The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-12-19
GRANT COUNTY. INDIANA.

Pursuant to previous notice, large number OF
the citizens of Grant county, Indiana, met at the
Court House in the town of Marion, to express
their disapprob ltion OF the late Fugitive Slave
law. The meeting consisted Of the most intelli-
gent and influential citizens Of the county, among
which were Hon A. j. Harlan, member of Con-
grcss, J. M. Wallace, Esq A. Steele, Esq, Judge
James, MIR. A. Dilze. Mr. T. C. Overmau, and
many others of the first responsibility, Of all po-
litical parties
The meeting was called to order by ID w.
Jones; whereupon, Mr. A. Diltzs was chosen
Chairman, and ID. w. Jones, Secretary.
Hon A. J Harlan then took the stand, and
spoke for an hour and half copdemnatory OF the
law He said "lf it was the object Of this people
to labor for T'jrdl of this Odious law, he was
with them. 1t is measure the exigency of the
case did not demand in insult to Northern con-
sciences. II | were 10 express an opinion which
wish no man to credit, would say it is constitu-
tional The law of 1893 bound the North strong
enough for the recapture Of fugitive slaves, but
the present law supersedes the acknowledged
rights Of the citizen. If it does not impair the
right to out the writ of habe0s coryus, or the
right of trial by jury, it was probably constitu-
tional-so far, the pracce of the law had destroy
ed botho He questioned the constitutionality Of
a law 30 fraught with malevolent consequences, Of
kidnapping and speculation. {" We are commqhded
to assist in this foul work of catching runaways
from slavery, even il we know the victim to he a
free man. under the penalty Of one thousand dol
lars! But, fellow citizens am prepared to say
! will not do it Me neither several voices
He may be dragged before the commissioner by
the marshal and the evidence against him Is but
record of some perjured Williams oath, who may
have before learned so much Of his identity ms to
describe him with convenient certainty And
Hal. 4 i, "a nj Of
evidence, though his father and mother are pres
ent to testify of his freedom lie further ex-
paiucd the oious provisions Of the law as it
passed Congress, and expressed his determination
to vote for its repeal
After having resumed his seat Mr. j M. Wal
lace Esq was called for and made his appear
ance on the stand.
At the close of his remarks, Mr. Wallace Of
fered the following resolutions, and moved their
| adoption
Whereas We have strong doubts Of the oonsti-
tutonality of said law, believing as we do, that
il abrlges the henefts of the writ Of hAheas car
| puS, and absolutely refuses the right Of trial by
5e-y te the alleged fugitive; AND that itimreses
oncrous and buricnsome duties upon public Of
6ccrs, Ms well as upon private ctizeus, without
distinction of sex or age not required by the pol
icy OF our free institutions, but repulsive TO the
feelings AMI principles Of Christian people :
| Therefore,
R"o'ed, That while we dcprccate forcible re-
sistance to any established law of the land, We
will use our utmost endeavors to arouse our peo-
Pile that they may use constitutional and peacea-
BILE means to obtain a repeal of this odious enact
ment.
a. Re'0lS9d That we commend the course Of
Hon, A. J. Harlan, our representative in Con-
gress, Tor his steady opposition to the passage Of
aforesaid law.
The resolutions were seconded by the Sccre.
| tary in few remarks
| Mr.. A, Steele, Esq, came forward, and spoke
briefly of the tyranncal operation Of the law
| The resolutions were passed by a unanimous
vote, and the meeting adjourned
A. Dm11E, Chairman
ID. w. JosEs, Secretary