Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1861-02-02
OHIO SENATE.


The following is an extract from the Columbus
correspondence of Commercial, and bears date Of
Jan. 2jth
MI Harrison, from the Judiciary Committee,
which was directed to examine the Statutes Of
Ohio, and report if any laws we're embraced in it,
contravening The Federal Constitution, reported
that only one section of a law Of that character
could be found, being the law Of April 18th,
1857, ITO prevent kidnapping"-ohd be reported
a bill for its repeal.
The obnoxious section may DO found on page
4l0, Of Swan and Critchfeld's Statutes, vol. l,
and 10 cs follows, viz:
SEC. 2. That no person or persons shall kidnap.
or torcIbly or fraudulently carry off or decoy out
OF this State, any black or mulatto person or per
sons within this State, claimed as f~ugitigea from
service or labor, or shall attempt to do 80, without
first taking such person or persons before the
court, Judge, or commissioner of the proper cir
cult, district or county, having jurisdiction accor-
ding to the laws of the United States in cases
of persons held to service or labor 10 any State es-
Gaping into this State, and then, according to the
laws of the United States, establishing by proof,
his or their property in such person."
The rules we're suspended, aud the bill was re.
ferred to the Committee Of the Whole, after q sec
ond reading.
10 the surprise Of q portion of the Republican
side of the Senate, the judiciary Committee rec
commended the passage of the A~malgamatiOn bill.
Upon q motion to engross it for a third reading,
there was division. Mr. Harrison demanded the
yeas and nays.
Mr.. Parish denounced the bill as buncontbe, and
designed by Democrats to show how far they can
push the Republicans in the backing dow pro-
cess. He assaulted it as ON imputGtion upon the
fair fame Of Ohio, and expressed hope that our
honor would not be furnished by placing such q
law upon our statute books. He knew that it was
designed to get Republicans upon the record, so
that Democrats may charge them as amalgama-
tionists, lie despised such false allegations, and
preferred TO do justly by himself and the State.
During o long and radical speech, he said some
rather bitter things about democratic tendencies to
intercourse with tho MISUNDERSTANDING the
case of Vice President Richard NJ. johnson as q
striking illustration Of their weakness Of the flesh
upon this subject. In conclusion, Mr.. Parish
took occasion to say he would vote for no compro-
HNHAObhi 4NSobObSt ~ hO ACBhl0Ou piO
posed compromises as mere cessions from the
North to the South.
Mr.. Harrison advocated the measure as a part
of his policy to keep Ohio for The white man, re-
garding Encouragement Of amalgamation as nee
essary in the premises. He deprecated as much
as any man could, that the African had been
brought into this country. 1t had been attended
bV the aa61psk pOnspouanp.a huI IL 10 uisa IN in
terrupt further evil consequences, while we can,
because amalgamation would work the destruction
Of both races. Mr.. Parish had threatened that if
there was too much backing from the principles OF
Republicanism, there would be q rupture of the
party. Mr.. Harrison defed threats of this kind.
lie would sustain the clearly defined principles oil
the party, but if there is a question between hi:
party and his country, his party might slide.
The public will be surprised to learn that there
is q serious intention to pass this bill. Some oil
the Republicans think it right. Others are afraid
of the record, since they say that the Democrats
will charge upon them the principle of amalga-
nation. As | understand the bill it implies that
the legislation is necessary to prevent it. 1t is hu-
initiating to consider such an implication. If gen.
tlemen sincerely believe such q law necessary, no
man has a right to object, but il members of the
Legislature who believe the contrary are SO COW
ardly as to fear to 60 on the record against the
measure, the Republican party, SO far as it do
ponds upon them. will very speedily go to the
devil. While l disagree with Mr.. Harrison upon
this point, l cannot withheld from him the tribute
of praise for his boldness and honesty. There is
less to be said in favor Of those who shudder at
the record. The debate will continue this after
noon.