The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-08-07


remedial writ, however, only applicable TO
cases of illegal arrest or Imprisonment, and
this SC ,iion of The act OF 1917 cohfefs upon
II no additional force or effect. Tue resu-
iarity of q warrant Of arres; or commitment,
ia the only hing to BIO inquired of in a case
arising under this section, as il would have
been the only thing inquired of, under the
law, as ii existed before. (I Watts CT, 1
Dallas 4t3) The merits Of tho case are no,
involved in tho inquiry, but only the formal
Legality Of the proceeding.
1t seems conceded, in this chamber, that
tho sirth section, tho repeal Of which is the
pending question, is one Of a highly objcc-
tionable and offensive character. But l am
disincliued TO give u final v oie for it's repeal,
unless such vote be absolutely necessary, so
long rs all the other sections remain UNI
touched. Tho refusal of OUT jails, and the
imposition Of penalties 10 enforce such TO-
fusal, exhibit a churlish and disloyal spirit
upon the part of our State, which is unwor-
thy of her, and against the spirit Of the
covenant which exists between her and the
other States. But is this section more ofcn-
sive and moro deserving of condemnation,
than other portions Of the same act, ind
ought they no, 10 DO all swop, off the statute
book together! The repeal of this section
is a good work as fur rs it goes, but it does
not completely vindicate our legislation from
reprcach.
The Senator from Erie has pronounced an
eutogiuni upon the "oli abolaioniSts Of
Pennsy lvania." But, sir, SO lar as they
wero connected with tho Legislation of the
state, did they stand where the Senator, and
those who act with him. now stand! Look
at the scpenth section Of the &c, OF is47. II
repeats tina, portion of the nc, Of 1880, drawn
up by DR.. Franklin, which provided that
persons sojourning in Pennsylvania, might
hold their slaves here, for a period no, cx-
ceeding six months. Such was the provis-
ion put upon the statute book by those who
passed tho act for the uboiiiion-" the grail
ual abolition"-of slavery in Pennsylvania.
They were actuaied by u very different,
spirit from that which actuates those who
oppose the repeal of tho act of iSl7. AS
We had comparatively few slaves in this
state and US our soil and situation were not
adapted to slave labor, tho men Of 1870 did
wisely to ubolish il rs q domestic institution
among us. But this was done gradually,
and under arrangements that wero as just to
tho owner as thoy wore cxpodient for tho
public. And they-lho mon OF tho era of
the observation-disclosures 10 confne thor
icgisiat ton soioly 10 citizens Of tho State;
and as tho test of citizenship, 30 lar as this
question was concerned, inserted The six
months provision alrendy mentioned. Pei
sons from Maryland, Virsinin, or any ollIor
state, might sojoum hero u reasonable time,
before they becnmo subject 10 our omsnci-
patton act, intended and applicable as that
act was, solely TO our " people. If they
remained longer than Elk months tho pre-
sumption oil citizenship arose, and tho law
became operative upon them.
The act of 1917 repeats this provision, aud
10 some eAtent therefore operates as a pro-
hibition upon intercousstt between our own
and adjoining states. a ciiizen OF a south
ern state canaot come 10 sojouru among us,
without q s~acfificc Of those social arrange
ments which arc sanctioned by law whore
hc resides, and connected with his habits.
convenience and Interests. A lady of Bal
limore cannot even visit in Philadelphia, so
far as our Legislation. is concerned, without
leaving behind her the servan, which she
holds, Of unquestionable right, under the
laws of Maryland.
Now, sir, our fathers" the old Abolition
lists of Pennsylvania"-did no, legisla,e in
this fashion. They did not cree, @ legal
barrier against visitors and travellers along
Mason and Dixon's limo. Us Is done by the
act against which my rcmarks are directed.
1t Is gratifying to know that this act of
isi7, is not a Pennsylvania production. Its
main provisions ars copied from an act of
Massachusetts, and it was enacted here
without a PROPER consideration OF lis char
actor. 1t becomes US now, by its repeal, 10
manifest our detestaton of il, and Of the uh-
constitutional doctrines with which it il al
liod.
Let us place our Commonwealth where
she stood before the importation Of Aboli-
tionism from Massachusetts, 1t is absolutely
necessary that Pennsylvania retain immova-
bly her position as u loyal state in tho Union
II she yield where shall a stand be made
against fanaticism Her posilion-her
central posi,ion-amone the States, is pecu-
liarly adapted to the exhibition of vice
counsols and a patriotic spirit. Her voice
should always 80 out, full toned, ir favor Of
those principles upon which the Union was
founded. and by the rigid maintenance of
which, alone, it can be preserved. And her
blows should fall heavily upon all such as
labor to undermine or %injure ,ha, fabric of
government, which is essential To- her well
fare, and connected with oil her hopes OF
the future.
This has been the mission OF Pennsylva-
mia, In the struggle of tho Revolution, she
contributed, willingly, her blood and treas
uro to tho ommon cause. Through her
loading patriots she assisted in framing tho