The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-12-18

in the country. II is claimed first that il
is in violation Of the constitution of the
United States. Yet it is an enactment Of
the supreme law making power Of the
land, and forcible resistance to its execu-
ton cannot be justified without sustaining
that practice of lawless violence which
strikes at the foundation of government.
If the law be unconstitutional. that
question must be settled by that tribunal
which is provided to settle matters Of this
kind, to whose decision as good citizens,
and as a law abiding people, we are bound
to submit.
This law, in its whole fabric, implies a
general distrust of the good faith of the
people Of the free States, to abide by the
provisions Of the compact under which we
exist as government. Such distrust,
which | believe is without any real founda
ton, weakens the ligaments which bind
us together, and Of course strikes at the
foundation OF our government. -. !.
But the whole law, in all Of its provis
ions, cannot be considered in this docu.
ment. Suffice it to say that it is objec.
tionable, because it makes slavery Ma
tional instead of State institution, by
requiring the costs Of reclaiming the slave,
in some instances, to be paid out of the
United States Treasury; because it at
tempts to make exparte testimony, taken
in another jurisdiction, final and conclu-
sive in cases where its effect may be to
enslave man and his posterity for all
time, and commits the decision of this
question Of civil liberty to officers not Sc
lected for their judicial wisdom or expert
ence; because it attempts to compel the
citizens Of free States TO aid in arresting
and returning to slavery the man who is
only fleeing for liberty, in the same man.
ner as they would rightfully be bound to
aid in arresting man, fleeing from JUS
tice, charged with the commission Of a
high crime and misdemeanor.
Finally: In relation to the mode Of trial,
and other particulars, the law is contrary
to the genius and spirit of our free institu.
tons, and therefore dangerous to both free
and slave States, and consequently ought
to be amended or repealed. But forcible
resistance to this or any other law, is only
rebellion, and is not the way to procure
the remedy. Let there be generous
confidence in all parts Of the nation, each
with the other; let the evils be plainly laid
before the law-making power Of the coun-
try; let argument and reason, and love OF
country, be the ruling principles, and the
constitution will prevail; let law be
passed, giving to the master his constitu-
tional rights only. based upon common
principles Of evidence, adjudication and
execution, thus being consistent with the
spirit of our free institutions, and ven-
ture the assertion that it will be fulfilled to
the letter and spirit, in all parts of the
Union, and the country again settle down
in harmony and peace.
Once more the interests Of the people
are committed TO your wisdom. And
again | would add my fervent supplica-
tions to the Supreme Ruler Of the Uni
verse, that his providential care may still
be continued to the State; that virtue and
the love Of country may be fixed in the
breasts Of the people, and their liberties be
perpetual.
s9' SEABURY FORD.