Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-03-01


that was not exactly right this all absorbine question
The consequence that in the caucus for nonnaus
this Office party could not be united because one portion
refused to pass certain resolution expressing appreciation
fcienty united elect him. But the result of the whole
transaction shows that there has been great change ia public
opinions that there has been clear and distinct change iakn
prce and is still going on there.
With all due Difference to my friend from Vrainia then
while this is the state of hings it cannot be denied no
conuovered submit whether it be polite and wise or Jus
object the in which this law has been carries
out and is likely be carried OUT For one, never expect
ed this law be carried out without difficulties and OBJ
ecions think il well carried as we had any reason
expect it would be. have the utmost zeal and en-
ergy displayed for this object would not have been made
conscious of the strong dispositions Of the people Of the NORTH
this subject had not been among them and could no
have conceived Of such disposition had not seen it mani
tested by the people Of New York and other places in th
country. was impressed with it and rejoiced at il. dc
any reason under these circumstances while have
every thing that should be expected that should complain
Some remark has been made with regard to the pulpit
it has been said that the pulpit has been aayed against
We know that the ormery that the churches Nor
and South divided this question: and that Thu
showed the extent of the controversy and increased its difficult
ties But submit whether great change has takeI
place with regard the influence Of the pulpit also,
whether has been directed in our favor than for
merly Look at the city of New York example look
at the from the talented in that
city which delivered the last thanksgiving day
What sentiments what spirit did they breathe Love ht
Union and zeal for the execution of the law they breahet
the spirit which should actuate patriots every where in thu
pulpit and every where else They have been hailed every
where indications Of the in which public opinion
going, much that they have been distributed over
the South and have been noticed and approved there's end
as We oil know the influence which the clergy have in m
ing public opinion, strong indication that the lay VIII
be carried that better feeling exstsat the Worth
than formerly.
Mr. President stated yesterday that did not occur in
the opinions Of the Senator from Virginia in regadto the
objections he made to the in which this awsas ex
ecued and that did not think the people of the Soh gen.
orally would with him. II is useless prodce evil
dence prove that the people of the South that
the law bad been executed in good faith mghre easily
DONE not necessary however, to occupy the the OF the
Senate with it present But happen to have ny hand
letter which have lately received from disngdished
gentleman Of my State, and Of the opPite party
from my own, which speaks clearly and dSncty and
with much wisdom this subject, that wllidvert to
few passages in it. from prominent Wig, gen.
tleman very active and who has always been MEM
Der Of the Wing party, and who takes pomnet part in all
elections. He is native of the South, where has always
resided, and platter and believe there is nohn individual
in Louisiana who took active part agalst the cleo
ton Of my friend from Michigan during the as canvass for
the Presidency The first passage which rear where
he is speaking of the celebrated speech the hnorabe Sen
aor from Michigan the subject Of the Wilmt proyiso
"Mr Casss speech almost the opening the last SEES
sion placed it on the right footing"
81 carried about my poor copy of the L.tegcer contain
IT, and persuaded many to read IT. that tn paper wen
nigh worn out"
Such appreciation coming from such quster and under
such circumstances, think is entitled someconsiderapn
But let US hear what he with regard to p fugitive save
bill:
"The fugitive slave BILL was if victory constitutional
one for which every patriot on whichever side of Naso and
Dixon line he may dwell should be grateful simply because
the constitution triumphed question upon which ema-
gogues deemed themselves secure"
Evidence Of that kind might be gratifying incrEe, as
could do it. But will take up no further time bf the
wi Ia
of the Senlor from Virginia to which wish todvert
While he does not deny that this law has been te car
red out, slas suppose that the meaning Off re-
mark that yielded fut-he says that the own{s have
not recovered their slaves without trouble without dy, and
loss Of lime, and there fore the remedy inadequate seems
TO that this argument is based the facy thany legal
remedy is perfect and complete The Senator from Virginia
is member of the BAR and has had much experere and
put it 10 him how many cases. of litigation,
there where out oft without loss AID trouble,
and without DELAY The most successful itgant mes OUT
MOI ony "tnout gam, but l~ser ane iac IS mat all
human laws necessarily imperfect we never expect to
come TO exact justice cannot do 1t. All do is
to approach nearly possible None of laws
perfect they perfectly executed We have laws with
regard service, and officers carry
them OUT collectors, marshas and other ofcers-yet
know there not day the year when these laws
evaded. We have criminal laws and courts to execute
them; yet nobody will deny that criminals escape punish
men every where. So it is with all remedies We
expect perfection. All expect is that when slave
away, the necessary expenses will have 10 be incur
rcd for his recovery That is the fault of the law
arises from the nature Of the transaction itself What would
gentlemen have more What the condition of the slave
in the slave States in this respect They sometimes
away, rot to hefee States, but from slave State
ther, from part of State to another This creates
great deal Of trouble, and much expense sometimes much
that in some where they to have passion for
running away and It's known when they offered for SALE
dminishes their value by much. 1t is considered if
concealed, defect which uates the SALE IL the idea gen.
temen have of the fugitive slave law is that the slave must be
brought back valuable he BEFORE and he
had run away, it impossible that be done. 1t is
objections then, certainly nsuperable objection me-
that this law does not give perfect and exact remedy tbat
does indemnify the party entirely for all the loss he
in consequence of the fight Of his slave.
think, then, Mr.. President that Of the South have
very little 10 complain Of the necency and
cution of this law True there have been two instances
the city of Boston where the law has been carried ou
But you take the great number of which have
red within The last SIX months, more, perhaps than in any
ten years in history if you take into consideration that
these two instances the only in which there has
have escaped from State another which the Sateom
which they escaped had right demand and the failure Of
the law in other particulars think it be regarded
matter OF establishment and satisfaction that there have
been failures in these two only. think the people OF
the South should be graed that there has been failure
these two only do justify paliate the oppo-
sion which has been made this law in Massachusetts
think it to be DEEPLY regretted and glad that the Pres
dent has taken the proper course think that the
laws shall be faithfully executed hope they will be ex
ecufed hope this will be the last time that there will be
failure there any where else. But whether il be or not
consider these exceptions far from showing that the law
is not generally carried out going prove that the rule
the other way
The honorable Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Bur
l.,AA 10 nj .,I~Sa