, and denouncing
the institution an 'Insupportable pest''-we
know that they are preparing for emancipation,
and waiting only for an opportunity to strike an
effective blow.
There is, in addition to this, special reason,
why the people, and their Legislators, should be
more than usually cautious on the subject of
slavery. The UOte for the Convention Is 10 be
tskrn neIt August. If anything were said or
done TO alarm large interest, and thus to con-
oeBsrate 10, ugaiu-, convention, great harm
might be done. This consideration weighed
strongly at Frankfort, the past winter. II OPP
crates now directly and powerfully upon the
people We feel il. Not some suppose,
that we hide our views, or suppress our convict
ions, and mean TO come out differently, when
convention Is called; no such thing we have
declared our platform, "to violate right in
removing q wrong"-snd will stand upon il,
like men. But knowing, as all know, the diff
caIties which beset the question of slavery, the
prejudices, anger and alarm, which exist in
influential quarters, we may be assured, that
wise and prudent men among the people, and
their legislators would speak and act cautiously;
deliberate long and well upon whatever bore d.
rectly or indirectly on the great issue.
Let Us, bearing these facts in mind, see what
The last Legislature did, and what it refused to
do.
LII Das unanimous and unsparing in its
denunciafioH Of the slaUe trade in oil It's forms.
Not man said one word in its defence! Not
man pretended that the traffic in human beings
for gain could be justified before men or God!
Even the stronger Pro-slavery members--those
who, in past years, were set down as perpetual
ists, declared that this stain should be wiped
out from the face Of the State, and the South,
az the foulest blot upon both.
Nor was this unanimity confined TO mere |
words, either in the Senate or House. In the |
former body, such Senators as Mr.. EvASs, voted |
for an amendment Of the law Of ls33-not be- |
cause t.ey wished to increase slavery, or ground
il deeper in our soil, but because that law was |
evaded, rendered inoperative' by the LegsIa- |
ture passing special acts for the benefit Of those
who purchased slaves, out Of the State. Yet, |
wit. this diversity Of opinion, Mr.. WILLIAMS,
If red this amendment, with proviso COM
,eliing the slave TO leave the State within spe-
cited time.)
Be- II further enacted, That If any slave be |
imported into this Commonwealth for merchsn- /
dize it shall be lawful for such slave TO institute
a suit in any court Of competent jurisdiction, for |
his or her freedom, and upon verdict and judg- |
ment in favor Of such slave, he or she shall be, /
10 all intents and purposes, free person Of col
or; and said suit may be instituted against any
shaIl he has
that person be the importer or not.
"For merchandise Mark the words "For
merchandizer' Man shall not trade in man;
Gods image shall not be sc bruised and broken,
he being who is to live forever shall not be de-
-radsS TO the level Of the dog and the OK, and
riven or logged about like brute-snd if any
shall dare do this, let the courts Of justice inter-
fere, and grant freedom to the bond! This is
the spirit Of the amendment, as far as il goes.
And for it the vote stood, in full Senate, Ie
to Is; and was lost only because it was believed
by the Speaker and other members, TO be uncon-
stitUtional.
2-Ths bLghting fleets Of Slavery roere free
~ admitted, and strongly painted.
The debates on this point were free, and we
deeply regret, owing to Pecuniary inability, that
we were unable to give them at length, as they
occurred. Very true, there were qualifications,
deuunciations Of abolitionists and all that; but
the institution was not spared. In the Senate
snd House there was much deep and earnes. ell.
oquence exhibited against slavery, and in be-
half Of freedom, and II was Of that fresh and
living kind which made the nearer feel, as IL
speakers would 60 further in act, than in words,
If they could.
Senator HoBBs, Whose fidelity to the home
interests of his constituents all parties admit)
while declaring that he respected and recogni-
zed the rights Of owners Of slaves, and would 60 j.