True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-02-24
WIN What Show of decencu can Eel

With what show of decency can gen
tlsmen, in the face of the we'll known
sentiments of the people Of this State
manifested by the uniform Legislation Of a
long series Of years. call upon us 10 extend
courtesy to the slave catcher, which
We would not extend to any Of our own
citizens; nay, that we would not extend
10 any other man IN the Union
The question then recurs, Why is this
bill to be passed? We have found thai
the measure is not prompted BY the pride
of party consistency on the part of those
who advocate it, neither is it demanded
of us by any provision of our National OF
State Constitutions. Nor are we called
upon 10 pass this bill by The courtesiet
that should regulate the intercourse be-
tween independent States. What other
reasons have gentlemen IN favor of this
measure All! sir, there is one other
reason which occurs to my mind; posi-
bly, it may be the true one. The Presi'
dent Of the United States, in the Admin
istration of The affairs OF this Government
has got down on his narrow.bOnes, yield.
ing himself and the country, so far as he
can control it, TO- unreserved vassalage to
the Southern slave power. Now the
President, being the head of the party, it
is natural for those whose attachment to
party is stronger than their love of coun.
try, to bow with him. The President is
now offering the great Democratic party
as sacrifice on the altar Of slavery, in
order to conciliate the anger of this
Southern Moloch; and the Democracy
of Ohio, by this and kindred acts already
passed. and to be passed. intimate to the
priesthood of that divinity their readiness
for the sacrifice.
But how, sir, are the slave catchers to
get the benefit of this enactment How
is it proposed to secure the services ol
our Sheriffs in this behalf? | am inclin-
ed TO think that gentlemen have not con-
sidered all the difficulties in the way Of
securing'to The parties to be benefited by
this measure, its advantages. When our
Congress enacted the fugitive slave law,
they saw most clearly the necessi.
ty of making special provision for this
purpose. Hence that law provides that a
commissioner shall receive one hundred
per cent. more for consignibg the alleged
fugitive to slavery than for discharging
him and restoring him to liberty. Surely
some liberal provision of this kind should
be incorporated in this bill, if it is expected
to secure the services of Ohio Sheriffs in
work so repugnant to the feelings Of
humanity, for which the people of Ohio
are distinguished. Ofone thing l am
certain-it will require large fee--it
will require more money than all the
slave driving southern pirates can com,
mand, to induce the sherifs of the coun-
ties | have the honor to represent to act
as watch dogs for any slave catcher for
one single moment.
But, sir, suppose this bill is destined
to become law, so far as its formal pas
sage by this Legislature can make it such.
But, sir, there are certain elements enter
ing into and essential to law, in the true
sense of that term. that the mere enact
ment of a thousand Legislatures can
never impart to this bill. |, lacks the
elements of morality and Justice, which
are the soul and spirit of all law.
The law sought 10 be repealed by this
bill is perfectly in accordance with the
principles of the constitution, with the
decision ofthe Supreme Court, and, what
is better still, in harmony with the public
sentiment of the State, and the principles
of eternal justice. Why then repeal it !
have said, sir, that the bill is destined
TO find its way into our statue book. The
mandate has gone forth, and the work
must be done. The slave drivers have
issued their orders, and it is said to be an
injunction Of holy torit, that slaves should
obey their masters. As the great mission
of this modern Democracy is to legislate
for slavery, and the power here is in the
hands Of modern Democrats, this bill will
of course be passed; bat as surely as God
and the people rule, the repealed law will
be restored within two gears from this
date. Mark the prediction.