Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-06-19
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE Is, 1851.
Col. Johnson Watts.

ectons to the law without assang its main features
He admits constitutional obligations deliver up fu
gye slaves and admits the necessity of some law to
carry in good faith that power of the Constitution.
For this he is opposed the repeal of the law
but is in favor of two three amendments. We have
long known Col Watts, and have always entertained
high respect for his candor man. and his general de-
pertinent. We, therefore, that may do him njus-
tee copy entire his three ELECTIONS and the amendments
he proposes:
l. The difference between the fee allowed the Com.
missioner when his decision is in favor Of and that al
lowed him when his decision is against the claimant
should be removed for while it is conceded that there
is little probability of any direct evil the of
Justice from this cause, none deny that it is a mani
fest discrimination in favor of the claimant when such
discrimination is necessary to the maintenance OF his
rights.
2 In regard to the power of the Marshal his deputies
assistants others command citizens assist in
recapurng lugves from labor and the enforcement OF
that command by heavy fines and penalties NV opinion
is that il is unnecessary and liable be exercised op
pressively To call men from their ordinary occupations
their fields and shops, from their in the house
of God for such purpose, and their neectng re-
fusing obey. mulct them heavily therefor it to
me- is going further than the Constitution demands
necessity requires.
g. Making no pretenson to legal knowledge I am not
able to determine its effect upon the writ OF Haheas Cor
pus; but it, on experience that writ left in force
under the law in favor of restoring il and maintain
ing 1t IN Its utmost vigor.
His first objection, will be seen, relates to the fee
This from his declaration, he does consider of
much consequence, for he says: SIT is conceded that
there little probability of any direct erl 10 the source
Of justice from this cause" This discrimination was in
tended graduation of the fees the fees of Magis
and Clerks graduated according the sevices
rendered When the person arrested is proved be
fugitive, the Commissioner grants the certificate and de-
ivers TO the Marshal, the owner the may be-
copy of the record and performs several other duties
which he does when he discharges the person arrest
ed on claim. But this amendment relates to a mere
question of fee, and is injured but the owner
who has the dollars pay it is matter of small
moment. Its adoption will neither the
protect the rights of the fugitive, in any way effect
the operation of the law, and the only objection agitat
ing this amendment is that it of sufficient
Importance to the opening of this whole question:
which would be the result if bill introduced to
make this amendment.
The second objection would have force in it but
for thing, and that is that it is There is
such provision in the act, and the asser-
tion that Col. Watts read the law, or he would
never have committed great blunder. His argu-
ments good, but there is nothing in the law to fiji
them. The following is a copy of this provision:
! The better to enable the said commissioners, when
thus appointed to execute their duties faithfully and e
GENTLY in conformity with the requirements of the Con-
stitnon of the United States and of this they
hereby authorized and empowered. within their counties
respectively appoint in writing under their hand any
one suitable persons, from time TO time, to
cute all such warrants other processes may he
sued by them in the lawful performance OF their respec
tive duties: with authority such commissioners the
persons be appointed by Them execute process as
aforesaid summon and call to their aid the ystanders
or posse comaius of the proper county. when
nv insure faithful observance Of the clause of the
Constitution referred to- in conformity with the provis-
ions of this act; and all good citizens hereby CON-
manded to aid and assist in the prompt and efficient
cution of this law whenever their services may be
CURED aforesaid for that purpose and said warrants
shall and he executed by said officers anywhere In
the State within which they are issued.
All good citizens by this law are commanded to aid the
Marshall his deputies in the execution of process
but when good citizens refuse there is no penalty But
when does this assistance become necessary When
forcibe resistance made the execution of the pro-
cess an attempt is made lorciby to free fugitive
slave from
These overt acts Mr. Webster tells u.s. would be trea
SON. and predict that shoald in the pres
ence of Col. Watts, where furious mob setting
the law Defiance and committing the high crime o
treason if he should be called oil to aid the MARSHALL
quellng the nsurrecon that he would rally the dc
ry he did when his country invaded by foregr
(oe IT, however, he should choose fold his arms an,
refuse there penalty. BY way OF recommendation
to Col. Watts it is said he is very honest man; tina
be is no lawyer and speaker. All these things ma,
be well enough in the man, but at a loss deter
mine how they qualify him a member of Congress
If ignorance of existing laws is any qualification the
Mr.. Watts has greatly the advantage of Mr. Robinson
If want of capacity enforce his motions with argu
ments superior qualification then he has the decide
advantage of Mr.. Robinson. Suppose Colonel Watt
f should be elected, which is hardly supposabe case
he should introduce bill to repeal these penalties wha
would be his feelings when told that there was sue
law, and what would be the feelings of his constituent
when they learned that their Representative had com
mited such blundera On the Statutes of Indiana is
provision imposing heavy penalties persons reusin
aid officers in the execution of process when called
yet COL Watts. although he has repeatedly been mem
Der of the Legislature since the existence of that Law
h never made any attempt repeal it.
The third objection nothing, for it has bee
decided that the writ of habeas corpus is in full force
and has been issued in several The objection
then Of Col Watts this law, is just enough kee
the question open for agitation which all the abolition
lists DESIRE and for that it is possible they
vote for him, although he is in favor of the repeal
e the law granting the jury trial, which, with them,
. such lavorite That Mr.. Watts is highl
= respectable gentleman, there is doubt, but that
lacks the capacity be efficient Representative
Congress- there is Just little doubt. His educatio
and early opportunities have been good as Mr.. RoI
inson's Nature and not education has made John /
- Robinson his superior.