The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-03-08
Remarks of Mr.. Hitchcock, of aeauga,

Remarks Of Mr. Hitchcock, Of Geauga,
In tie House of Representations. on tie
Bill 10 prevent giving aid TO Ju9itive
slaves"
MIR. HITCHCOCK said that having the
honor of representing constituency feeling
a deep interest ia questions like tho one
now pending, he hoped tn be excused in oc-
cupying more time than was ordinarily bis
wont upon subjects coming before tho House
Tor its consideration. In So doing, he would
follow the example Of those who had pre-
coded him, and net alone coDfne himself
closely to the one bill before the House.
but speak generally to all bills of kindred
character now pending.
Constantly and pcrsistently bss this "rro.
prossiblu conflict" been forced upon US, and
the charge of "abolitionisln," desire for
amalgamaioD, aud love Of tho negro. as
applied to those acting with him, has been
itorated and reiterated in our ears, yet no
had cohtented himself with a silent vote
given consciontiously in view OF right, OF
fidelity to tho constitution and his oath to
sustain that instrument. Again the fight is
upon us, and we are lcd to inquire, where
| is all this to end Have VIZ not dona
| enough ? We have refused to pass laws
for tho more perfect protection of the free
| people of tho State. Haye passed law,
most odious in its features, TO prevent the
ANAL gamatiou Of tho white with the black
rnce, because, forsooth, some gentlemen. OF
over earnest patriotism, ,thcughtit void tend
to concilato our Southern brethren. Aud
now wo are asked TO go still further down
and seek for something more to do, for this
same same purpose. We must repeal our
statutes tor tho prevention of kidnapping
especially tho oath section of the act-ot
1857, aud also pass laws imposing heavy
penalties upon any ono who shall in any
way aid the pour, hunted fugitive. The ACT
OF 81 neither was in opposition to the con
| stitution, nor to the fugitive slave law. A:
State law, il only imposes ponalties. none
too severe, for ali attempt to reduce fire.,
men TO slavery. aud in dung so, il is in stric
subordination to that constitution and tina
law. Ii to Congress. as il is claimed, belong
the right of legislating for the return of fugi
tiTes. then in Congress vests the solo right
aud the attempt TO pass this bill and other
of like nature is volunteering legislation
meddling with that with which We have no
business, and for which wo will receive M
thanks. But We are told that We must dt
something. or our Southern brethren viii
keep goiDg away until the Union is broker
up, the constitution overthrowu, and th,
government destroyed. If is must be so
then lot il come, and let the responsibiit,
rest upon those so madIy bent upon pulling
down this proud fabric built by our father
at such cost of blood and of toll. II the.
can stand il, so can wo. Not that We woult
undervaiue this Union and it's advantages
By no means. Rather lot it be porpetuated
going on to accomplish all itB high destiny
its fsg, under which has been achieved s.
much of honor and of good, without on
star stricken from its ample folds. still flon
; over US in pride. and beacon of hope t
the oppressed of every nation.
In tho result of tho election of 1860. cal
it pretoxt. occasion, or by any other name
is where the present difficulties arise, O
rather whore tbev got their force to distrac
the country. True, there is much acrmon,
and bitterness of feeling between the differ
ent sections of the country, which has beer
Increased by misrepresentation for persona
and party ends, and from this arises tn
present condition of things. There arc n
administrative acts of the party succeedin
, in the election, of which there can Se an
complaint. Strange il is that the slave in
terest of the South. which has controlle
and moulded the policy of the governmeu
almost from its formation, should have bee
. such sufferer under that Government &C
ministercd by ITSELF And now havin
achieved victory, We are called on to Civ
l IN the fruits of that victory. The var
S pushed debating terms to the victor; ye
? more. traitors debating terms to the go
: ernmout against which thcy are plotting an
acting treason. Having taken possessio
6 A. r. A., - -.
y the government, they demand of that GO
y ernnent the unconditional surrender
: other like property, and yet we are to legi
e late carefully else We injure the feelings {
S disturb the cquanimity OF those occupyin
? this position. We must compromise, Civ
guarantees and Weld up, what: Onr mar
hood. Must ask what legislation will SUI
them, then must haste to grant it. Mus
. do more than this. must refrain from say
uught against tho ins,itu,ion of slavery
5 must consider il a benevolent, a christian.
S divine institution. We beg to demur. "
do not cannot. triH NOT admire the institI
q tion. We will discharge all our constitl
tional duties relating to the subject, bI
farther than this cannot go. The countr
: is in difficulty. How shall those dfficultit
+. bo settled We are told To compromis
: What have we to concede? And ii there
sught we can do where is the evidence I
it's settling our trouble? Proposition
| which our noighbors mako would never b
agreed to by the North. and any propose
, settlement which would not afterwards b
/, sustained by the penple of all sections, ,woul
only complicate difficulties. As he under
stood the desire of the South, the recogni
! tion in some form in the Constitution of III
right of property in man is what is aimo
AZ. This never can be consented to by tn
North. The farther extension and national
ization of slavery would not be assented t
as a compromise. II did seem to him ther
was little hope in compromise. certainl
none in the passage Of measures like tina
: before us. Want Of frmness and decision
a resolute determination to do and 10 yiel
what was right to all parties and all section'
was what was most needed. Only coul
there be- hope in resolutely standing by an
sustaining the Union under the Constitutio
as it is. Then let us take this position
maintaining and enforcing the laws in e
sections and upon all parties, trusting !
! God and in returning sense Of right, G
justice. and Of interest, for q solution OF a
of our difficulties.
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