The Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1850-1852, 1851-10-16

ministerial iy upright Judges aouh p'o-
'ect You from nny excrcisc OF power enau-
lhorised by the consultation Of the United
States. The hubcas ccrpus se,'urcs every
pan here, alien or ci,isens, agains, every.
thing which is not Law, whatever shape II
may assume" Having the same high con-
f,lcncc in the intelligence and integrity Of
The Judges Of this state, have 10 doubt,
that in the administration u; this law. they
will not con;ravcnc the constitution. either
&c the Intel States 81 this state that they
sil not hesitate to inquire into any assum'
cd authority of commissioners. or others
will proicct all within their jurisdiction from
unlawful seizure and imprisonment. and re-
mand any ono, brought before them, who
is held hy lawful authority.
An interesting and important question
on the subject Of fugi'ives from justice. i.
under di.cussi m in the state Of Maryland.
in which they have directed their AHorney
General to set sucl, proceedings on foot MS
may bring the same before the supreme
court Of the United States for its a1judica-
ton | mention it, only to show. that qucs-
iions arising under the constitution Of the
United States. on the subject Of fugitivcs,
whether from labor or justice. and Of the
powers and dutics Of the executive and
legislative branches Of Il state government.
are not If SO easy solution, as to warrant
the imputation of hostility to the Union, or
constitution, or reasonable disaffcction to
the government, in any of those who may
| a, &C
the . questions.
do rot look with disfavor on any at
tempt to try the vulility of law Of con-
grcss, or of a state legislature. hy aprcals
to the judiciary while wholly di>ccunten-
ancc all attempts of forcibc resistance hut
| have not formed 80 low an opinion Of the
stability Of the Union, or the authority Of
the general government, as to suppose that
either can be materially affected Ivy any
violent outbreak Of popular indignation. or
tho indiscrction, oven Of large bodies Of the
people. Nor ON willing so to confounl
the distinctions between crimes, as to mag
nifty them to the crime Of treason, the high
est which can he committed in a state.
Called out, in the early part Of my life.
with q detachment of militia, to enforce the
laws of the Union, ! then witnessed in
stances of resistance to the authority and
laws Of the United Safes, by bodies Of
armed men. property seized under the au-
thoriiy of the United States rescued by vio-
lcnce, and by men armed for the purpose,
soldiers fired upon, wounded, and some of
them shot down in the discharge of their
duty, professional ingenuity taxed to the
utmost to screen the offenders, and to rem
dor the laws Intellectual and although some
of the offenders were convicted Of murder
and manslaughtcr in the courts Of this state,
yet was taught ly the courts Of the Uni
ted States, that no treason was committed
The integrity of the Union was not destroy
cd or impaired by such violent and lawless
acts. although they were constant and con-
tinued for long time. I was then taught
a lesson of reverence and submission to the
laws which made lasting impression on
my mind. A resistance. and particularly
a resistance by force. and by men armed,
and by murderous assault, was not accepta-
bic to mo then. nor is it now. and | hope
the majesty and supremacy Of tho Jaw will
ever be vindicated But have no fears
that the government will be seriously affect
cd by any such tumultuous and popular
connections. U..
1t is not with pleasure, that have felt it
necessary to say thus much on the laws of
the United States and of this state "a res
pect both for the Union, and for this state,
would not permit me to say less.
have received several communications
from other states, and from constitutional
conventions which will be transmitted to
you. a communication from the state of
Virginia, and also one from the state of
North Carolina, were so disrespcctful and
offensive to this state, that deem it not con.
sistent with the respect bear the legisla-
ture, to communicate them to you, except at
your request, and the governors OF those
states were so informed.
AT the expiration of the political year,
which has just commenced, my official rca-
ton to the legislature and people will cease,
nor shall again be a candidate for the Of
fec to which have been elected. ! have
been called into the servn,e of the state at a
period of much excitement, and when her
character and conduct have been most u,,-
justly assailcd. l hope have never been
insensiLle to her honor or interest, or want
ing in confidence in her integrity and wis
dom, My thanks are especially due to the
people and legislature, who have reposcd
such confidence in me hitherto, and assure
them, and all my fellow-citizcns, as well
those who have expressed a preference for
me, as those who have not, that shall part
with my official relations to the state and the
people with the most respectful and kind
feelings to all. and shall never be found
among tile calumniators of her institutions,
her laws, her legislators, or her people, Of
whatever party or sect.
assure you that l shall join with you in
all au1able attempts to promote the general
welfare, and hope. through the blessing of
the Almighty, such attempts will be crowned
wish success c. X. WILLIAMS.
Executive CHAMBER. MONTPELIER,
October, IL, 1851.
{ PrNsYLvANrA & ONO ELgCTIoN.