Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-12-13
THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW.

~ L O0I41NG OLA We LA W.
Congress convened on Monday of last week
but as yet nothing of interest has transpired.
The question Of slavery, which has convuIsed
and is now shaking to its very centre the glo-
rious and proud columns of our Union, has not
yet been introduced; but from the signs of
the times and the infatuation of SOM of the
Northern States, its introduction has become
imperatively necessary. The State of Yer
mont has, by her Legislature, solemnly nulli-
he'd the law of Congress relative to the arrest
Of fugitive slaves, and declared that it shall
not be carried out in her territory. There is
to be a State Convention in New York. at
Syracuse, on the 9TH, 9Th and 9th of January
next, otake this act into consideration and de-
clare their opposition to ii. 1t is proposed that
as many delegates be sent to the Convention
as there are members in the Legislature, and
the n. I. Tribune says that similar Conven-
tons are to be held in other States, with a
view Of having before the close of January.
a Convention of the free States against the
measure. A preamble and resolutions have
been introduced into the Convention of Indi-
ana, assembled for amending the State Consti-
tuition, expressing their acquiescence in the
fugitive slave law, but, without debate. they
have been laid upon the table by a vote of 60
to 81. Massachusetts has virtually repudiated
if not resisted and nullifed this law, and the
prospect is everywhere exhibited, that if not
repealed, the law will remain a dead letter
upon our statute book.
With these facts staring us in the face, the
questions arise-what will Congress do p
what will the South do? If our National
Legislature will adopt measures strong, firm
and ~peremptory for the faithful and speedy
execution of this most Just and constitutional
enactment, and the President will enforce
them with all the powers placed in his hands
the Union may yet be saved-otherwise, there
is but one course left for the South, and one
which she viii evidently adopt, and that is tc
rid herself of a Government from which She
receives nought but insult added to injury.
The Legislature Of nearly every Southern
State, is now, or will be in session, ere thu
close Of the present Congress; and no doub
steps will be taken in each to meet the emer
gency in a manner becoming freemen q VIII
know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain
them" The people of the South are the fast
firm, tried friends of the Union, and can onl,
be driven to its abandonment by gross injus
tee and wrong on the part of other portion
ofthe Confederaey. Let simple justice, protec
ton and defence be given her institutions, he,
laws and her property, and she will adhere witt
undying devotion to it-but let these be denie'
and she will be impelled by every eonsidera
ton of honor and selfrespect to rely for re
dress upon her own strength and her natura
and inalienable rights. Let the Southern
States, unitedly, point out the terms upol
which they will remain in the Union-let thes
terms be characterized by a firm and pruden
appreciation of the rights and duties of othe
States as well as the high p~rerogatives of on
own-and acting upon a high sense of jus
tice let US go forward in the discharge of thos
duties leaving the consequences to God, t
whom we appeal for the reetitude of our mo
tives.
Since the above was in type, we find tn
following in the Daily Register:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9th.
In the House to-day, during an animated
debate on referring the Presidents Message
Giddings attacked the President for those part
ofhis message relating to the Fugitive Slav,
Law, and said that the freemen of the Nortl
would resist it to the death.
Mr.. McClernand replied, stigmatizing tn,
sentiments of Giddings as reasonable, and dis
avowing that such were the sentiments of til,
people of Illinois.