The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-08-27
Thirty.First Congress-.Ist Session.
Correspondence Of the Charleston News.


Correspondence of the Charleston News.
WAsHIHGroN, Aug. l9.
In the Senate, the consideration of the Fugi-
tive Slave Bill was again resumed, and the SUBJ
sttute for the bill offered yesterday by MIR. Ma.
son agreed to.
Mr.. Pratt then moved to amend by adding
several sections, giving the owner who may
lose his slave, after using all the other means
provided to effect his recovery, a remedy by
suit against the United States He said this
amendment would not do more than carry out
the provisions of the Constitution, supposing
all other measures to have failed. He referred
to the losses suffered by the Southern States
owing to the obstacles thrown into their way in
the recovery of fugitives, and mentioned seve-
raj instances while he was Governor of Mary
land, where the authorities of Pennsylvania had
set at defiance his acquisitions. In one instance,
the master went himself, to Pennsylvania and
seized his slave, took him before a magistrate,
and the slave was delivered over to him. But
before he could return with his property, mob
rescued the slave and murdered the master, and
to this honr no one has ever been punished tor
the offence He argued that the opposition. to
slavery was entirely an abstract proposition
forhe was sure no Northern State would, IT it
could, vote for the abolition of slavery in the
Southern States.
Messrs. Winthrop and Dayton opposed the
amendment on the ground that it would make
the U.,ited States an endorser of persons in
their property.
Mr.. Badger supported the amendment, and
referred to decisions Of the United States Su.
preme Court, that it is the duty of the General
Government to secure to the persons whose
slaves may escape, the return of those slaves.
Mr. Butler argued that it is the duty OF Con.
erese and of the several States, to see that the
provisions of the Constitution, in this partlcu-
lar be executed; at the same time, ne did not
believe the General Government to be the least
responsible.
Mr.. Sturgeon replied to the remarks of Mr..
Pratt relative to the conduct of Pennsylvania.
He said it was true there were many bad men
in Pennsylvania, but the State, as State, was
sound on this subject. With regard to the
master of the slave alluded to, the authorities OF
the State were set at defiance by mob who
killed the owner; but all who were concerned
in that riot were arrested and punished. In
addition to this there was civil suit brought,
and heavy damages recovered. The authorI-
ties could not restore the dead to life, but they
did all in their power to punish the guilty. In
conclusion, he said, Senators might rest assured
that the Courts of Pennsylvania would do their
duty under the provisions Of the bill.
The bill was then laid aside till tomorrow.
In the House, Mr.. Ihurston, the delegate
from Oregon, presented memorial Of the Gen
eral Assembly asking donation of public
lands, which he moved to refer to the Commit
tee on Territories.
A long and tedious debate arose, as to whe-
thor Delegate had rightto make motion
= of any kind. Finally, the Speaker decided the
point in the affirmative, and his decision being
appealed from, was sustained by large ma
joHfy. 49,,
The Civil and Diplomatic Appropriation Bill
was then once more taken up in Committee OF
the Whole.
A discussion of several hours arose OH an
amendment appropriating $4,000 for an ad.
ditional wing to the City Hall of this City. 1t
was rejected, after which the Committee rose.