The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-06-19
From the Indiana Registe
The FuRitive-Slavs Law.

On the first page will be found a communication from
Mr. Milliken on the slave question; In this number Mr.
M is specific than usual and points out his oblec-
tons plainly but towards the last branches OF hereto
fore, and runs wild in imaginary sympathy.
II will be that Mr.. M. has decided that the ugi-
tive slave law is unconstitutional In this opinion he is
sustained by Rhett of South Carolina and Chase OF Ohio,
and perhaps others. Rheu opposed the law for fear 1t
would accomplish the object intended, and deprive him
and his coadutors OF powerful weapon in their efforts
to dissolve the Union, and establish southern confede
ncy. To carry out their purposes they want continued
cause Of complaint against the free States. Chase, and
his abolition associates, opposed the passage OF the law
because might result in the settlement OF the slave ques-
ton and their party thereby be deprived of the fuel with
which they have fed the fires OF agitation But the oppo-
site opinion has been sustained by such high authority
and the constitutonaty Of the law permanently set
tied, that consider unnecessary TO attempt TO prove
IT, but express our surprise that Mr. NJ should add his
to the small list entertaining doubts on the subject
II Judge McCary is good authority, refer TO his letter
to the Napoleon convention.
We are pleased to learn that Mr. M has abandoned
the idea of repeal While be in the way he had better
take another step, and abandon modification or hunt up
some better Of objection than contained in No 2.
Mr.. M. says he is not opposed TO surenderng the iu-
gve butin favor OF living up TO our constitutional obi
gaton yet he would really like know before any man
il taken from the Stale that he is fugitive, and all he
asks that the fact whether the persons claimed ug
ves from labor such be decided fairly by compe
tent tribunal where the party implicated has full and
free opportunity OF meeting and dsproving the allegations
against him. We say the same, and approve OF every
word here stated Mr. M contends for notifications be-
they not granted-we oppose notifications be-
they Here then, is the issue As 10 what
situtes competent tribunal might differ. The late
law looks the Judges of the United States and
the tribunal Try the questions that may
under II; and though the officers may not be
peient 10 the discharge OF their duty that fault OF
the law. The same objection may be made with equal
force against authority being given any tribunal But
we object 10 the presumption that stupid and prejudced
judges will be appointed for the benefit OF the slave
catchers.
Their trial. any, must take place the free States
the officers must all be citizens OF the State and TO pre-
al
OF slavery much that they would violate their oahs
and the law, is unjust, and every man knows that the
very opposite is true Look at the case in the north part
oil this State, when Mr.. Norris had legal possession OF
his slaves: they acknowledged him their MASTER and
were willing to return with him. yet the prejudice was
20 strong Tor the negroes, that some persons oyerstepped
the law, dsregaded their constitutional Obligation, and
procured the escape OF the fygitives.
10 sustain bis position, Mr. MIken quotes from the
tenth section OF The late fugitive slave law As this is
the Objectionable clause upon which the opposition hang
their excuse for agitation be excused il we oc
cupy some space In lis examination.
We request the reader to examine closely that part OF
Mr. q comm unicalon, and see how he quotes the law
see how often he repeats the words full and conclusive
evidence These, is true. are the words OF the law
But OF what fact or facts shall il be f and eoneuape
That alone OF escape, and that service OF labor due
But when this testimony is taken, Mr.. Mlliken would
nave the fugitive present, and full and free opportunity
given him Of disproyng the allegation against him How
can hs be, when the only question before the court IL
s certain person owing service or labor did escdpe2
suppose, Tor instance, Mr. Kirby in Kentucky, should
certain Gay mat one OF ms slaves had lett
MI coects his negbbors, and goes before the
~ Burlington and makes the fact known, and proves by
his Deghbos and other testimony that the person esca
ping owed him service labor thai he was negro man
OF very dark complexion thirty wears of age ak feet
high stout built, weighing near two hundred hounds
that he was last seen on the ST day of June 1881 &c
giving general description with as much correct Ger
tanty as may be- OF these proceedings all under The
solemny OF oath, record must be made ana irans
CRYPT properly authenticated, delivered the owner who
sends il over to Mr.. s. c. OF this place, and for Thai
purpose appoints him his agent The slave catcher pro
ceeds his search As he passes through Manchester
he meets with 10. Curtis, examining him looks the
transcripts finds the description suits; and takes him be-
fore Esquire Tbbett, who has been appointed commits
soner News spreads over Manchester township
that Jo Curtis has been taken up fugitive slave, and
OF one accord her citizens meet IN one place The
aavecacher employs Mr. Milliken his attorney, who
opens the record and reads II to the and de-
mands The surrender OF the fugitive the record must DE
MELD AND TAKEN TO BE FULL AND CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE
Ihs commissioner examines the evidence, and ascer
tains that the fugitive left since the LIST Of June Curtis
calls up fifty witnesses prove that he had lived in Man
chester township for the last years What is the
suti As matter OF course the commissioner disnisses
the suit though Mr.. Milken protest that the record must
be HELD As FULL AND CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE. This be-
ing the there moekery OF Justice no swearing
mans liberty away without trial or an opportunity 10
have witnesses TO disprove the allegation laid against
him And the record made up in his absence was his
security and the plaintiff could not alter it TO suit the cir
cunsances as might have been the case under the old
law when oral testimony received before any magis
trate and the Witness II disposed to act the rascal could
see the person. ascertain the circumstances and swear to