Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-11-20

frmness of his resolution and the patriotism Of
his views. He stands before the world, at this
moment, in an attitude of imposing interest
Holding in the hollow of his hand the destiny of
a vast Republication it is impossible to doubt that
if he were to swerve from his high duty, the I'm
ion would be riven asunder-he fearlessly as
sumes all the weghty responsibilities of his posi-
ton, and determines to discharge them faithfully
without evasion. Well he knew, when the death
of Gen. Taylor called him to the Presidential Of
fee, that the approval he was about to give TO
measures designed to heal an excited sectional
controversy, would cost his administration many
political disaster in the Northern States This,
however, did not deter him from the full perform
ance OF the trust confided to him by the nation.
He openly gave his influence to the satisfactory
adjustment of the questions in dispute. One of
the laws which received his signature Immediately
gave rise to new Abolition agitation in the
North. The manifestations of opposition to its
execution became SO Serious that politicians like
Mr. Washington Hunt, who had previously es-
cheWed all utilization with the Abolitionists, al
lowed themselves to join in the outcry for repeal
Finally, in the "refned" city of Boston, mob of
AboIitionists and negroes prevailed in preventing
the execution of the Fugitive law upon two un-
disputed subjects of its operation, known to be
within the limits of the city The owner of the
slaves, citizen of Georgia, makes complaint to
the President, of the manner in which he has been
deprived of his property, and he receives the no.
bic response upon which we are now comment
ing.
The reader will perceive that Mr.. Fillmore
comes directly to the point of the whole matter,
and avows his fixed intention to use the whole
power of his Office if it be necessary to execute
the law. He clearly explains the part which the
Constitution and laws have assigned to him; and
we think no man of candor can read the EXPOSE
ton and not be satisfied that he has acted with en-
tire propriety. 1t cannot be pretended that the
present state of things in Boston calls for any
actual interpositon Of the federal MILITARY avn
The late occurrences may render its prorimiyex-
pedient, so that forcbe resistance to the law may
be suppressed; and this weknow that the President
has wisely provided for. There is nothing for the
military to do, as the streets of Boston are quiet
The wrong which Mr.. Collins has suffered in the
reasons, "a proper subject of legal inquiry. If the
Marshal has failed to perform his duty, he is La
Bile 10 the heavy penalties which the Fugitive law
imposes, and, will be displaced by more faithful
officer. Every man who can be proved to have
aided in harbouring the Crafts, is liable to pay
double their value. 1t remains to be seen whether
the real public sentiment of Boston has been
IL.
disgraced it. The memorable failure of the anti
slavery Demagogues in their attempt to desecrate
Faneuil Hall by doing honour to an impertinent
British emissary, is at least an suspicious omen;
and we trust the great Union meeting will give
still better assurance that Boston is not to be
deemed the fountain of agitation.
From the Georgia Citizen, Extra, Nov. H.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, }
w ashngton, November 9, 1850.
Robert Collins, Macon, Ga:
SRI am instructed by the President TO inform you
that your letter of the ID instant addressed to him. en-
closing several slips from newspapers, in reference 10
the proceedings OF portion OF the community in Boston
on the subject of the Fugitive Slave Law was received
by him Yesterday and that he has given the letter and
its enclosures careful perusal.
You state, in substance, that you are the owner of
Gratis one of the Fugitive Slaves for which warrants Of
arrest were issued IN Boston, ana call the PRESIDENTS
attention the enclosed slips taken mostly from North
ern papers, by which he will perceive the manner in
which your Agents were received and treated for merely
asking that the slaves be returned according to the Laws
otthe United States That theyIhave been arrested under
various warrants kdnappers, and on other frivolous
preences aud unreasonable bail demanded; end that
your friends have become their sureties for than
$4,000
You also say, that the in which the officers
have performed their duty will appear by the slips; and
that the warrants now lie dead in the MarshaPs office
You then speak Of The pernicous effect olsuch proceed
ngs and OF their tendency disturb the harmony of
the Union and OF the great Importance of having the
Law faithfully executed; and, finally inquire 'whether
il is not 10 the power, and is not the intention OF the
Executive of the United States cause that law 10 be
faithfully and properly enforcedP p
To this the President directs me to reply, that you
cannot De deeply impressed than he is with the
Importance OF having every law faithfully executed
Every statute in this country passed in accordance with
the provisions OF the constitution must be 10
eroody Nne WIN oS majority oil te people OF Inc Union;
and such, entitled 10 the respect and obedience OF
every true American citizen; and the constitution which
the President has to support, has made it his
especial duty "o take care that the laws be faithfully
executed" He has thought OF shrinking from his duty
ia this or any other CASE but will the utmost of his
ability, firmly and faithfully perform it.
But how he the laws to be executed! FHSt,
by appointing proper officers to fill The various offices
and discharge their various functions with diligence and
fidelity; and fany shall be found incompetent or I'M
faithful by removing them where he has the power of
remoya-and appointing more competent and faithful
officers IN their places And SecORdLg in extreme cases.
whenever the laws OF the United States shall be oppos
ed or the execution thereof INSTRUCTED in any State by
combinations too powerful TO be suppressed by the
binary course OF judicial proceedings by the powers
vested 10 the eiVi oifcers with the posse which the law
authorizes and requires them to call their aid would
be his duty call forth the militia and use the army and
navy for the purpose Of overcoming such orcble com
bnatons against the laws But in either case prudence
and justice require that there should be satisfactory
Evidence of official delinquency, tocibe resistance
than mere rumor, or newspaper statements; and yet
these all which have been furnished this
II any Marshal neglect 10 perform his duty, the law
gives night OF action to the aggrieved party for the
injury which he may sustain; and il he refuse to perform
II, the statute has imposed upon him severe penalty.
But il he refuse or wIully neglect perform it, when
this shall be satisfactorily made 10 appear to the Presi
dent, then in addition to his liability the grieved
party, would doubtless be the duty OF tine Executive
TO him from office, and appoint another IN his