The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-06-08
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
PROCEEDINGS IN BOSTON.

Tho trial of the slave case is not yet closed
The spectacle presented is a revolving one. In
sight of Bunker Hill, the whole power of the
Slavery, man, whose offence at the most is,
that he has done just what every white man
would have done in his circumstances tried
to better his condition by exchanging Slavery
fer Freedom.
The civil officers of tho United States are
combined against him. The military and ma
val forces of the United States have taken pos
session Of the Court House, AID the trial goes
on under glittering tAyonets. Reinforccments
from New York have been sent for Tee-
graphic mandates go from tho President to en-
force tho act at ali hazards the military have
orders to fire, should an attempt be made at
rescue. Aye-sooner than suffer this unoffend-
ing man to escape, this man. accused of no
crime, to exercise the right of liberty and the
pursuit of happiness, declared by our fathers
to be inalienable The military of the United
States have authority to fire upon and destroy
all assailants, though they should slaughter
thousands upon thousands Of the best citizens
Of the Commonwealth! Ali this, we suppose
exemplifes the beautiful theory of Democracy
and Union, State Sovereignty, No Centraliza-
ton, Inalienable Rights, and all that
1t is stated in Boston, that the claimant knew
all about the locality of Burns three weeks
ago, but by the advice of certain friends, con-
cluded to await the passage of the Nebraska
Bill, before he attempted his reclamation, so
that he might test Northern sentiment after
having had that outrageous measure thrust
down its throat. We suppose this is an evil
dence of the fraternal regard Of Shareholders
for the North.
At one time, during the progress Of this
transaction, the claimant, it is stated, offered
to sell Burns for 81 200. The price was forth
with raised by some Of the rich men of Boston,
but, advices having meantime been received
from Alexandria, calling upon him to hold on,
he refused to complete the bargain, unless the
whole expenses of the proceedings besides were
paid him So the negotiation abruptly termi-
mated. We suppose he would rather see Bos-
ton in state of anarchy, the streets running
with blood, and the insolent soldiery Of the
Federal Government bearing sway, than take
81 200 for a man whom he calls his slave!
1t is out of the question to dream that such
state of things can long continue. An act
so odious that it cannot 30 executed, except at
the cost of anarchy, bloodshed, continual
concentration of power in the hands of the
Federal Executive, and at the point of the
bayonet, must be repealed, or lead to civil war.
This constant employment of the army and
navy of the United States to compel obedience
within sovereign State, to an act of Congress,
is a precedent full of danger to all the States,
but especially to the South.
BosToN, May 90, P. M.-The examination
of the fugitive slave Burns was resumed this
morning. There was considerable excitement,
but no further outbreaks. The United States
and State military continue out in large force.
A large crowd of people are about the court
house. The prisoner will certainly be re-
manded.
BosToN, May 80, P. M.-Mr. Ellis has
concluded his opening address for the defence
He said that he could bring witness to prove
that the slave was here before the time he was
alleged to have escaped.