The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-12-04
THE NATIONAL ERA WASHINGTON D. c, DECEMBER A. 1851

III.
1850, contained provision for the extension Of the
Capitol according TO such plan as might be approved
by the President, and Appropriated one hundred
thousand dollars 10 be expended under his direction
by such architect as he should appoint TO execute
the same. On examining the various plans which
had been submitted by different architects in pursu-
ance of an advertisement by committee Of the Sen
ate, no one was found TO be entirely satisfactorily
and IL was therefore deemed advisable TO combine
| and adopt the advantages of several
The great object to be accomplished was 10 make
| such an addition as would afford ample and conye-
nient halls for the deliberations of the two Houses
Ut Congress, with sufficient accommodations for
spectators, and suitable apartments for the commit
tees and officers Of the two branches OF The legsal
ture. IL also desirable not TO the harmony
and beauty of the present structure which, as aspe
clmen OF architecture, Ii so universally admired.
Keeping these objects In view concluded to make
the addition by wings, detached from the present
building, yet connected with IL by corridors. This
mode Of enlargement will leave the present Capitol
uninured and afford great advantages for ventilation
and the admission of light, and will enable the work
To progress without in,errupiing the deliberations of
Congress. To carry this plan into effect have APP
pointed an experienced and competent architect
The cornerstone was laid the 4th day OF July
last, with suitable ceremonies, since which time the
work has advanced with commcndable rapidly, and
the foundations of both wings are now nearly com
plete.
again commend to your favorable regard the in
terests of the District Of Columbia, and deem 1t only
necessary to remind YOU that although its nhabi-
tants have voice in the choice OF repre- senaiives
in Congress, they are not the less entitled to Just
and liberal consideration in your legislation. My
opinions on this subject more fully expressed
in my last annual communication.
Other subjects were brought TO the attention of
Congress in my last annual message, TO which
would respectfully refer. But there was one of more
than ordinary interest TO which again invite your
| special attention. | alude 10 the recommendation
for the appointment of commission 90 settle private
! claims against the United States. Justice TO ndi
| viduas as well n 10 the Government imperatlyely
demands that some more convenient and expedi-
tous mode than an appeal to Congress should be
adopted.
is deeply to be regretted that In several instances
officers of the Government, in attempting 10 execute
the law for the return Of ugilives from labor have
been openly resisted and their efforts frustrated and
defeated by awless and violent mobs; that in one
case such resistance resulted in the death OF est
Unable citizen and in others serious injury ensued To
those officers and 10 individuals who were using
their endeavors 10 sustain the laws. Prosecutions
have been Instituted against the alleged offenders So
lar they could be Identified and still pending
have regarded il as my duty In these cases To give
all aid legally in my power TO the enforcement Of the
laws, and shall continue To do So wherever and
whenever their execution may be resisted.
The oct OF Congress for the return Of fugitves
from labor is one required and demanded by the eX-
/ press words of the Constitution.
THE Constitution declarca, "Thal no person held
oere e,-sF u,s enS ssif .s. i wv eda aS:
I daeoee Of an' ias q fl@laef.sS a.. ~, ~
hyeted ap Oh calth OK ne parry uoNVhom surh sei-
vice or labor may be due" This constitutional
provision IL equally obligatory upon the Legislative
the Executive, and Judicial Departments OF the
Government and upon every citizen of the United
States.
Congress, however, must from necessity first act
upon the subject by prescribing the proceedings ne
cessary 10 ascertain that the person is "a fugitive
and the means TO be used for his restoration to the
claimant. This done by an act passed during
the first term of President Washington, which was
amended by that enacted by the last Congress and il
now remains for the Executive and Judicial De-
parimens to take that these laws be faithfully
executed. This Injunction OF the Constitution is IA
pcremp DRY and as binding any other; IL stands
exactly on the same foundation that clause which
provides for the return OF iugitives from justice
| that which declares that no bill of altander er
post actO law shall be passed. or that which provides
for an equality of taxation, according 10 the census
or the clause declaring that all duties shall be- uni
form throughout the United States, the important
provision that the trial of all crimes shall be- by Jury
These several articles and clauses of the Constu-
lion, all resting on the same authority, must stand
or fall together Some objections have been HTg.d
against the details Of the act for the return of fugi-
tives from labor but il il worthy of remark that the
main opposition Is aimed against the Constitution it,
sell, and proceeds from persons and cnsses OF per
sons many Of whom declare their wish Ia that
Constitution overturned. They avow their hostility
to any law which shall give full and practical effect
TO this requirement Of the Constitution. Fortunate
", the number Of these persons is comparatively
small and is believed 20 be daily diminishing, but the
issue which they present is one which Involves the
supremacy and even the existence of the Constitu.
ton.
Cases have heretofore arisen In which individuals
have denied the binding authority OF acts of Con
gress and even States have proposed TO nuify suci
acts, upon the ground that the Constit ution III
supreme law Of the land and that those acts of Con
gross were repugnan to that Instrument but NUN
calion is aimed, not much against pariicula
laws being inconsistent with the Constitution, "A
against the Constitution itself and II il not 10 b
n disguised that a spirit exists and has been actyel
at work to rend asunder this Union, which IL ou
t cherished Inheritance from our revolutionary ia
0 | theirs.
In my last annual message stated that consd
5 cred the series Of measures which Ind been ndopte
at the previous session, In reee 10 the agiiaiio
| growing out OF the Territorial and slavery question
. as final settlement in principle and substance q
the dangerous and exciting subjects which they EN-
braced; and recommended adherence TO the Adjust
ment established by those measures, until time an,
experience should demonstrate the necessity of fur
Their legislation TO guard against evasion or abuse
| was not induced 10 make this recommendation be-
| cause thought those measures perfect for no hui
| man legislation can be perfect Wide differences
and airing opinions only be recOnciled by yield
ing something on all sides, and this result had been
reached after angry conflict of many months, In
| which one part OF the country was arrnyed against
| another, and violent CONFUSION seemed 10 be imm-
| nent.
| Looking at the interests of the whole country, !
| felt il To be my duty TO seize upon this Compromise
as the best that could be obtained amid conflicting
interests, and TO Insist upon II final settlement,
to be adhered to by MI who value The pence and wei
| fare of the country. y, ar has now elapsed since
| that recommendation was made. To that recon-
mcndaton | still adhere, and congratulate you and
the country upon the general acquiescence In these
| measures Of peace, which has been exhibited In all
parts of the Republic. And not only IL there this
general ncquiescence In these measures but the
spirit OF conciliaion which has been manifested
| in regard 10 hen In all parts Of the country,
has removed doubts and uncertainties In the minds
of thousands of good men concerning the durability
of our popular institutions and given renewed assur
ancc that our Liberty and our Union may subsst
together for the benefit of this and sl succeeding
| generations.
WILLARD FILLMORE.
WAsHINoToS, December 2, 1851.