The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1854-06-13
FUGITIVE SLAVE CASE IN BOSTON FRIDAYS
PROCEEDINGS

nlu Hdtucfcu III tne ntlpHUOruopu VI Nouit-
square, and there was much excitement.
During tho day the Mayor issued n procla-
nation, calling upon tho citizens TO preserve
order and police officers to perform their du-
ties faithfully.
At about 81 o'clock. the fugitive Slave
Burns, was brouget into the court room. alton
ded by hafa dozen men--the room being near
ly filled with the guard provided by the Marshal
to render aid, If necessary, in the enforcement
of tho decision, and each man provided with
pistol concealed uddcr his dress
At ninc O'Clock the Commissioner took his
scat, and order was Immediately secured. A
few moments of stiffness and anxious cxpccta
ton succeeded. The counsel on each side
soon came in, and along with them We noticed
Messrs Parker and Wendell Phillips.
The court said, tho issue is between The par.
ties under tho statute OF tho United States,
ane and tho respondent claims that it is un-
constitutional. The provision is alike applica-
BILE to bond and free. When an officer arrests
a fugitive, he must identify tho person, and il
is only ministerial act A fugitive from law
has greater chance for escape than fugi-
tive from labor. Constitutional objections
have been urged which have bcon decided by
the courts, and as they are settled arc binding
on this Court Tho statute of 1850 has been
decided as constitutioualby the judges of the
Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Tho Com
missioner then quoted tho words of the Chief
Justice on tho subject of tho rights of slave
holders under the law. He referred to the
objects of the law and tho constitution, and
said that il bchooved all person 10 regard them
in the same spirit 1t is said that the statute
is cruel and should not bo executed. Will
those who call il mcrciless commit its admin
istration to mcrciless Judge? IL any wish it
they are moro wicked than tho statute.
think the statute constitution, and it remains
for mo to apply it,
The facts set forth as TO the escape and
identity are oil which the court has to consid-
or. and the evidence of the claimant is, that
Anthony Burns was in Virginia. On tho 9th
or side. il has been offered in testimony from
many Witnesses, TO whom no impntaiion Of in
tercst can attach, who declare that tho person
claimed was in Boston previous to the time ho
is said to have been ia Virginia Thus thero
is conflicting evidence on the subject of Iden-
tity. This case however affords evidence OF
identity. Burns salnted his master by his
Christian name, and also Mr.. Brent Burns
conversation with his master was then rccitcd.
That conversation of this kind took place.
has been shown. This confirms and establish
rs the testimony of Mr.. Brent. and my mind
is satisfied as to his identity. On the law and
facts of the case, tho court considers the claim
ant entitled to certificate from him of Alright
to the fugitive.
After the Commis. .ipncrs decision. tho Court
square was cleared, and the artillery dctnch-
mcnt went through certain military evolutions
Meantime Court street, and every avcnuo load
ing TO the square, was packed with people
Many stores were closed ard several buildings
were fcstooncd with black. An intense feel
ing was cvinced throughout the city.
An American flag. drapcd in mourning was
hung across Court street, and created some
feeling. but it was soon understood that Burns
would be taken away almost Immediately, and
the people learned il, moved toward Central
wharf, from which ho was to be taken on board
the scamcr John Taylor. Tho cn'iro first
brigade now left the Common, and whilc march
ing down State street. tho various companies
were salutcd with Kisses and crios Of shame
From building OH the corner Of Washington
and State-sroots. n coffin was suspended. and
as they proceeded to their station the excite
msnt ncrcased--numbers of the people ap-
pcarng nearly wild.
AT the wharf n man named w lliam Jones
a witness was arrested by police for using
exciting langurgc, and by them taken up State
street. iIe was checred cnthusically by tho
people. while tho policemen wore greeted with
groans ond hisscs
Throughout tho city tho excitement was
probably greater than for many wears before
AS early as eleven o'clock. windows, roofs,
and every available position to view tho dcpar-
ture of the fugitive, were occupied.
Thousands of women filled the balconies,
a.d retained possession of tho windows in
Court and State-st,eets up to tho time of his
departure. Business was generally susbcnded,
and many stores closed sEte2 F
Afier IL o'clock every avenue leading to
Court and State streets was closed by the mil
itary. Much inconvenience was coused TO per-
sons who had notes to pay. and even the tee
graph messenger boys had TO susbend duty.
Mr.. Grimes tho colored pastor of the Bap-
list Church, together with the fugitive's coun
sol, took leave Of him at IL o'clock. IIo APP
pearcd to be in good spirits. There were at
least 10000 persons in Court and State-strects.
Application was made TO tho mayor to have tho
bells tolled, but ho refused to give his consent
At % o'clock, Burns swas taen from the court
house md placed in hollow square of one
hundred special Deputies of the United States
Marshal, each armed with cutlass and reyol-
yer. re.r
Tho Murnes Infantry: and a detachment of
Tho 4th Regiment of Artillery, with brass
nine FOUNDER loaded with grape, under COM
mond of Major Rdgely. u. S. A.. acted as
special escort. The United States troops
numbered one hundred and forty-ive rank ano
aie
The state troops, under Major General Ed
monds, embraced the Lancers and Light dra-
yoons, with regiment of Infantry and anoth-
Or Of the Artillery, altoe ether 1000 men.
Tho entire polivo force Of tho city was also
,ngagedand rendered efficient service. -
As the escort proceeded down Cour, and
State streets to the wharf, the several compa.
iics who had kept the avenues leading thereto
.loscd fled into column, and tho full forco
:oncontratrated on tho wharf Burns was put
IN board tho steamer John Taylor about o.
,lock. rr ffr
Tho wharvcs and vessels i'm tho vicinity
vcrc crowded with thousands of persons gath
red to witness the embarlation. 49,. I..f
Tho United States Marines and tho troops
rom Fort Independence went down the har-
,or.in the steamer. The steamer was delayed
L tho wharf by tho labor of getting the field |
,ieco which was drawn in tho procession a.
'oard. |
At3i O'Clock everything was on board, and
he word to cast off was given. At precisely |
'.2o o'clock the stcamer swung from tho wharf
md doI ,lo,.,, bo -. - Az ~o.,,...