The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-02-21
IN SENATE.
TUESDAY, February Is, 1851.
THE FUGITIVE SLAVE RESCUE In BOSTON.


RESOLVED, That the President of the United
States be requested 10 lay before the Senate, if
not incompatible with the public interest. any
information he may possess in regard to an al
legged recent case Of forcible resistance to the
execution Of a law Of the United States in the
city Of Boston, and to communicate to the Sen
ate under the above condition what means he
has adopted to meet the occurrence, and whether
in his opinion, any additional legislation is ne
cessary to meet the exigency of the case, and to
moro vigorously execute existing laws.
Mr.. CLAY. The resolution, sir, which has
been read embraces three subjects: the first to
ascertain what 10 the actual state Of facts, so far
a. the Executive can give it to U.S. in relation to
the obstruction to the execution Of the law
which IL said to have occurred on Saturday last
In the city Of Boston. The object is to ascer-
tan from the President, If compatible with the
public interests he can disclose, what measures
he has resorted to for the purpose of support
ing the authority of the law and in yindicating
that authority. The last Of the three objects of
the resolution IL to ascertain from the President
whether there be, or whether there be not, any
defects In the existing law which ought to be
cured by other laws, in order to secure their
supremacy throughout the country.
Mr.. President until the information which is
called for il received it will be premature to en-
ter into discussion at length upon the subject
matters of the resolution; but cannot forbear
to avail myself of the opportunity Of snying that
have been shocked distressed, astounded b.
the occurrence OF which the newspapers give,
fear, too faithful an account, IN ihe third State
Of the United States--the first, perhaps, or at
least the second in point Of wealth, and inferior
to none in point ofintelligence.
What are some Of the distinctive features of
hot e. Al A.
has been impeded in its execution, that the off,
cers Of justice have been insulted and outraged
1t Ia not alone that all this has occurred in the
sanctuary Of justice, but the officers standing at
the post where justice should DC administered
have been insulted, threatened, beaten down, and
the prisoner in their custody seized and carried
away with exultation and triumph from the
midst Of population of the United States of
10000 or 100000.
But, Sir, this is not ALL BY whom was the
mob impelled onward? BY our own race No,
sir, but by negroes; by African descendants ;
by people who possess no part, as contend, in
our political system; and the question which
arises is whether we shall have law, and whether
the majesty Of the government shall be main
tanned or not; whether we shall have govern
ment of white men or black men in the cities of
this country.
Sir, ! cay have been shocked, and inexpres.
sibly distressed by the occurrence which has
taken place. had hoped when first saw the
account that il was not true; indeed, it was sug-
gested TO me that 1t was forgery; but learned
afterwards that it was true from source too
high and respectable to permit me longer to en-.
terrain doubt--from q high officer of the gov
eminent, who received the facts from his CORE
spondence with the city Of Boston, confirming
the truth Of the intelligence had heard.
Now, Mr.. President, in such case | think
every department of the government should
ACT with the most perfect promptitude My
honorable friend who sits at my left Mr..
FooTE stated yesterday that he had had an in
terview with two of the highest officers of the
government, and that they had assured him that
1t was determined to execute the law with the
utmost vigor, so far az they had power communi-
Gated to them by the laws and Constitution of
the country. Rad similar interview, and they
confirmed the statement. think the call should
be prompt, the notice Of the occurrence prompt
by Congress, prompt by the Executive, and
hope it will b. effectually and immediately pun
Ished, and that the authority Of the law will be
maintained in every part of our common re-
public. have said before that it was not my
intention to enlarge upon the subject, because,
although have had sufficient information-too
much lregret to say-to justify the remarks
have made, yet all that il necessary for our nc
ton Is not within our reach, and until we obtain
1t, 1t is not proper to continue my remarks.
Mr.. DAVIS, of Massachusetts | do not rise
with any purpose to enter into discussion upon
the merits OF this question, because | think il
Is very man fest, as it has been remarked by the
senator from Kentucky, that there is at this
time no information of reliable character which
authorizes such discussion. We have reason
to elieve that an occurrence has happened in
Boston which all good and peaceable citizens
Will condemn. But before undertake to pass
any censure, or any commentator upon the
people of that city, the people Of the State
of Massachusetts; before undertake to arrapn
or vind,cate their conduct wish, air, to nee the
facts; | wish to be made acquainted with the
transactions; and when see these facts, | trus,
shall be able to decide whose conduct to com
mend end whose to condemn. And believ
that, whenever this matter comes to be under
stood, the character of the citizens of Boston
will be found to be such ms it has been formerly
in the history Of this country. They will be
found good and peaceabe citizens, disposed at
all times to maintain the laws Of the country,
and maintain good order
know that this law is offensive offensive TO
many who are disposed to see it executed And
when say this speak a sentiment which is
very common through that portion of the coun-
try. But, nevertheless, we are law-abdng
people, and In my judgment the great mass OF
the people Of Massachusetts ar Hing that
this law, like all other laws. shall ss subjected
to the scrutiny Of the Judicial tribunals of the
country; they are willing That the courts shall
decide upon its constitutionality or uncoustitu-
tlonality and it they wish the lsg altered, M
no doubt many do, they will appea 10 the proper
forum and ask modification Of it, or its repeal
must be permitted to say, while speaking upon
this subject, that think all attempts to suppress
the expression Of public opinion, 20 suppress
freedom Of debate and freedom Of thought, ia
unwise.
Mr.. CLAY. Freedom Of debate upon what
subject Upon what SUBJECT Open, irnpudent
violations of the laws of your country9
Mr.. DAVIS, Of Massachusetts. The senator
from Kentucky does not understand me. spoke
simply of discussion upon the general merits and
character of this law
Mr.. CLAY. WELL sir, who has been oppo.-
ing any discussion upon the general merit. and
character of .hia lau