Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-04-23
FINALE OF THE BOSTON AFFAIR.

View only able last week to announce
the successful termination of the Fugitive
Slave case in Boston, both time and space for
bidding detail or comment. The result has
been truly gratifying to the friends OF the
Union in both of its sections, and inspires
fresh and more solid hopes Of its stability.
The execution of the law at point where
it has met with the most determined oppo-
siion; the surrender and departure of a
slave in the very presence Of the lawless
ruftians, who on former occasion and un-
der like circumstances, succeeded in res
cue, may be regarded as triumph of no
ordinary character-a triumph, not only OF
the law, but of the Administration which
has vigorously enforced it, The solemn
determination of the Executive, to WELD the
whole power of the government in the exc
cution of the law, has inundated the splr-
itless miscreants who have dared to lift their
hands against its majesty.
We are not of those, however, who are
prepared to laud Boston to the skies on ac-
count of this happy issue. Something more
than non-resistance in this single instance
must be established before we can sing pc
ans to the patriotism of her people. A firm
and decided maintenance of the law in flu
ture can alone restore the Modern Athens"
to her former estate. As the failure in the
case of SHADRAcH was not esteemed final
test of the Fugitive act, so its success IN
the present instance will not be considered
a certain proof Of Boston patriotism. Future
fruits must attest the sincerity ofrepentance,
before past offences are forgotten and lost
honors are retrieved.
The tranquility occasioned by the issue
of this case, had prepared us for the relish
of many funny incidents connected with its
denouemeni. The conduct of the Abolition
lists upon the departure Of the slave, excites
no other emotion than that of merriment,
unless it be touch of compassion for the
poor deluded victims of fanaticism.
On the morning of the 18th inst, the re-
claimed fugitive being snugly ensconced a
board the brig Acorn, sailed from Boston
for Savannah.
Just rs The vessel was about TO leave the wharf
some of the crowd sang several Hymns, such as
From Greenland's icy mountains" ooh! there
will be mourning" "At the judgement seat of
Christi "Be thou, oh God, exalted HIGH" sc.
One man just as Sims was going below, called
out to him To preach liberty to the slave and,
the brig was departing, the Rev. Mr.. Foster, or
thodox minister Of Concord, made the following
prayer:
Almighty God Thou seest this poor man, one
of Thy children, born away by oppressors. Thou
art the friend Of all who suffer wrong and we have
now no hope but in Thee that hupe is still unsha-
ken, Thy promises endure forever; and now we
beseech Thee to show Thy power and lave in Slps-
sing this dear brother who is carried by force TO the
land of whips and chains. Oh God, make him
missionary Of rover TO awaken love ofjnsiice and
liberty that shall end in the speedy overthrow o
the accursed system which now causes millions Of
bleeding hearts In mercy, Heavenly Father, do
Thou destroy the wicked power which rules us;
give ns righteous meh 10 administer just laws, tor
give the wckedness of our rulers, and lead them to
true and lasting repentance pity the wreched man
who now cues in letters over the waves; pity and
bless his brethren in chains; hasten the day when
all men shall be free and thine shall DO the glory.
Amen"
In addition to this resolution was passed
by the Abolition Vigilance Committee, re-
questing the people of the various towns in
Massachusetts to toll the bells as the intel
ligencc of the departure reached them. This
demonstration was intended we presume, as
''tribute of respect to departed worth. -
We may hope, however, that it was like
wise the death-knell Of Abolition resistance
to law and order. During the night, ABBY
Folsom, that jewel of woman, was found
lying in the street, like RACHAEL weeping
for her children, and refusing to be comfort
ed, was taken to the watch-house. Whcth-
er ABBY'S prostration was the effect of hys-
terra or whiskey is not stated.
Thus has ended another trial of the Flu
gitive Slave Law. May every succeeding
test of its efficacy be followed by a similar
result, until Southern alarmists are satisfied
and Northern fanatics are taught the futility
of further resistance.