Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-06-10
THE BOSTON SLAVE CASE.

TIE PGisoNER.-On Friday morning all the
avenues leading to the court room were guarded
with redoublcd vigilcncc, and every person who
offered to enter scrutinzed very closely-Nonc
but those belonging to the Marshals guards report
ers, few members Of the bar, friends Of Col.
Suttle, and few other privileged character, were
permitted to enter.
The Commissioner came in nj o'clock precisely
looking huggard and care worn, and evidently
pressed down by deep sense Of The heavy respOn-
sibiiity weighing upon him.
THE Decision. S.--Commissioner Loring then read
the following decision -
The issue between the parties is under the Fugi-
tive Slave Act, and the respondent urges that this
statute is unconstitutional. II then becomes my
duty to examine the clause Of the Constitution.
The arrest is ministerial act. When nm officer
arrests he must his discretion as to identity. 1t
only provides for the discretion of tho officer. II
exradtion is the only purpose Of the statute, it ap
pears that the objection that this is unconstituton-
al is unfounded.
Ifthe poweruscd by Commissioner Of the United
States is unconstitutional; then were the powers
exercised by State officers under the Act Of 1893,
unconstitutional
tits said thatthe statute is unconstitutional
it gives the record of the State Uf Virginia the full
power and force Of conclusive evidence. The first
section that Congress shall describe the effect Of
State processes, and this description has been
made. The constitutional question has been set
tied by tribunals whose decisions we are bound to
respect
The reeord,issued according to the 10th section
is strictly in accordance with the Constitution.
The Act Of 1850 has been decided as consttu-
tiOnal by the Supreme Court of Massachusetts,.
| Words Of the Chief Justice cited
1t is said the statute, if constitutional, is wicked
and cruel. The same objections were brought
az linst the act of 1893. The question whether it
is harsh and cruel says {. j. Marshal is not for
us to detcrmn. Ii ls said, being wicked, good meE
ought not to engage in enforcing it. l think the
statute is constitutional, and it remains for me to
| ltis claimed that Anthony Burns isl fugitive
! from slavery.
| Cd. That the said Anthony ows service and labor
to Charles L. Suttle in Virginia.
These two facts appear from the record, and are
consequently removed from the consideration Of
the Court. ...
The third remains. The identity of the prisoner.
The testimony of Brent is direct and positive from
his own personal knowledge.
| On the other hand, numerous witness Of unim-
peached integrity, swear positively and direct as to
his identity.
Instances Of conflict of testimony are not unusual
tho trial of Professor Webster furnished mem
orabe Instance. But in all Of conflict of tes-
J tlmony, there IS always one person whose tesmo-
ny is conclusive-that of the prisoner himself.
/ Commissioner repeated the evidence Of Burns
To him these admissions confirmed in his mind be-
yond doubt the testimony Of Brent, and estab-
! lished the identity Of Burns.
| On tie trcts and lac IN the case; consider The
claimant entitled 10 certificate from me for his re-
turn.
AS soon as the decision Of Commissioner Loring
was given the intelligence flew with tightening like
rapidity through the city. The police force on
guard around the Court House Immediately and
quietly cleared the square
/ The company Of U. S. Artillery Stationed there
with brass field place planted in full range of the
square to Court stree,, then went through the mo-
tions' Of loading and preparing for what service
might be required Of them.
Great crowds were gathered around the Court
House, and Court, Washington and States streets
which have been constantly argumenting since
morning. Their presence puts an entire stoppage
on business and almost completely blockades the
travel in these great avenues
Many law Offices and stores were hung in mourn.
ing.
At The Office Of tho Commonwealth newspaper
tho American ensign was unfurled, shrouded in
deepest mourning, with streamers extending to
buildings ih Court street.
The display of military on the common gives
the city tho ,gala-day appearance. The entire
Boston Brigade are under arms, and the several
companies have turned out unusually full. There
are nineteen companies of cavalry and the dvis.
lonary corps Of Cadets--in all about 1900 men,
The Cadets turn out with over 100 guns. The
brigade was reviewed by Major Gen. Elmunds at
10 o'clock. The Suffolk Brass band arc perform
ing for The Light Dragons, and the Boston Brass
Dang arc op duty for tho brigade
when tho decision was made known TO the
crowd outside the Court House, u portion Of them
INDUCED in loud cheers, while another portion gave
expression to their feelgs by groans for Commits
sions Loring.
An empty coffin has been raised on The Com
monwoaltI building, The alarm bells were rang
at 10 minutes before II O'clock, aud the FIRE depart
ment eallcfcat. fhs fanccrs arc formed in front