The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-17
The CoaIitionists and the Fugitive Slave
LAW.

|
The CoaIitionists and the Fugitive Slave
| Law.
The Democratic and Freesoil majority of the
succeeded IN overcoming opposition 10 bill
with very equlvocal title and All equally
| equlvocal object. II is entitled bill for the
further protection Of personal liberty" in the
State, and we Judge from the scanty reports Of
| the discussion upon il that it is intended under
this cover to nullify the operation of the Flu
gitive Slave law. We quote from the Boston
1rarellsr's report so much of the proceedings
of Tuesday last as relates to the measure:
1.-THE orders of the day taken up, and the
special assignment called for-the bill further to
protect personal liberty.
"Mr. Pomeroy, Of Southampton, advocated the
bill
"The yeas and nays were ordered on it's passn &c
| to third reading, on motion Of Mr. Hoar, Of Wor-
cester.
son motion of Mr.. Nichols. of Richmond, the
previous question was ordered.
"The bill was ordered to q third reading, by
vote Of l43 to 40.
"Mr Briggs, of Nantucket, moved reconsider
alton OF the vote.
"Mr. Lord, of Salem, inquired tho object of the
BILL and the committee could inform him whether
not it intended to bring the authorities of
this State into collision with the authorities of the
United States
"Mr. Noyes, Of Newbury, OF the committee
said he understood 1t was got up for the purpose of
allowing certain members to entertain the House
with sentimental eoquence
Mr.. Clark, of Northboro', said the bill wns neces
sary, and was designed for the purpose OF protect
ing personal liberty-for protecting men who are
citizens Of Massachusetts, and pay portions Of her
taxes The bill was almost precisely like a bill
passed by the Wing State of Vermont; and he
could assure those who have such fears of coming
in collision with the General Government, and arc
disposed to lick the dust, for the sake of trade, or
for President-makng, that a time would come
when their conduct would be strongly condemned,
and they would be ashamed Of their present policy.
"Mr. Noyes. of Newbury, hoped the gentleman
felt relieved after his speech in behalf of the
bill
Mr.. Lord, Of Salem, said he could not help
thinking where the gentleman from Northboro'
was when many others were engaged in circum-
scribing the limits of slavery and slave territory,
he was then going for Polk and Tcxas and more
territory. But no thought this bill a matter OF
serious consideration, and calculated to bring the
whole military force Of the State in collision with
the United States. The Supreme Court had made
many decisions to The effect that the subject Of
fugitive slaves was entirely within the jurisdiction
OF Congress. Whose duty, he would ask, was il TO
redress this evil, If it be one; the members OF the
Legislature, who have nothing to do with il. or
those who are sent to Congress because they have
back bone in them, and yet, when they get there
crouch down and fear 10 do any thing on the
subject,
a Mcssrs. Smith, of Chelsea, and Lord of Salem,
continued the discussion, asking aud answering
each other questions, the former cndenvoring to
show that there wac no design and no danger OF a
collision between the State and the United Statcs,
and the latter that there must necessarily be such
a collision if the law goes into operation.
"The yeas and nays on the reconsideration were
ordered, on motion OF Mr.. HoAR. of Worcester.
"Mr. Clark. Of Northboro', moved an adjourn
ment. Lost, by n vote of LOG toll l6.
"Mr. Harrington. OF Lunenburg. moved that
the further consideration of the subject be assigned
for tomorrow. at 10 o'clock. Negatived-75 to
l20.
"Mr. thompson, of Boston. moved the previous
question; and on THE Mr. Merrill, OF Greenland,
called for the yeaS and nays Not sustained.
"Mr. Forbush, Of Upton. moved an adjourn.
ment, which was lost
"Thc main question ordered by vote Of III
10 So
"Mr. Hopkins. Of Northampton, said he was de-
sirous Of expressing his views the subject, and
as it was late he would move adjournment. Ne
gatived-sl to 1871.
''Thc question was then taken on the motion Of
Mr. Briggs for reconsideration, and ncgatived by
vote of ID voaa a ISL nava