Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-03-08


got through with their labors, and 50 have
| the House in considering.
After toiling till near the end Of the Ses-
sion, the Committee by a majority reported
a series Of resolutions, dozen or so, which
having no legislative force, containing mere
ly expressions Of opinion and two or three
requests to the several States, were adopted
on the 9th by large majority, the vote be-
ing ayes 1876, noes SO. Those resolutions
were as follows
Resovcd That in the opinion Of this committee.
the existing discontents among the Southern peo-
pie, and the growing hostility among thom to the
| federal government, greatly 70 be regretted
and that, whether such dscontents and hostility
are without just cause not, any reasonable,
proper and constitutional remedies and additional
ana more specific and efectual guarantees Of their
peculiar rights and interests, as recognized by the
constitution, necessary TO preserve the peace Of
the country and the perpetuity Of the Union,
should be promptly and cheerfully granted.
Rsso'tcd, By the Senate and House Of Repre-
sentatiyos Of the United StAtss If rnerica in Con
gress assembled, That all attempts the parts Of
the legislatures Of any of the States to obstruct
hinder the recovery and surrender Of fugitiyes
constitution Of the United States, inconsistent
with the comfy and good neighborhood that
should prevail among the several States, and dan
gerous to the peace of the Union
R,'olued, That the several States be respect
fully requested to their statutes TO be revs-
el With view to ascertain if any of them in
conflict with or tend to embarrass hinder the
execution Of the laws Of the United States, made
ia pursuance Of tho second section of the fourth
article Of the constitution Of the Unted States for
the delivery up Of persons held to labor by the
laws Of any State ard escaping theretrom; and
the Senate and House of Representatives earnestly
request that all enactments having that tendency
be forthwith repealed, required by just sense
Of constitutional obligations, and by due regard
f T the peace of the republic; and the President
Of the United States is requested to communicate
these resolutions to the Governors of the several
States, with a request that they will lay the same
before the Legislatures thereof respectively.
Resoired, That we recognize slavery as now
istng in fifteen of the United States by the usages
Of the laws Of those States; and we recognize n
authority, legally or otherwise, outside Of n State
where it so exists, TO interfere with slaves or
slavery in such State in disregard Of the rights of
their owners the peace Of society.
Resolved, That we recognize tho justice and pro-
pricty Of faithful execution of the Constitution,
and laws made in pursuance thereof, the subject
OffugiiYe slaves or ugitves from service or labor
and discountenance ali mobs or hindrances to the
execution of such laws and that citizens from each
state shall be entitled to all the privileges and
immunities of citizens in the several States.
Rssoivef, That We recognize no such conflicting
element IN its composition, sufficient cause IRON
any source for dissolu ion of this Government;
that we were not sent here to destroy, but to sus
tain and harmonige the institutions of the country,
and to that equal justice is done to all parts
Of the same; and, finally. to perpetuatc its exist
cnce on terms of equality and Justice TO all the
States.
Resolued That the faithful observance on the
part of all the States, OF their constitu ional ob
cations to each other and to the Federal Govern
ment is essential to the peace Of the country.
Resoived, That each State shall be requested to
revise its statutes, anj If necessary so TO amend
the same as to secure, without legislation by Con-
gress to citizens travelling therein, the same pro-
lection citizens of such State eniOyi and also
protect the Ctisens of other States travelling or
s2journing therein against the popular violence
Illegal summary punishment, without trial in due
form of law for imputed crimes.
Reso,ped That each State be also respectfully
requested to enact such laws will prevent and
punish any attempt whatever in such State to
recognize or set on foot the awless invasion ofany
other State or Territory.
ResolUed That the President be requested to
transmit copies Of the foregoing resolutions to the
Governors of the several States, with a request
that they bo communicated to their respective
legislatures.
Resoiued, That as there are no propositions from
any quarter to interfere with slavery in the Dis
trict Of Columbia, in places under the exclusive
jurisdiction OF Congress, and situate within the
limits of States that permit the holding of slaves,
or to interfere with the interstate slave trade,
this committee does not deem it necessary TO take
any action those subjects.
Previous to the vote on the above resolu-
4l
ton for calling National Convention-ayes
a. noes l09; also certain resolutions offered
by Mr.. Kellogg of Ill.-ayes 33, noes l58;
and also Mr.. Crittenden's proposition as
offered by Mr.. Clemens-ayes 50, noes Il3'
But the Committee also reported joint
resolution to amend the Constitution of the
limited States, as follows:
De If resolved by the Senate and House of Rep
rasentatiyes of the United States OF america IN
Congress assembled, twO-thirds OF ooth houses
ooac1rrinr: that the following article be proposed
- Io@i.Iature, of the several States, as an
,r,srdment TO the Constitution OF the unlted
S.a,es which, when ratified by three-fourths OF
ii Iac;slafures shall be valid to all lntents and
n,rnoses. as part of the said constitution VIZ
P"tA AFn-,c1r - No amendment of this constltu-
,;on having for its object any interference WITHIN
uon % S.a,ss with the relation between their citizens
anS those described in section second OF the hrss
anu of the constitution " all other persons
aLtIio ,;,nate with any State that does not re-
sonn;za hat relation within its own limits, or
oHsil he valid without the assent CT every one Oh
tbe the states composing the Union
This resolution being under Consideration
ur Corwiu. of Ohio, moved to strike out
.rt;cle twelve. as above, and to substitute the
following in its stead
Tba. no amendment shall be made TO r0naas. the uUn
s,;tnt;on which will authorize or give ooEs Ss..s
nnwer 40 abolish or interfere wlthln any 0'A'''