The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-23

When we published Mr.. Fiilmore's special message
yesterday, we had no opportunity of commenting it
We heard read by the Secretary OF the Senate, and
thought that indicated strong desire and determine
ton the part of the President yndcae the majesty
of the laws We have now been afforded opportunity
OF examining the message more carefully; and the ex-
animation does not weaken belief in the socitude
of the President the law executed but increases
our doubts about the past action of the executive
,horty.
The Shadrach case is the legitimate offspring OF the
Crafts 1t perfectly nantes, in the Crafts
that the marshal exhibited disposition discharge his
duty with alacry the that could be said for him,
that he could cay for himself that he did not
positively and directly refuse to do his duty; yet it
that idea prevailed that he had legal vest
ed interest, rather right his Office individual.
which the government was not authorized to take from
him without something approximang at least the proof
which court OF justice would require The result was
that he retained notwithstanding his omissions in
the Crafts case and the natural logical effect of such
retention the of the fugitive inrusled to
him. 10 deputies acting under him We still respect
fully think he should have been dismissed and had
such been the policy of the aton the dismissal
would have operated as warning-a warning of the
most effective characer-hat the Executive had deter
mined all its authority maintain the supremacy
of the law Such a course would have carried with it
influence which all the words in the dictionary cannot
carry. IL would have been action and superior 10 all
speech
But must say that the message itself does not, in
our opinion entirely and exactly up to the mark
We but think that the and the substance of
it might have been somewhat improved The outrage in
D. IL
lava practical and successful instruction. Ii hap
pened in the broad day. and in the face of the whole
city of Bostun--a fact which casts stain that
distinguished city, and TO abide thsre until ii is wiped
out Taking this view OF the matter, it appears 10 US
rather unnecessary in the President attempt 10 defend
it against just mertsd, well deserved censure The cir
cums,ances of the forbid any plea OF justification
Not in Boston alone. bat in all Massachusetts, there
Is lava law which the President quotes in his
message-which iorbids, under pains and penalties,
any officer of Massachusetts TO aid in any manner
in executing law OF the United States made in ODE
dlence to admitted command of the federal con-
stulion. That law of Massachusetts, is practical null
cation-and notification cannot defend. Under
most circumstances might be willing 10 admit that
the city Of Boston is not only the "Cradle of American
Liberty" but tina, il is the Athens Of America Yet we
must say that while the laws of the United States are
successfully resisted by handful of negroes in the city
OF Boston, ought 10 be somewhat chary of our CON-
pliments
We have doubt OF the Presidents sincere DESIRE and
OF his determination, to vndicate the majesty OF the law
and punish its volaors We cannot but hope that his
future energy will compensate for the past We have no
doubt for example, that he will discharge The marshal
and appoIn, efficient officer to execute the laws
Nor doubt that he is opposed to the free soers
and will set his face like flint against their daring at
tempt 10 overthrow the constitution and defeat the exc
cuoR of the fugitive slave law. In these respects he
will have the support OF every patriot We trust that he
will deserve their confidence AHd for one, by an active
fufmen, of his duty this trying crisis, will approve
and support such a