Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-07-08
INTEREsTING DEB ATE IN TEE SENATE

On Monday the 26ih June the Senate proceeded
to consider the motion made BY Mr.. Rockwell, to re
fer to the Committee on the Judiciary the petition
presented by him from twenty-nine hundred
citizens Of Massachusetts. praying for the rePeal
4 of the fugitive-slaye law. most animated oe-
bate took place, in which Messrs RockWeii'
Jones, of Tennessee, Butler, Of South Carolina
| Sumner of Massachusetts, and Petit, OF Indian
na took part Mr.. Butler closed his remarks as fol-
| lows, addressing Mr.. Sumner:
| "I have never made a threat on this floor; but
will tell him that if these agitations go on, the con-
sequence will be that issue will be made between
the North and the South. Each section VIII become
united-mantaining the position OF units 90 not
undertake to indicate those things; but VIII say, IL
sectional agitation is to be fed by such sentiments
such displays, and such things as come from the
honorable gentleman near me, Mr. Sumner,l say
we ought not to be in common Confedcracy' ana
we should be better off without it. In such state
of things might we'll entertain feelings OF respect
for the genteman-as representing dl1ercnt con-
fcdcracy. l will not suppose hostile confederacy
but even if such should be its characer-lf 90 not
mistake the gentleman-he would exteud to me the
protection of an honorable and respected nag. MY
condition is different when l am assailed by a con-
fcderate, making war upon ME under the covering Oh
a common camp In one, and a plain word, II the
proceedings of this Senate to be made the yelIl-
Gle of denunciaton assault, the thing cannot be
tolerated. Sir, am understood to be somewhat an
excitable man, but have never here, on any occa-
qualify, and make conformable to the judgment
which my responsible position would require OF me-
l cam as / do, entertain strong feelings but they
shall find expression in violent threats. Snch,
I may well appeal to the Senate, has not been my
habit have been betrayed into remarks not in
tended
1 rose, however, simply to say that, so far as re-
CARDS myself perfectly willing that this memo
that the law should not be repealed, do not think
it is going to appease the feeling at the North
cording to the expression made by honorable gen
tlemen and if say it shall be repealed, that GER
tanly will satisfy the country Then if the OBJ
jcct be to make the issue between the North and
the South let the issue Let it come with
dignity let it be met in calmness of spirit. do
not any of these flaming speeches here, calcu-
lated to excite merely-to feed flame without see
ing where it shall extend. No, sir do not let US in
volve the country in contest to be decided in
mobs-nfuriated by the flaming speeches of servile
orators. Let the proud civilization of the country
never be committed to the chances of anarchy, but
let us separate with purpose and dignity
have said l am perfectly willing, so far as L am
concerned, to let the memorial be referred; but
wish to ask the honorable Senator from Massachu-
sets, who presented it, Mr. ROCKWELL question;
and believe, from the impression which he made
on me to-day that he will answer it. If we repeal
the fugitive slave law, will the honorable Senator tell
me that Massachusetts, will execute the provision of
the Constitution without any law of Congress?- !
Suppose should take away all laws, and devolve
upon the different States the duties that properly
belong to them, would ask that Senator whether, |
under the prevalence of public opinion there, Massa
chusetts would execute that provision of the
constitutional members of this Union? Would they |
send ugitives back to after trial by jury, any
other mode? Will this honorable Senator, [Mr. |
Sumncrl tell me that he will do it?
Mr.. Sumner. Does the honorable Senator ask me
# would personally join in sending fellow-man
INTO bondage2 'Is thy servant q dog, that he
should do this thing?"
Mr. Butler These are the prettiest speeches that
/ rht I Hc hcS fhann fIlrpa |
Town in book by him, believe, and he has them
20 elegantly fixed that l cannot reply to them
Laughter They too delicate for my use
Renewed laughterl They beautiful things;
hape But, | must be permitted to say, not of a
etinite texture. Now, what does he mean by talk
ny about his not being dog? CONTINUED laugh
erl What has shat to do with the Constitution or
he constitutional obligations of State. Laugh
er-i Well, sir, it was a beautiful sentiment, no
oubt as he thought, and perhaps he imagined he
expressed it with Demosthenian abruptness and elo-
uence. Laughter. / asked him whether he would
xecute the Constitution of the United States with
ut any fugitive slave law, and he answered me, is
e a dog
Mr. Sumner. The Senator asked me if would
clip to reduce fellow-nan to bondage? / answer
him.
Mr.. Butler Then you would not obey the Con-
tuition. Sir turning to Mr.. Sumner,] standing
ere before this tribunal where you swore to sup
ort it, you rise and tell that you regard it the
lCc vi 10 cIlOTCc IT, lou StoHu Ill my pre-
,ncc as coequal Senator, and tell me that it is
ogs office to execute the Constitution of the Unit
States? {
Mr.. Pratt Which he has sworn to support. l
Mr.. Sumner. | recognize such obligation. I
Mr.. Butler. l know you do not. But nobody
res about your recognitions as an in liydual but
Senator, and constitutional representative you
and differently related to this body. But enough 1
this" G
The debate was further continued by Mr.. Petit a
emocr0tic Senator from Indiana. Mr.. Petit said
" have lived to witness to-day what had hoped t
should not live to witness. had hoped that the
ent cod would have covered me before | should {
ar fall from the lips of Senator who had sworn f
support the Constitution of the United States an y
oval that he would not support it avowal that
disregarded all such obligations that it Ii
oss with him.
Mr. President have no objection to the reception,
the proposed reference of this petition. / have b
ways maintained the unlimited right of the people
memorable or petition Congress in any form, for S
y object that might be constitutionay acted upon
re. That we may consttutionally repeal or mod b
ing the existing, any other fugitive slave law, r
ere be ,ubt. That the law asi is is con- S
tutional there can be no doubt. That we have c
e constitutional power to make it less rigid or S
pre- rigid, or to abrogate it entirely, there be o
question. The proposed reference Of the petition d
think, the legitimate one. However ready I may a
say that would not grant the prayer of a petit "
n which is sent here, cannot be induced to throw
e least barrier in the way of the reception and c
oper reference of any petition in regard 10 any d
bect upon which may consttutionally and le- b
imateIy act. a