The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-09-27
EDITORIAL NOTES.


LE,rUKEs UPON SLAvERY.-We observe in
the Boston Telegraph a very courteous cores
pondence between a number Of AboIitionists of
that city and the Hon. A. p. Butler, Senator
from South Carolina. The Abolitionists invite
Mr.. Butler to visit Boston, in January next to
deliver a lecture on Slavery. He responds,
through bis nephew, that his health is feeble:
but that he will let them know. when he reaches
Washington, whether he comply with their
request. In the mean time he asks the peril
nent question, whether any good is expected to
result from a lecture by him before the Boston
public. The Abolitionists respond that they do
expect good results from the interchange Of
opinion. AT their request, Mr.. Butler indicates
what will be the subject of his lecture should he
deliver one. He proposes to show that the
North has been mainly responsible for the in
PRODUCTION Of Slavery in the Sousl, by actively
carrying on the slave trade that the North has
been greatly benefited by Southern Slavery
and that Slavery has been a blessing to the ne
gro. We incline to the opinion that Mr.. Sum-
ner will not be called upon to lecture on Sla-
very in Charleston, the present winter, but in
dulge the hope that such things may yet come
TO pass.
The Case OF PASSWORDS WILLIANsoN.-The
reader will find in the Era of this week the
dissenting opinion of Judge Knox, from the
decision of his associates, on the habeas corpus
application of Passmore Williamson. 1t con-
trasts as favorably with the decision of the ma
jorify, in the dignity and decorum of its style.
as in the logic and learning with which it vim
dicates the rights of the citizen against the en-
croachments of Federal tyranny Its length
should deter no one from a careful perusal.
The reader will also find an able article from
the Philadelphia Gazette, Conservative Wing
paper, which, though not friendly to Slavery, is
unfriendy to any earnest opposition to the sys-
tenn. 1t will be seen that the editor disap-
proves the course of Williamson, as matter
of propriety but defends the legality of his
conduct.
The father of Mr.. Williamson has addressed
letter to the editor of the Gazette, in vindca-
ton of the course pursued by his son, showing
that the urgency of the case admitted of no de-
lay, as Wheeler was about to escape beyond
the limits of the State with his property"
lie further shows from all the circumstances
OF the case, that Passmore Williamson could
not have been cognizant of the whereabouts of
Jane johnson, and never had possession of her
and her children, as he alleged in his answer to
the writ.
1t is pretty story, truly, that kidnappers
must not be too rudely told to loose their prey,
lest they should be insulted. Jane johnson
and her children were, by the laws of Pennsyl-
vania, as free as Wheeler or Williamson. What
would be said if Wheeler had attempted to car
~ off an Irish woman and her children? Would
1t be a misdemeanor to inform her that she
was under no obligation to proceed with him d?
Yet, if Pennsylvania is competent to legislate
for herself, and, without such legislation, if the
common law and the general principles of law
have any vitality, then Jane Johnson was as
free as any woman in Philadelphia. The cen.
sure of the Gazette, upon the course pursued by
Williamson, illustrates the lamentable influence
of Slavery in bunting the moral perceptions
and lettering the reason.
The length of the article furnished by the
weeks issue many subjects of interest, together
with our usual amount of editorial comments.
C..
MADAME PARoDI.-1t is with pleasure we an.
nounce the gratifying intelligence that our citi
zens are to be favored some time during the
present week by at least one evening entertain.
ment from this very superior and world renown
ed vocalist.
1t is hardly necessary to say that Madame Pa.
rodi will be greeted by a very large and fash
ionable audience, not only on account of hel
superior excellences as a singer, but as it will
also be the first grand assemblage of the sea
son.
PANORAMA OF THE ARCTIC REGIoYs.-The
exhibition of this Panorama commenced at
Odd Fellows Hall in this city on Monday even.
ing last. We have not yet had an opportunity
of witnessing it, but are informed that it is a
work OF merit, and has been extensively patron
lied wherever exhibited.
The vo1lour favor oo,..: