Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1853-09-08
FUGITIVE SLAVES.
tisement.

We invite the especial attention Of our
readers 10 the Clear and able decision of
Judge Mclean. in the Fugitive Slave
case, recently tried in Cincinnati. Ii
was one clearly establishing the right of
the owner to his slave. Freemans case
a, Indiana polls was just clearly a case
on the other side-that he was not the
slave of Ellington. and was discharged.
In relalio TO this last case, the State
Sentinel, whose Editor has been over te-
nacious. probably because the Fugitive
Slave law was recognized as the compro
mise scheme Of a leading Whig)new frank
ly confesses THAT the result of this case
proves. that under the Fugitive Law. the
rights Of the coored man are secure"
Freeman has his recourse upon Filing
ton, aud suits have already been insttu-
ted for false Imprisonment, laying his
damages at $40 900. He was wrongful
ly deprived of his liberty. his time and
his money, and jus. SO sure as he prose
cutes his suit. just so sure is he to realize
damages. ifeven handed justice is dealt
out 10 the parties. He ought to have it.
Such terminstio Of the affair should
be faithfully contended for by all our
law abiding people, not only to indem
Nifty freeman. but 10 operate as a caution
to all PERSONS in the pursuit of their Flu
gitives, and to deeply impress them with
the importance of the clearest aud most
satisfactory identity.
That some general law of the kind
should exist, to settle the difficulties
which are of so frequent occurrence be-
tween the Free aud Slave States, we are
at a loss TO conjecture how any one can
reasonably doubt. The Constitution OF
the United States existed but short time
scarcely six years-until a similar law
to the existing Fugitive Slave law. was
enacted by Congress. 1t existed until re-
eealed by the present law. and although
partially as dead letter. it was never
theless liable to enforcement. The heat
ed and angry discussions between north
ern and southern fanatics, rendered its
revival essentially necessary. and al
though the law now in existence is quite
objectiona ble-to US at 'east--yei thai
some one of the kind Is required. We
have no doubt; and we are gratified thar
actual cases have occurred so clearly dem
onslrating the sufficiency Of the law We
have in force. with all its Objectionable
features. We expect to see one
destitute of objections. Some are fool
ish enough to believe. CT pretend to be
levc. that they are under obligations il
obedience to the present Fugitive Slav,
law. to constitute themselves indivilu
ally siaue catchers. This is worse mar
humbugsefy. Inc provision at all verg
ing TO any requirement of the kind. new
or has nor never will be enforced in an,
instance. by authority, unless the Office
in the discharge Of his duty has reason +
expect resistance at the ha nds Of the com
munity in which he is faithfully execu
ting his trusts. Our Statute books hsv
ever recognized similar provision. If
sheriff or other officer. in the dischu re-
of his duty. meets with resistance, O
even has grounds to expect il. he is ar
thorized to summon to LIS aid sufficier
assistance to insure a faithful executio
Of the laws. This is the provision in III
Fugitive Slave law. and nothing more
be the Interpretation of those ignorant
its intent. what they may.
No negro can be uncere moniously picl