Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-03-08

clude the idea Of future legislation and voted down.
It was moved to strike out the words by their representa-
tves, and that voted down. substitute for that
luton moved 10 these words:
esotDed That whatever may be our individual views
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the resolution Of the Senate in the following words
Resolved That should certain persons residing withis
the limit, ofthis State denomnaed abOhoni.ts
in their efforts and continue agate the question Of domes
tic slavery by publicly discussing the same and by continuing
issue and send forth into every State Of the Union abolition
publications OF the character OF those heretofore and
Issued New York by the American knSlayery Society,"
Legislature of this Ste would possess the power pass
prohibory laws touching suoh discussions and publications
And when debate had thereon the Speaker put the
question whether the House would agree the third resolu
ton, and it was determined ilr the affirmative.
Upon this evidences Of what is the law Of nations rendered
imperative by the relations which exist between the diff
erent States upon this recognition Of that principle by the
uniform action of the Government Of the United States and
with precise reference the relations existing between the
States Of this Union, by the Government and Legislature of
the State Of New York. upon the acknowledged fact of the
injuries inflicted upon the slave States by the action Of these
organized societies. and that they the chief Of the
distractions which have been and which will continue to be
nteposed the execution Of the fugitive slave law, submit
to the consideration of every patriotic citizen of these States
the obvious poprey and indispensable necessity Of e1erng
their legislative powers for the purpose of repressng
these agtatons In doing this do but express the opinions
and feelings of my constituents assembled in Convention.
offered them under the influence Of sincere attachment to
the peace and harmony Of the Unon and ardent desire
its preservation. Sir feel constrained to add this appeal
shall be made in vain these distractions the execution
of this law shall contnue-f the Executive, armed with such
additional authority may feel authorized to give him,
shall be unable TO execute it according its spirit and INTENT
and give to the Of this species Of property that
lief which ihe law was intended to provde- full and
fair experiment Of its power they shall be found incompetent
to enore the execution Of this aw in this state OF things
there not found conservative feeling among the people Of
the free States that will prompt them to TO the rescue,
suppresng this agitation by their legislation then the
sequences which will follow be obvious to every
system of hostile legislation between the different States OF
this Union will be inevitable and what consequences that
may lead even if the respective legislatures shall conne
themselves within the limits Of the constitution, he IL bold
who will venture this day predict To avert these
into the dark and dreay abyss which lies
beyond them do not permit myself 10 ook-to avert the
consequences which would result from this hostile action Of
the different State Legislatures founded upon the uiessnes
the appeal the conservative feelings Of the people Of the
free States and the experienced inability of the General Gov
eminent to enfnce faithful execution Of the law, have de-
consideration Of Senator'S and through them to their cons
uents Finally, , if the resistance to this law shall still
continue, and the people Of the free States shall turn deaf
these remonsances uttered in spirit Of menace and
with feelings Of hostility but with sincere desire to cul
ivate and cherish those kindly relations which ought to exist
between States thus intimately assocaed-if these agaons
shall continue and shall result Gin the language OF the people
of Geogia) n the disruption of tie which binds her
the Union" in the destruction Of constitutional char
ter, and the union Of which is the guaanythen, sir
have to say to-day here in my place in the Senate OF the
United States the people Of Georgia will stand acquitted OF
all participation in this outrage upon the principles OF regu
lated betyhis postraon of the cherished hopes OF
the offeedom throughout the world Giving express
sion the feelings Of my constituents, say to the people
OF the free States the fate Of the Union in your hands
uterng their deliberate opinion and adopting their language
say "upon the faithful execution Of the fugitive slave law
by the proper authorities depends the preservation Of
much-loved Union"
Mr.. DICKINSON. If the Senator from Georgia sup.
poses intended say that the delays incident ordinary
litigation either proper or just in such cases, be msun
dersood me- intended to express no opinion OF that kind
On the contrary, think that should be executed in as
summary form is consistent with the asceainmcnt OF
truth the opinion that delay was necessa
in any Of contest and that under the circumstances
of the in New York il judcious and calculated
tranquize the public mind and give force and efficiency
to the law. am further Of opinion that to the broadcast
tent it is the duty of the free States and OF every State to
aid in executing this article Of the constitution, and in giving
force to this Federal law their prompt and summary
action, by local laws and by providing in like manner for the
punishment Of those who obstruct and resist its execution
Mr. RHETT. do the opinion expressed by
many Senators here that this law will be enforced that
will be practically enforced provide what many fits
friends aatcipaeda good and sufficient guaranty for the
rights Of the South. Sir, if supposed whatever opinions
had of the law itself, would say nothing think what
the gentleman from Georgia said the conclusion Of his
shows very clearly that he hardly have much faith
the act exists for the latter part Of his speech was a
picable entirely to the necessity Of State legislation
| Mr.. BERRIEN. I hope the Senator will draw no infer.
like that which he has stated from declaration which
have made have invoked State legislation as an easier
mode Of removing distinctions to the enforcement OIL hs
awas mode preferable to its enforcement BY the arm Of
power welded by the authority of the General Government
Mr.. RHETr. 1t is because am satisfied that what the
Senator from Georgia has said is true, that think ths uov
eminent has not power TO enforce this law SO as 70
make il eficacious.
/ Mr.. BERRIEN have not said that it is not in the
power Of this Government to enforce IT,
| Mr.. RHETT. know that said that myself agree
that portion of the remarks Of the honorable Senator from
Georgia assent every position he took so tar as oae eg
aion concerned believe that by the action OF the States
and the States alone the rights Of the South can be main
and enforced And when be concluded bis speech on
this subject by pressing earnestly on the Northern States
the propey and necessity of legislation, by which the con-
suon should be enforced and the rights OF the south guar
anl.d he fell entirely in the OF opinion which my
self entertain But think that all the Senator from Georga
the message the Governor OF New ork was en-
ey prior the decision of the of Prgg and The State
Of Pennsyvans. He read from the message OF Governo
Marcy If understand the principles Of that decision in the
case of Pripg in Pennsyvan Supreme Court go far
as TO say the whole duty Of fulfilling the article Of the
constitution, in relation the reclamation OF fugitive slaves
upon the United States Government and the United
States Government aone II in consequence OF that dis
as,rous Observation-Disclosures think, to the interests Of the
South, and contrary, Think TO the constitution Of the
United State-ha the Northern States took advantage Of il,
and they then passed laws Withdrawing all aid coopera
ton whatever for the protection of the South this great
point II could suppose h,t the principles laid down in
spoken here ha, though these principles correct
they ye, can snd viii be enforced although would by
means instrumental in either voting for them enforcing
,he vet voul satisfied that the superior Indictment