Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1850-05-30
LAWS OF RHODE ISLAND.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

II . IA L. OF RHODE ISLAND AND
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
In G'"oai assembly, Nay Session, A. d., 1850.
RESOLUTIONS on Slavery. The adms-
sion Of California, and the delivery Of
| per ons held TO labor.
Resolved, That, in the opinion Of this
General Assembly, the provisions of the
Ordinance of 1927, with respect TO slavery,
should be applied to all the territories of
the United States now possessed by them
OF hereafter acquired, and enforced by such
further provisions and sanctions of law a.
the exigency of the case may require.
Resolved, That the people of Rhode Is
land cherish an undated attachment TO .bo
Union and the Constitution, which is us
surest guarantee that approaching the in
eslimable blessings which flow from that
instrument they think it The dictate of wis
dom rather to encounter and overcome any
evils, which may be incident to its opera
ton, by ust and liberal Interpretation of
"' P'"'is'"ne' thih 10 aim al removing
them by destroying it ; that these, in their
opinion, are the sentiments of large ma
Jority of the people of the United States,
without distinction of parties or sections,
and ought to di pei any dread of those
threats Of disunion with which we are too
often menaced.
Resolved, That the preservation of our
authority over the territories acquired by
the treaty with Mexico, which borders ON
the Pacific Ocean, the increase Of our
navigation and commerce with those terri
tories, and the augmentation of our wealth,
no less than the diffusion Of liberal insti,u.
tions over every part Of this continent, re-
qure tina, the territory OF California be ad-
mitted into the Union, with the cons,:tu-
ton it has adopted, without reference to or
connexion with the ltiga,ed and entirely
distinct questions with which it is sought
to be connected.
Resolved, That the sentiments of tho
people Of Rhode Island on The subject of
\ the delivery of persons held TO labor, when
escaping from other States, as expressed
by the resolutions Of the General Assembly
heretofore adopted, remain unchanged
that the Supreme Court of the United
States having decided, that the execution
OF that clause Of the Constitution, which
requires such delivery, is to be regulated,
exclusively, by the enacments of Congress
1t becomes more important that all abuses
incident to its execution be effectually res
trained by said aciments, and especially,
that The facts of being held to labor and es-
Gaping thereirom be established by decis-
ion Of a jury Of the State where such per-
son iS demanded
Resolved, That the General Assembly,
in behalf of the people of this State, dis
tnctly sclaims any righ, or pretension to
interfere with the institution Of slavery in
anv Of the States of the Union which have
thought ft to permit its continuance OF es-
'ablishment within their respective limits
Resolved, That the opinions.:o the peo-
pie Of this State, on the subject enumerat-
ed in these resolutions, having been often
and unequivOcably expressed, the Genera,
Assembly has entire confidence, that their
Senators and Representatives in the Con-
gress of the United States will on all occa-
sions respec, them, and to the extent of
their opportunities and influence give them
effect in the deliberations and decisions Of
tha, body,
Resolved, That his e1celcncy, the Gov
ernor be requested to transmit copy OF
| these resolutions 10 each Of our Senators
and Representatives in the Congress Of the
United States.
True copy-winess.
CHRIS. T.. ROBBINS, Sec'ry