Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1856-11-08
VERMONT LrcIsLATUnE.

NcnilOn.
The bill prohibiting the use of our iails aud
prton to the officers Of tho United States for the
detention Of Fugitive Slaves, was taken up
The question was on the amendment proposed
by Mr.. Hotchkiss, 10 strike out the proVieo'
THAT nothing in this act shall be construed to
prevent the use of our jails and prisons Tor Fu-
pityes, as a place Of security for them from any .
claimant or claimants"
Mr.. Gregory obtained the floor, and spoke
at length in favor Of the bill entire. lie was
opposed to the proposed amendment, and went
into a close and labored argument TO reiute the
argument of Mr., Pierpoint agains, the bill, sus-
tanning his position by showing that the Fug-
tive Slave Law, and all the legislation of Con
press of the United States upon the subject Of
slavery, was unconstitutional. Sooner than
believe il otherwise, he would adopt the sen,i-
rnen,s Of Garrison and consider the Constitution
covenant with death and an agreement with
He'll"
Mr. Hunion opposed the amendment. With
out the proviso the bill would be very con
yenient Jail delivery. For any one would only
hove TO get some one to assert that he was a
fugitive slave, and the jailer would immediate.
ly be obliged to let him go. lie thought both
friends and iues of the bill should oppose the
amendment. Without the amendment, the
Tailor or Superiu'l Of the State Prison would
he subject to two penalties instead of one, that
of 10 United States laws and that provided IN
this bill. Ii in accordance with previous Gu
ac,ment of the General Assembly Of Vermont.
to give the fugitive slave right OF trial by jury
he should be confined in any Jail or prison, the
Lii H., uf
act. He thought that If the bill were passed
at ALL therefore, it ought to contain the proyiso.
Mr. johnson said it was with the exircme re-
luctauce that he said anything upon this bill,
but he believed it necessary in order to explain
abe vote he should give. The argument Of Mr.
Pierpoint the other day, was admirable, and
would be convincing, if the premises were
correct The signature Of Gen George Wash
ngton to the fugitive act Of 1893, was wrung
from him by arguments Of distinguished men,
who told him if the Constitution did not war
rant it, it was at least expedient, and on the
argument of expediency, he signed the BILL
That law even, was far exceeded in strngency
by the Fugitive Slave Law Of 1850
Mr. Willard was opposed to the bill, and
especially if the amendment did not prevail
constitutional, and as to the res; Of the bill, it
was enough to say that it was unnecessary. II
The United States used our ails and prisons
they did it through the courtesy Of the State.
lie thought the State could grant that right, or
refuse it, as the Legislature pleased. But when
we enacted law making our jails and prisons
castles of defence, against the General Govern
men,, it looked too much like notification, and
he protested against any such law as that ap-
pearng on our statnte book.
Mr.. Marsh moved TO amend the proposed
amendment, by inserting in the place Of that
part proposed 10 be stricken out, the following
"Prorided, That nothing in this act shall be
construed to prevent the detention Of any per-
son 40 claimed, in any jail or prison, until such
person so claimed shall have all the benefits OF
chapter lOl of compiled statutes, entitled
"Rights of persons claimed as fugitive slaves, -
secured 10 any person" lie believed that this
amendment would remove the objections raised
by many Senators 10 the original proyiso.
The amendment TO the amendment was ac-
opted.
Mr. Hunton objected 10 the adoption of this
amendment, as it entirely nullifed the Bill
Mr. Reynolds opposed the proposed amend
sneul, but supported the bill. lie admitted that
the law might DO inexpedient, but he claimed
that the legislative assembly had right to
pass this law.
Mr. Marsh said he preferred the bill with the
original provise He only proposed this amend
ment TO accommodate some, who would other
wise oppose the bill.
Mr.. Flint called for the yeas and nays on
the amendment On the question being taken
the vote resulted as follows
Ayes-Messrs. Burton. Reyes, Pierpoiut.
Thompson, Underwood, Wires, Wilson, Wright
5.
Nays-The remaining Senaiors-22.
Mr., Hunlon called for the yeas and NAYS ~
ahe question for the third reading, which re
suited as follows;
Yeds-Alessrs. Cole, Converse, Flint, Greg
DRY, Hotchkiss, Hunton, johnson, Marsh, Rey
nolds, Walker-l0.
Rdys-Messrs. Burton, Benton Blake, Bar
Der, Cahoon, Dwight, Davis, Field, Jones
Reyes, Perpoint, Phelps, Royce, Thompson
Underwood, Warner, Wires, Wilson, Willard
Wright-2O.
Bill relating to divorce, was again taken U
and opposed by Messrs. Underwood, Pierpoir
aud Royce. On motion Of Mr.. Jones' the bill
was indefinitely postponed.
In the House bills were introduced, by Nj
Starr to il corporate the Jacksonville Cemeier
Association by Mr.. Crosby of Wilmingto
selating to public commons.
Reporis.-Of the Judiciary Committee, in f
Sor of bill providing compensation for return
ing votes for Council OF Censors and delega,
10 the constitutional Convention-and the bi
was ordered to a third reading.
On tho Select Committee, on so much Il
Governors Message relating to affairs in Ka
sas and Slavery, with an accompanying bill Il
the relief of citizens Of Vermont, and the sulle
ing poor in Kansas
On motion of Mr. Merrill, the bill and repo
was ordered to lie on the table, and 1000 copi
of the same be printed.
Mr. kiitredge called up the bill prevenlir
rights to highways by reason of occupancy al