New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-12-20

We had expected that before now some member
of Congress would have made some movement
toward an amendment Of the criminal laws of the
United States, which recent events have proved to
be very much needed. During the past Summer the
State of Missouri was the scene Of very extraordi-
nary Outrages, which the local authorities Of that
State seemed to lack either the power or DISPOSE
ton to prevent and have exhibited no DISPOSE
ton to punish. Citizens Of the Northern States
travelling through Missouri and conveying their
merchandise and other property with them to
the neighboring Territory of Kansas were subject
ed to the most vexatious searches and seizures,
and in many cases TO the most high-handed rob.
berries. Their trunks were broken open, their
private papers examined, and II anything was dis
covered which these selfappointed censOrS deemed
suspicious they were refused further through
the State, and in many cases had their property
taken from them. EvenDr. Smith, the Pro-Slavery
Mayor of Boston, who has acquired such an unen.
viable notoriety by putting that city under martial
lava procedure the legality Of which is still in
litigation before the Supreme Court of Massachu.
setts-to assist in the rendition Of Sims being then
on journey of pleasure through Mssesri, thought
it necessary for bis safety to conceal his place Of
residence; and for three or four months, at least
the transit through Missouri of Northern property
and persons destined for Kansas was entirely cut off,
This is clearly o case that comes within the
power of Congress to regulate commerce among
the several States. Congress has precisely as much
power t, protect the citizens Of the several States
in their commerce and intercourse with other States
and Territories of the Union, as it has to protect
them in their intercourse and commerce with for.
eign St&es. Nay, it has more power, since, in the
latter case, under the authority conferred upon it
to make all laws which shall be necessary and
proper to carry into effect its enumerated powers,
Congress has clear right to interfere directly for
the punishment of offenders BY the enactment of
penal laws.
The events to which we have alluded as occurring
in Missouri show distinctly the necessity Of such
legislation. II Is unreasonable to ask the citizens
Of the Northern States to rely any longer either on
the good sense, the good feeling, the commercial
interest or the local laws and authorities of Mis-.
souri, Acts of violence were performed last Sum-
mer in that State against the persons and property
of citizens of other States under the active nsti-
CATION and with the active participation of leading
politicians, and even merchants, of Missouri, which
were, in their essence and nature, no other than
highway robbery, though, perhaps, not technically
punishable as such. And here is another special
reason why Congress ought to lesisate on this sub
ject--the questions which might be raised as to the
technical character of these acts of violence shoud
an attempt be made to proceed against them be-
fore the State tribunals. Besides, in cases ike
this. in which local feelings are strongly excited,
it is absurd to ak the citizens Of othss States,