The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1859-03-31
From the " Y E0enin7 Post.
The Law OF God and the Law of
Nina.

The late Daniel Webster refused to
legislate against slavery IN New Mexico.
because, as he said, he did not wish t. re-
enact law of G,d. The physical fea-
tures of the country, according to hi> as,
sumption. were an eternal ordinance
against slavery, and there was no need,
in that case, OF human legislation. A.
well enact that water should not run up
hill, or that the earth should turn frOm
east to west, as to pass laws in order to
repulse slavery from such soil and climate
as the soil and climate of New Mexico.
Mr.. Webster was positive and eloquent
on this theme, and all his followers, and
a greet many who were not his followers,
echoed his earnest assurances with evil
dent comfort to themselves and to the ut
ter confusion of all abolitioniStS and Will
mot proviSo-men. 1t was suspected at
the tune that his was a mere dodge be-
hind an alledged divine authority, to es
cape the responsibility Of Just exercise
of human authority; it vas said that Mr.
Webster aud his party caught at the pre-
text 10 screen themselves III the deSertlon
Of policy 10 which they had before been
pledged but that, it appears, now was u
grave injustice, for events have proved
that the gentlemen 10 whom we aiude
were altogether right 1t is true that
slavery has gone into New Mexico; it Is
true that slavery now exists IN New Mex
leo but the law of Gud-i. e., the law Of
soil and climate-is So strong against it
I. at nothing but the most stringent hu
man law is able to keep it in existence !;
at least we infer as much from the follow
ing synopsis Of recent statute passed by
the territorial legislature;
The killing or maltreating of slave
is placed on level with the san often,
ce towards white persons. Kidnapping.
stealing or entioing a slave away. or aid
ing IN so doing, or assisting him to escape
or seorete himself, Is punishable with im
prisonment for not less than four nor
more than ten years, and fine of from
$3.50 to 81 0uU. To give slave fabFi-
Gated freedOm papers, or induce his alb
sence from his owner. subjects the party
70 Imprisonment and tron, 500 to 81 UUU
fine. To incite or advise to insurrectiun
or furnish weapons TO a slave, or traffic
with one without permission, are punish
able with from three months to three
wears Imprisonment, and with from SIS
10 SlOJ line The penalty for q,mhling
with a slave is a line not exceeding SlOJ,
or imprisonment not exceeding thre.'
months A reward is provided for ap
o ehending run ways, and the shcrlifs are
compelled 10 take ere of such when de-
ligered to them, at the risk of being amen
able 10 the owner for the value of tie
slave, and to take steps for restoring hem
TO their owners, or if no owner comes for
wald to claim them to provide for their
sale at pubic ven'ue.
Z" Ii is also provided that the owners OF
slaves shall be compelled to provide ade-
quatey for their maintenance. and shall
bo punished by impHsonment for not
Oh re than one year, OF fined not more
thaa ST., ,UJO for Inh imam treatment Of d
slive. This law also provides punish
n nj for slaves convicted Of crimes and
misdemeanorS forbids negroes or mulat-
toes giving evidence in courts against
whites; prohibits marriages between
whites and negroes. aud makes all at,
tempts to procure such alliances punish
Ablo. The atte apt to Gu unit or the com
initial Of rape on white fsalale BY a
Aesso or Eulatto Is made punishable VI; b