The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-25
~ agitation which Is likely 10 involve this cosatry in

Mr. DAvtS, of Massachusetts. Mr. President HAYS
iorborne otnter Into this discussion while there were
points evidently OF personal controversy gongQn between
gentlemen but should hardly discharge my duty TO the
constituency which represent, II should not express
some views which entertain upon this subje l an
not disposed 10 question the motives upon whch this in
curry was set on foot II will remain 10 be and his
lory Will tell whether this OF the fiji and spplo
pflaie occasions Tor the exercise pf power that believe
hasbsrn very spsdnsly exercised during the eaAsnce of
this government. The issuing OF proclamation by the
executive department OF The government which, Ia and
oil ITSELF necessarily implies that there is existing in pub
lie feeling sentiment which is dangerous or which
qores in some way 10 be controlled by the power and
authority OF the government, Is the hrst step ken TO
stronger Ii ID lnitlatory TO those measures
which The message indicates. II indicates that il is 10 be
followed, If in the judgment OF the government such
further step deemed necessary by the military power OF
the government 10 subdue an insueclonafy spirit, II
may express myself, IN that portion OF community
Now, IL may be true that this is fitting and proper
for the OF that power Ii may be true that
this fitting and suitable occasion TOR the denunciaioy
language which has been employed in debate
the legislature OF Massachusetts, the whole people OF
usetts, the citizens OF Boston, and the police OF
that city, wanting IN duty. and as criminaly negligent
in their federal obligations But before we reach that
conclusion, II REILLY seems 10 be but Just that should
understand the facts which exist, and that should in
qniIe whether not there existing has existed, any
general or widespread opposition TO the laws measures
OF the government which authorizes such step
The message itself begins by stating that the executive
department OF The government not possession OF any
official information which enables il to speak with decls
ion upon this subject. II has certain newspaper commu-
nicatons, II is IN possession OF certain teeg aphc COM
muncaons; and upon these it has founded the commu-
nicaiion which has been made to the Senate
have read with some attention the various accounts
Of this matter which have been published in the newspa
pers and desire 10 call the attention OF the Senate to
This gathering the facts from these sources cannot
be answeable OF course Tor their entire correctness; but
have no better means and perhaps not hall 80 good as
the government, 10 acquire information ! ask, then,
what Is the cause which arrests public business and pro-
vokes denunciaiion Of Massachusetts Why we are
that. hau I'D thai inf
justice and has rescued person from the custody OF the
marshal or his deputy and that - an act OF great
enormty and outrage. Well, thus much believe: that
the court house was employed as prison, and that a
mob of coored people did break open the door OF that
prison, in open daylight, and did rescue one OF their own
color there in custody Thus much is true But the
question does It follow that this Is OF those viola
ions OF the law which bears not only the impress OF
outrage upon lis face. but OF such danger TO the future
administration OF justice AS to authorize the interference
of this great government the OF power sell
dom employ ei 2or is safe leave III mailer to be
disposed of by the ordinary operation OF the judicial sys-
ten OF the country! In other words, would not the
ends OF public Justice be better subserved and the laws
better maintained, without amy attempt to overawe the
public by resort 10 military foces These are inquiries
which pertinent, think, 10 this subject They are
proper, and they are suitable.
would ask whether, il fifty gathered around
the court house in this any other place. they could not
do vioence Could not they interrupt the session OF the
court Could they not seize officer OF the court and
take bin away, if they disposed and would il i'm
ply any neglect OF the people, any absence OF suitable
preparations for such an emergency II should happen
Are to carry courts with military force
rounding the temple OF justice, 10 go 10 the
usual peaceable, quit and orderly way That Is the m
curry There acts OF violence too frequently occur
ring IN all parts OF the country. We witness them here
IN this District, which Congress unlimited
power How long is 1t since man was shl down and
taken up dead in the streets here al fire How long is
il since another individual shot down in like manner
in front OF one of the principal hotels, in among
hremen How long it since saw in the newspapers
of this city instance OF individuals firing into private
houses Are these acts OF violence tit and suitable occa
sons for proclamation OF the President the pun
shmen oil all such acts be ntrusted to the aimnIslfa-
ton OF the law!
go this far: say that whenever you go beyond this
whenever you withdraw your confidence from Inc courts
of Justice, and TO other that point by impli
cation state OF public sentiment opposed TO the exc
oil law extensive to be dangerous, IT Is an
lmputauon upon the patriotism OF the community: Now.
it is from that mpualion, far as II implied from the
which has been pursued that wish to rescue the
community IN which live
| Mr. President, what authority has the senator from
Kentucky denoance the police of the city OF Boston
have seen the card OF The mayor aud the card OF the
marshal OF the city, but unfortunately have left them
on my liable. The mayor. however states that Riley,
the deputy called al his office and said that he had got
negro, aud he thought he would call and let the mayor
know but he neither asked for suggested that he
desired expected TO need aid The city rsha states
that Riley called al his office, and said that he had got
negro, and that be notified him Of IT, so tina, II there
should be trouble he Che marsha might be about No
aid sought, desired beyond this Such is the
statement OF these two officers. Nevertheless the mar
shall made his to the oil the cty,
and ,hereuIon the mayor ordered HIN TO place suitable
force outside the court house, presumng suppose that
he had authority TO interfere inside and this order II
appears, was complied with, What was done inside
Why, band almost entirely OF colored persons-tbe
greatest number OF white persons estimated by the
papers connected with them being only half dozen-s
band OF colofed persons, then, within the walls OF
the court. house, unsrmed showing no purpose OF re
distance. What followed In the OF events, the
city ma!sha states that he sen, officer TO the court
room, who denied admission, bat the city marshal
learned from in which he conhded that the Uni
ted States deputy marshal did not desire assistance THIS
in substance he states What becomes then, of these
charges against the city government What becomes OF
this denuncla,ion OF The police may add thai when
the city government assembled they passed resolutions
oil express instruction TO the police TO lnierpose their
under the laws OF Massachusetts, whether IT tbeir
duty and was, as suppose TO dspe those doubts that
these resolutions were adopted.
now beg leave TO read from of the Boston papers
an account OF the matter After quoting New York
paper the paper which hold in my handthe Daily Bee
says;
" In the above opinion, respecting the pusiannou'
conduct OF the deputy MARSHAL almost
As yesterday evenings journal "a daily papeD truly
marks that tunctonsty appears have made prepare
uon to realh his prisoner IN OF attempt at rescue
and when rush was made into the court room by a
fence until assignee could have rendered by the
CITY police 10 preserve the peace single blow
struck, not symptom OF resistance manifested but
the deputy marshal aud bis assistants allowed this
10 be oinnlued o5ther essence, without apparently
raising a finger 10 prevent IL.
Certainly this u what the facts in the show. The
deputy marshal was unarmed and unproytded with "A
resolute iofce Nay when the psce, b.
70 quote his testimony gsss.ea behind the green door
We cannot how any man can defend a public func.
tionsy who VIII thus be quietly coops Nor /. u right TO