The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-11-17

LIBERATION OF THE EIGHT SLAvEs-Pursuan mt
to announcement, Judge Paine on Saturday morn
ing delivered his decision respecting the eight
slaves whose freedom was demanded on a writ of
habeas corpus, which alleged that they we're ille
gally held under the laws of this State. The par
ticulars Of this have been fully published in
the Democrat of the Stb instant. All the avenues
to the court room were filled at an early hour with
colored people, anxious to hear the judges deci.
sion. The excitement among them appeared to
DO very great, and as the announcement was
made. received it with tumutuous applause, while
Mr. Lennon and wife, whose whole property con.
sisted In these slaves. seemed to be very much de-
pressed at thus being summarily deprived of their
all, b re among strangers, while on their way to
their future home. -.- ... ~. - '
At II O'Clock Judge Paine took hs seat ON the
bench and gave his opinion that, under the act Of
l84l, the moment these slaves touched the sciI of
New York they were free. The opinion an
able one, and he cited numerous authorities to
sostain his decision; and in conclusion said
"Not thinking myself called upon to treat this
as casuist on Legislation, have endeavored
simply to discharge my duty as judge in inter-
preting and applying the laws as | find them.
bid not the law seem 80 clear to me. i might feel
greater regret that have been obliged to dispose
so hastily Of a case involving such important con.
sequences. My Judgment Is, that the eight col.
Upon the rendition Of this opinion, Mr.. Lepaueh,
counsel for the claimant, asked Of the counsel
on the other sido il they wiahcd to act fairly in
this matter that the negroes might be kept in some
that the validity of Judge Pane's decision might
be reviewed by another court, which could only
be done by certiorari before the Supreme Court.
/ In reply, Messrs. Culver and Jay, volunteer
abolition counsel refused to enter into any stipu
ation, and said, If they had any power, they
should decline to exercise ii. .~1r ,. 1.E-s
Mr. Lepaugh then asked that the claimant
might have the privilege of half an hours CONVEX.
cation with those persons, away from the influence
that now surrounds them, to inquire If they would
not be willing to leave this State with their mas.
ters. This, too, was refused them. MIR. Culver.
not satisfied with having deprived Mr.. Lennon of
all his property, demanded that they should pay
him his counsel ices. q e'@~s. .a1s - aGgr'
To this the court replied: think this case of
great hardship to the owners and OF great good
fortune to the other persons. If costs are in the
discretion of the court, ! should withhold them
In my opinion the claimants were guilty of no
fault in holding thcse slaves in Virginia Idecide
the cause according to the laws of this State, and
not as to the Iaws Of Virginia.
The courtroom was then cleared, and the ne
groes were taken out by the officers, and carried
off in carriages which had been provided, amid
the hootngs and applause of as motley an assem-
bly, OF negroes and abolitonists as ever disgraced
the Park with their presence.
....s. . National Democrat, 18th.