The Yazoo Democrat. [volume] (Yazoo City, Miss.) 1858-18??, 1859-03-05
SINGLETON ON LovEJoY.

II.
Advertiser, gives more in detail, than we
have seen elsewhere, what transpired in the
affair between Lovejoy, The limo Aboi-
ZIONIST, and Hon. Q. Il. Singleton, the able
and popular Representative from this Dis
trict. 1t il voted by all our Representatives
constituents that he served him right I
A spicy discussion sprshg tip in the House
which has created some animation among
us. The preacher Lovejoy, of ILL.,, terrible
Abolitionist, who aided to get off some Mis-
sissippi negroes not long ago, which act
brought forth letter that was tely general,
ly published, and which WAS read upon him
last session, showing up his hypocrisy-wish
ed to amend clause in the appropriation
bill pertaining to the purchase of property
in New Yok, now leased for Court purposes.
The safe keeping of prisoners was involved
in the appropriation. Mr. Lovcjoy proposed
to amend by striking out for the safe keep
ing of prisoners aud made little speech
OF which this is part;
Mr.. LovEJoY. This beihg my understand
ing | move to strike out those words
will not dwell now on the moral considera
tions pertinent to this matter. do not
believe that the Constitution confels on this
House the power Of taxing me and taxing
my constituents to feed and clothe and keep
these fugitive slaves till their trial comes on
If there is anything in the Constitution about
it, it is that they are simpl y allowed 10 be
taken and carried back. Asd, si", it is a
thing so utterly odious TO the people of the
free States, so utterly degrading, and so alb
horrent to the feelings OF humanity, North
and South, that go for adhering to the
letter of the bond. giving nothing more than
the pound of flesh. That is all we can give /;
and we give that reluctantly. If therefore,
do not misapprehend The meaning Of this
clause, trust that it will be stricken out
Mr.. SINGLETON. The gentleman talk.
abou: giving the pounI Of flesh" | would
be very happy indeed, if the gentleman
would return the negro whom he h4psI to
steal away from one of my late constituents.
Mr.. LovFJoY. thank the gentleman for
calling the attention of the committee to that
matter. never stole away any of The gen
teman's negroes-he never rightfully owned
negro. Every human being that God
made belongs to himself, against the universe
And, sir, if this committee wish to know
as my attention has been several times called
to this, and as scurflous letters have been
read here-whether help fugitive slaves, |
march right up to the confessional and tell
them that do. There il no human being,
black or white, that ever comes 10 my door
and asks for food wten hungry, or shelter
when lDuseless, but receives it; and if the
Invisible spirit of slavery expects to cross
my humble threshold and forbid me to feed
the hungry or shelter the houseless, | bid
that demon de6ance in the nams oI my
God.
AT this point there was some sparrng and
interposition of other members. But Mr..
Singleton was not satisfied, and after time
he got the floor hy offering slight amend,
ment, for the purpose of delivering personal
opinion, We herewith give it consolidated,
as there was some order" and interruption :
! oTHo II. SINGLETON or OWEN LovEJoT.
Mr.. Chairman, propose this amendment
to say word to The gentleman from Illinois,
(Mr Lovejoy.) who, in a speech just made,
acknowledged that he has participated in the
crime of stealing negro from one o: my
icoustituents.
| regard him as a disgraced man-one
unfit to associate with honest men upon this
floor; disgrace to his constituents, to the
country, and worthy of P lace in the peni>
tentiary.
|
| feel bound to say that much upon this
point. So far as the holding of slaves is
concerned, l have no doubt, il the gentle
mans lineage was traced back, it would be
found that his ancestors wele of the very men
who helped to enslave those now held in
bondage
His ancestor, we're involved in the slave
traffic, and when he undertakes to denounre
shareholders, he is heaping curses upon the
heads of his own forefathers. in conclusion.
repeat, sir, his proper place is in the peni-
Tertiary.
now withdraw my amendment, | offered
it only to afford me an opportunity of putting
upon record my opinion Of the member hom
Illinois.