Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1861-01-12
HOW THE GOVERNORS FEEL.

In the recent Messages of the Governors Of the
several States, opinions are expressed in relation
to Personal Liberty Bills, Concession, &c.
THE GOVERNOR OF MAINE
Recommends the repeal of any statutes which may
be found to be either unconstitutional or justly re-
garded as offensive, but quite plainly implying the
that Maine is not a transgresso. in this
respect. He also, recommends Cancellation and
fOrbearance and tokens of good will towards the
South, which no ordinations should be allow ed 10
interrupt, and also the setting of ourselves right
in whatsoever respect we may have been wrong,
as the offerings which, as good men and patriots,
we should lay upon the altar of our country.
THE GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS,
Believes the Personal Liberty Law to be strictly
Constitutional. The right Of q person to claim
an alleged fugitive would always be subordinate
to the original indefeasible right of every freeman
to his liberty. lie submits the subject TO the wis
dom of the Legislature.
THE GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA
Says that Pennsylvania being included in the
States alleged TO have refused compliance with tho
Fugitive Slave law, he unhesitatingIy svcrs that
the State has been almost invariably Influenced by
a high regard for the rights of her sister States.
After examining the present State law, be says
there is nothing to prevent the removal of the act
of 1926, leaving to the claimant a right to seek for
a remedy under the State or Federal laws. He re-
tommends that the consent of the State be given
to the master while sojourning in or passing
through Pennsylvania, to retain the services Of tho
slave. He suggests the re~-enactment of the Mis-
souri, Compromise, and that the line be extended
to California, thereby amending the Constitution.
He recommends the Legislature to instruct our
Representatives in Congress to support such an
amendment, to be submitted to the State Conven-
ton for ratification, and if Congress fails TO pro-
pose it, let it emsnate from the people. He closed
by declaring that Pennsylvania is devoted to the
Union, and will follow the stars and stripes
through every peril.
THE GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK
Recommends the repeal of the so-called Personal
Liberty law, although it is entirely imperative and
without any disposition to interfere. He respect
f fully invites all States that have laws of this char
acter, conflicting with the Federal Constitution, 10
repeal them. lie thinks it would be we'll for the
f Legislature of New York State to give solemn as
surance to the Southern States that all their rights,
under the Constitution, and the laws, are recogni-
I zed, and will on the part of the people of this State
I be respected and maintained invioiables
Of THE GOVERNOR OF OHIO
t States that the fugitive slave law provides for the
: execution of a duty imposed by the Constitution
t Unfortunately it contains clauses insulting to the
d lust pride and to the conscience Of the section oil
t the country on which it is brought to bear. II il
!. difficult to execute a law revolving to the public
opinion where it is to operate. Yet this law hal
g been executed by the Federal officers, notwithy
standing, and under an honest administration i
t mag have full effect. If the clauses offensive ant
1t derogatory to those who are required to execute
t. it be- repealed, there is no doubt the personal lib
erty laws, which obstruct its proper execution. u
IN any such there be, passed from whateVel
motive, would be repealed or essentially modified
This ought to be done. The obnoxious features o
the fugitive slave statute were inserted at the In
m stigation Of the Representatives from States no
r. interested 10 its execution, and plotting to defsa
II it; that the States for whose benefit it was passe
might be excited to join 10 schemes of breakin
N. the Union, which is now maniEestly the object G
F. those that make clsmor about the obstruction {
so the fugitive slave act to justify secession. tn
on States really ~wronged, if any, by the legislation
ID the free States, arc loyal to the Union and do MT
a urge their wrongs TO overthrow it. But those Wh
We have plotted the fatal measure create disaHeetio
fit in the loyal States by throwing themselves inl
es- the breach to defend their rights, end calling o
nd them for support.
Tho comfy shown by the patriotic Legislature