The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1851-04-26

even with the admission of incidental ills
and disadvantages. Some men argue rs if
the Union was only formed to catch runa-
way negroes, and that as long as this is done,
all is right-but we find in the Union as cs.
tablIshed, other purposes; and our guaranty
as to the fugitves from labor, was on!v n
condition precedent required by the South.
This guaranty we contend is obligatory on
the States separately and individually, and
IN spite of the weight of names against us,
and the charges of presumption that have
been brought, we cannot see how the con-
trary can be maintained but in principles of
the most latitudinarian construction. In the
first place, the clause in question is neither
connected with limitation on the States, or
with grant OF power to Congress the lam
guage also clearly indicates our construction
as will be seen at once. mo person held to
labor or service-in one State--under the
laws misunderstanding into another, shall.
in consequence of any law or regulation
thereof, be discharged from such service or
labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of
the party to whom such service or claim
may be due" Here is clearly an Obligation
assumed by each State on entering the Un-
ion; and no torturing or interpreting can
make out OF the above clause, a grant of
power to Congress. We shall comment
hereafter on this provision of the Constitu-
ton, in connection with the anti.slayery af.
flnities of our government; but for the Dres-
ent we forbear. Our construction of this
clause is favored again by reference to the
analogous clause providing for the rcclama-
ton OF fugitives from justice, the execution
OF which we believe has always been regard
ed matter Of international arrangement
between the States, not within the scope of
Congressional action.
Let us admit, however, this wooly-headed
test to which silver grays North, silver voiced
submissionists South, would bring govern
ment they profess to adore; admit that the
fugitive question is crucial and decisive test.
and that black vomit only is needed to cure
all the ills of tile body poiiiic-aud to what
conclusion are we brought? What has the
compromise done after all the boastings and
Civilizations which ushered it in--tbe boom.
ing OF cannon at Washington, the "Bun-
kum" gatherings at Castle Garden, the chow
der parties at Mobile, and warm shakins, Of
hands between the venerable accoucheurs
and sponsors of the bantling. Take the
naked question of reclamation, and the sin-
gle State of Massachusetts, small State
by the way--and let US see the account cur
rent.
The State Of Massachusetts in account aoitA
the Constitution. r
DR..
TO -- hundred of runaway slaves
harbored and sheltered.
10 -- hundred enticed by her ci.i.
zens, under the sanction of doctrines
promulgated by her, in defiance of the
Constitution.
To shadrach De Bree compromised into
Canada.
To William Crafts, and Ellen, his wife,
compromised to Liverpool.
CR.
by Thomas Sims, returned by stratagem,
under cover of night.
The debit side Of the account could be
extended, and the items specified with more
particularly, if we had the records at hand,
while OH the credit side we have stated ey-
erything that she has yet given us, unless
we are seriously expected to take Mr.. Fill
mores proclamations, and Mr.. Webster's
post'prandial pronunciamentoes as l"ral
tender in lieu of our negroes. We think,
however, the most Prejudiccd court in Chris
tendon would award better damages in
petty case of trover, and it is rather too soon
for US to withdraw our plea, and take, az
submisslonists advise a nominal verdict.
which leaves the costs to us, and is nothing
better than nonsuit-Colum6ia Telegraph.