American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1858-03-25
Slave Immigrntlon.

We do not think there is much 10 be ap-
pretended in the alleged proposition now
under discussion at the South, to introduce
slaves into this country under color of vol
untary immigi alton. Appeals TO the hu.
maniiy and moral sense of the community
in opposition To scheme so manifestly i'm
polite and illegal, are not needed to insure
its condemnation and prompt Illustration.
Legally speaking. the plan. as detailed in
New Orleans Delta, is contrary to the in.
tenlion and letter Of the statute OF Cong ess.
forbidding the holding or disposing Of per-
sons of color imported or brought into the
United States, to be held TO service or labor.
The prohibitory language THE act for the
suppression of the slave trade is explicit.
and its meaning and efficacy unmistakable.
'It shall not be lawful 10 import or bring
in the United States, or its territories. any
negro, mulatlo, or pers)n Of color. with in-
tent TO hold or dispose Of such negro. or
person Of color, as a slave, or to be held to
service or labor"
There is no possibility ofevsding the in.
tent Of this stringent and comprehensive
enactment, by any such perversiOn and So
phistry as is brought forward 10 defend
this detestes,.. scheme. Presumiug. on the
ground ofthe late Dred Scott and Kansas
decisions, that any view decidedly an
nounced and plausbly defended by the sla-
very propagandists, will 6nd encourage
ment and legal sanction in :he Supreme
Court Of the couLtry, there may be some,
Of extreme and violent views on this ques-
tion, who may dream in the heat of their
zeal for their favorite system, that even this
immigration proposition may by some pos
sibility Of persuasion. and cunningly de
vised appliance, be validated and legalized
4 by that precsrioas body. But we cannot
regard such an event as possible. The
common sense definition Of the law is toe
evident 10 admit Of evasion or misconstruc'
tioe. We do not even believe that the bill
said to have been already introduced into
the Mississippi Legislature, to authorize
this monstrous traffic, will find, even un
der the present reactonary state Of excite
ment against the anlislavery sentiment o
the country, enough supporters to give
il even encouraging entertainment. Tha
it should ever be enacted into law, is ut
terly incredible.
One or two considerations suggested BY
the language Of the law, are palpable, as i
seems TO us, and conclusive. The prohibi
lion is in the most cltar and positive terms
No person Of color intend to be held, sol(
or in any other way disposed Of. with re
ference TO his service or labor. can be, un
der any possible Subterfuge or rretense
brought into the country. No contrac
will be of any Avail, for it will be withou
the sanction OF law. Every person so com
ing into the country, or coming in on an,
other preliminary terms. or any supposabl
; ag cement, frcm the moment he sets ioo
on the soil Of our country. throughout tn
whole circuit Of its coast, is FREE; and for
ever free. He cannot be ''beld 10 servic
: or labor" an hour. No contract OF servic
that formed a basis Of his immigration ca
bind him moment. Any contract bear
ing an intention to hold the immigratin
; or imported party to labor or service. 70
any period. would be in violation Of tn
statute. Every man thus imported woul
be to all iutents and purposes free. an
: could plead tho Illegally Of the contrac
. he had under coercion, entered into.
is not a question OF voluntary or involuata
= ry immigration; no matter BY what pur
suasion or means he got into the country
he cannot. on that account, be held to SET
!. vice or labor. This seems the commo
= sense view Of the subject, and we mus
think il will be found to be the legal one
: AT present. however, we are glad to fee
warranted to add, The scheme is altogethe
prospective and speculative.-Cin Tmss.