Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1851-12-16
examining the various plans submit.


ted by different architects, in pursu-
anee Of an advertisement by a COM
mittee of the Senate, no one was
found to be entirely satisfactory, and
it was therefore deemed advisable to
combine and adopt the advantages Of
several.
/ The great object to be accom-
plished was to make such an addition
rs would afford ample and convenient
halls for the deliberations Of the two
Houses of Congress, with sufficient
accommodations for spectators, and
suitable apartments for the commit
tees and officers of the two branches
'of the Legislature. 1t was also de-
sirable not to mar the harmony and
beauty of the present structure,
which, as specimen Of architecture,
is SO universally admired. Keeping
these objects in view, | concluded to
make the addition by wings, de-
tached from the present building,
yet connected with it by corridors.
This mode of enlargement will leave
the present Capitol uninjured, and
afford great advantages for ventila-
ton and the admission of light, and
will enable the york to progress
without interrupting the delibera-
tons Of Congress. To carry this
plan into effect, | have, appointed an
experienced and competent architect.
The corner stone was laid on the 4th
day of July las t, with suitable cere-
monies; since which, time the work
has advanced with commendable RAJ
pidity, and the found ations OF both
wings are now nearly q mplete,
+ Iagain commend to your favorable regard
the interests Of The District Of Columbia
and deem it only necessary IS remind you,
,ha, although lis inhabitants have. 40 voice
in the choice of representatives in Congress
,hey are no. the less entitled TO ajusl and
Liberal consideration in your Legislation. =
My opinions on this subject were more fully
expressed in my last annual communica-
lion.
Oiher subjects were brought to the atlen-
non Of Congress in my last annual message,
to W hich ! would respectfully refer. But
there was one Of more than ordinary inter
est. TO which again invite your special at
.en,ion. | allude TO the Recommendation tor
the appointments Of commission to seule
private claims against The United S,ates.-
Justice I'd individuals as well as 10 The Gov
ernmea imperaIively demands that some
more convenient and expeditions mode than
an appeal 10 Congress should be Adopted.
Il is deepyto be regretted thai in several
Instances officers Of the Government, in at
,empiing,o execute the law for The return OF
fugisyes from labor have been resisted, and
their efforts frustrated and defeated by law
less and violen, mobs; tbatin one case such
resistance resulted in lhe deaih of an esii-
mabIe ci,izen, and in others serious injury
ensued 10 those officers and TO individuals
who were using their endeavors 10 sustain
l1he laws. Prosecutions have bet5 instituted
against the aIledged offenders. SO iar as they
could be ind, Dniitd, aud are sill sending
have regarded / as my duty, in,hese cases,
80 give all the aid legally in my power, TO
the enforcement Of The laws, and shall! con-
tinue 70 do so " henever and wherever their
execution may b. resisted
The Aci OF Congress for the return OF
| fugitiyes from labor is one required ana de-
manded BY the express words Of the Consii-
lulion.
The Constitution declares, "Thai no per
son held 10 service or lubor in enc SAFE,
under The laws thereof, escaping into anoIh-
er. shall, in consequences of any law or reg
ulation therein, be discharged from such
service DR. labor, bu. shall be delivered up
on the cIuin Of the party TO whom such la
Dor may be due" This Consliiudonalp pro-
vision is equally obligatory upon me Legis-
laaye, Executive and Judicial departments
Of The Government ard upon every citizen
Of The United States.
Congress, however, must, from necessity,
iirst ac, apon the sutject, by prescribing 'he
proceedings necessprs 10 ascertain 'hsl the
person is fugitive, and the means 20 be
used for his restoration to the claimant
This was done BY an act PASSED during The
first term of President Washington, which
was amended by lha, ena csed by ''hd las
Congress, and it now remdins Tor the Exc
culise and judicial Departments 10 take
care that these laws be faithfully executed.
This injunction Of me Confliip,ion is as per-
emp,ory andas binding as any o'hs r; II
stands 1exac,ls on the saIhe toundasion as
thal clause which psovidfs for the return OF
f,oi,ives iron, Justice, or bal which DECLARES
,ha, no bill Of aaainder or er post facfo law
shall be passed, or thar which provides for
an equally Of taxation, aecotdlnssT'o 'he
census, or Tie clause declaring thar all du-