Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-02-21
CORRESPONDENCE of the Spy.
WASHINGTON, Fel


him back to crime. And then again, whatever differ
ence opinion there may be in reference to Capital
punishment, it seems to may all agree that pre-
vention is better than cure 1t may be true that the
punishment Of criminal costs more than the educa-
ton of twenty children A school teacher is less ex-
pensive than Jail.
In the Senate yeste day, we had very lively debate
upon question of reconsiderng reference of refer
ence of memorial on the modification Of the Fugitive
Law. Of course the reference, which had been made
by mistake recalled but the occasion allowed Sew
ard an opportunity express his views and intentions
at some length. The presses which habitualv mis-
represent and caumnate this distinguished statesman
would do an act of justice which we could hardly ex-
peot at their hands, by allowing him speak for him
self to the masses. Let them print his remarks. Mr.
Hale was unusually felictous and eloquent acknowledge
ing the title of ''Agitator'' which his enemies had
applied and gorying in the name.
The news ofthe rescue Of the fugitive slave in Bos
ton, which adverted to by Mr.. Hale, has created a
deal feeling The Autocrat is waiting for authorize
tive details, preparatory to pouring the walls Of his
wrath the nuers and fanatics Of Massachusetts.
The terment going on at this present writing is very
considerable, and | expect interesting time in re-
porting progress.
The proceedings in the House on the River and Har-,
Dor bill, did not develope any important Incidents The
friends undertook to set out the Bill but their nten.
ton gave out' at ten minutes past ten in the evening
This is only edition of an old story, for never
saw the advocates of important public measure out
set determined and factious minority There was no
earthly reason why the Harbor Bill should not have
passed last night, but the friends of the bill, () MANY
of them, preferred to attend parties and indulge in 9th
er modes of personal enjoyment, the demen of the
great interests nrused TO their care And vet, if the
bill were lost, am sure, none would be more violent
in their outcries and denuncations of acous oppos
ton than these same deinquents. j. C.
Commentaries the Fugitive Slave Law,
AT the recent State Convention held at Portland in
Maine, to denounce the Fugitive Slave Law, numerous
letters were read Of which only those written BY c.
Adams of Mass, and Ex-senator Niles, of Connecti
cut, we copy.
OPINION OF c. F.ADAMs.
Mr. Adams says, in reply to the request of the com
mttee 70. his opinion of the law
Let me IN iurn, ask you what L can think of law
which, having many friends in the free states who show
themselves eager to sustain it. yet has not found 10 INV
knowledge, one single Of character ,png to hazard
himself aon justification Of its roaisions on their intin
SIC merits alone. and tom regard to the circumstances
@'9fse4 ~ offending. Cad. its adoption. Could brand it
Satueo through all future time, disgrace to the eps
atlon OF civilized people in The yi9e,esnS o ~
the Christian Era That which. amidst All ,ha -
pan, FerVity oil many, both inChurch and State and
no oeiehce Whatever OF a positive nature surely csn
need the labor to expose its shame. 20"
OPINION OF JUDGE NILES
have examined that most extraordinary act
carefully with reference to its constutionat and can
ind no sanction for it in the constitution.
The article in the constitution, in relation to
from iaoor, IS clearly mere compact or covenan, he
tween the states, contering power on Compress 10
egslate on the subject. The obligation il imposes i
upon me states whose duty il to provide for the re-
ciauhaton oil tugtves from labor, on claim of the nor
son to whom the labor is DUE Congress from tba f.,
mas mistaken Its duty, and exceeded its powers on MS
sGpJect as the objection here urged is equally annca
BILE TO the act Of 1893.
II belongs to Congress, provide for The reclama
ton and surrendering up of fugitives from labor. thew
t's. 10 y, "lthont interfering with the reserved rights
OF The states, and without violating those nrovison i;
the constitution, which in the most solemn form enar
anty the personal rights of the citizens Congress- can
not establish summary and extraordinary tribnals tb
proceedings unknown TO the common law. If the arti
ce Ieatg 70 ugYes from service, is to be executed
by the federal authorities then it includes mart or 80
judicial power vested in the government of the Union
ana the constitution expressly provides that the midi
cai power OF the United States shall be vested into na
supreme Court, and such inferior courts as Couores
may from time to time ordain and establish. .
This law is not only papable and dangerous viola.
non OF the constitution, bn is equally subyersiye ~ IN
the great principles Of Iibert; which free psone
should cherish The duty Of the people in respect to
~ u'conse''enal and oppressive law, always be
~ some measure a question Of exDediencv deneidno
on the circumstances of the case. When danger & i,n
lament, and redress cannot be hoped for in otbe
ways resistance by force is not only iustifable Inf a
eu'y. When the danger is not imminent and redress
may be sought IN other NODES it should be opnosed h,
reason ana arguments and appeals to the Judgment and
justice OF the country. This is called e aSs;,aoa );
which is denounced by the supporters Of This is,v
And are we ranked so low. that we cannot seek "a
dress from unconstitutional and oppressive t,ss H.
discussion and argument? In attempting 10 ston Wag;,
tatlons the supporters Of this law commta sim cr,
er outrage against liberty, by prescribing the feedo
Of speech and Of the press, The great buwarks Of ee
DOM people who will quietly submit to arbitrarv
ana oppressive laws, because they effect only humble
ana degraded class are unworthy ofreedom and should
not expect long to preserve it. Ifthey basev suffer The
INVASION Of the rights Of the weak and feeble the same
injustice will sool be applied to themselves
PIE, we can only expect to be free as long as we arc
just. w
GREAT AUCTION SALE. The attention of our
readers is called to the sale Of Watches, Cutlery &c
by Sciby Co., which commences this afternoon. We
understand that the stock was selected by good doe
expressly for the retail trade in this market and that
no Al