Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1857-07-18


Il NAV honestly by mauy-thas the low has no va
lidity, and is not entitled to respect oT obedSence-
Those entertaining these extreme views seem 10
suppose there is not only no wFebg'ln any auemP'
10 prevent its execution, but That such atteu'pt Is
in itself meritorious. With such views, II Is not
strange that men should be prepared for extreme
and indefensible measures to render the law mop
eratiye. 1t does not admit Of q doubt that nuliica-
ton was the DIR pose of those who opposed tho OF
fcers of The United States in the execution OF their
duties on tie occasion referred to. Great excite
mont prevailed, and crowds followed the officers in
charge Of the prisoners. Brom their excited bear
rug, there were reasons for the apprehension that
an undisSuised and forcible attempt at a rescue
would DC made. 1t does not change the real char
acter OF the views and purposes OF these persons
that they deemed it most e~xpedient to effect their
object by a resort to the forms Of law.
Much has been said by counsel on the imI %ortance
Of the questions involved in this case. The dan
Eer Of invading the sovereignty of the State OF
Ohio has been exhibited in most eloquent and fore.
rbe terms, and the Court has boon admonished OF
the fearful results of tho exercise OF jurisdr elton IN
this case. 1t is readily conceded that u federal
nudge or court should tread with cautious steps up
on the limo dividing the National aud State soyor-
eighty.
But it.shonh be- remembered that sovereignty
pertains 20 the Government Of the United States as
we'll &C to that Of the States. The General Govern
,pent, within its constitutional limits, is supreme,
and ito action is 10 to any opposing action
on the part of the States. livery right.thinking
and rieht.bearted American citizen will feel and
admit the obligation resting on him to sustain the
1ust powers of the Union, as well as Of the State
IN which he resides. A proper isalty to both is
due from and demanded Of every citizen ;and these
Obligations are neither ropugnant or inconsistent
II is upon the just recognition of each depends the
existence and perpetuity of our Government.
Now the practical question in this case is wheth
or a law Of tho United States can be evaded and
get at naught, either by direct and violent opnosit
ion. which is rebellion, or by the specious protein
ces Of law. And this question is in no degree al
fected BY the character of the law sought to be
nullifed. know we'll there is n deepseated hos
tility to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 throughout
most of the Fioe States. | am also aware that
there is among the people of Ohio an almost nan-
imous sentiment in opposition TO slavery; and that
there are few, if any of her citizens, who desire
its Introduction into the State. But these consider
s,ions do not excuse or Justify attempts to defeat
the National Laws, sanctioned by the Constitution
Of the United States, growing out OF the existence
Of that institution, in other portions OF the Union.
There NAV be very strong and well.founded ohjec-
tons to the law referred to, but while 1t is a law IL
must be respected as such. The power called
forth in its enactment is one which belongs exclu-
sively to the Government of the Union, and with
which the States have no right to interfere. IL
should be remembered, too that it is an emanation
Of the will Of the nation expressed through the
representatives Of the States and the people, &C
cording to the forms of the Constitution. Its re-
peal, by the same power that passed II, Is .he onfy
method by which it can cease to have the force oil
law.
1t is unquestionably true that every citizen has
a right to, and may enjoy and express, without
stint or hindrance, his opinions upon any Law
or measure of public policy; but it does not fol
lo~ that he may evade OF resist the execution oil
law, because he regards it as an just or inexpedient
II one man is to be tolerated in such evasion o
resistance, in regard to one law, others may do tn
same as to other laws. The result would be, the
every man, being q law with himself, and netting III
der some vague notion of a h i9her latr, would chOos
for himself what laws he would obey. This wou
produce a state of unmitigated anarchy, land efectt
ally undermine the foundations of the social fabric
1t 10 wholly beyond the limits of mans menta
power to estimate the deplcrable results OF tn
prevalence Of such q doctrine, As an unavoidable
sequence, the bands Of that union, which has beef
go potent for good TO our country, so instruments
IN its rapid advance to prosperity and greatness
would DO dissolved. In this event a future would b
presented which none could contemplate withouttf
deepest horror. l trust no such calamity is in stol
for this nation. 1t is a matter of devout Thankful
ness that the safety of the Union is not placed
the keeping of politicians, or extremists OF an
school u section of country. ln the underlyir
depths Of public opinion, whatever may be the a
stations on its surface. there is an overmasterir
power which, if the emergency shall arise, vi
como forth as a strong man armed in defense o: Il
common bond Of national brotherhood, and natio
al existence.
The Deputy Marshals are discharged.