The daily Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1862-1863, 1863-02-25
Have we Kldnappers among Uss


When the sensibilities of a free people
become so blunted as to make them in
different to the injustice and wrong
done the most humble in their midst,
they are RI pe for anarchy or despotism of
the most odious character. We have a.
ways supposed that laws were enacted
for the protection of the poor and help
less. The rich and powerful are able to
take care of themselves. While such
may be the purpose for which laws are
male, under our Government, their en-
forcement depends greatly upon public
opinion. 1.-THE people approve, the execu-
ton of the law is attended with no difficult
ty; if they condemn, the officers are likely
to have trouble in its enforcement. Now,
the question naturally arises, does the
public opinion of Evansville Justify the
gross outrages which have been perpe-
trated in our midst in the seizure AMI
sale into bondage-without shadow of
authority or law-of negroes whom
chance or the fortunes of war may have
thrown into our city? Does the public
opinion of this part of the country wink
at the crime of kidnapping? Has the
moral sentiment Of the community be-
come SO debauched that the people wit
ness with utter indifference the grossest
violations of law by officials they have
chosen to enfo rec the laws?
If civil officers are permitted to tram
pie under their feet what little law has
been enacted for the protection of ne
groes-be they free or slave-without re-
monstrance or hindrInce, they may be
expected to infringe upon the rights of
white men, whenever they may see a
chance to add to their gains by so doing.
For the arrest of fugitive slaves the
Government has provided law, ample
in its provisions, and summary in its
procedure The law certainly cannot be
charged with sympathizing with the fugi-
tive who may fall into its clutches. But
let it be enforced to the letter, is the
wish of all who desire that laws shall be
obeyed and respected. With such law
on our statute books, there is no neces-
sity for such proceedings as have fire.
quent!y occurred within our city and
county during the past four or FIVE weeks.
Just how long the infamous business has
been carried on we do not know. A re-
fusal to comply with the provisions of
the fugitive slave law in the return of
escaped slaves is pri0aa tacie evidence
of design to kidnGp.
We mentioned yesterday the case of a
negro who was seized and taken on
beard the steamer Grey Eagle on Satur
day evening. He was shamelessly beaten
By two of our city officials Now, by
what authority did they make the arrest
and lock the negro up on the boat? I'm
der what law was the seizure made?
The negro, we are informed, was for
merly Louisiana slave, belonging to
rebel officer by the name of Woolfork.
He was captured by General Curtis, and
for some time worked on the Govern
ment Notifications The latter officer
finally set him at liberty at Cairo, from
whence he found his way to our city.
Here he fell among sharks. He was en-
ticed on board the Grey Eagle Before
the steamer left, however, the negro
started to come ashore, when be was
assaulted and mercilessly beaten. He
was then locked up in the Texas of the
boat and taken to Greensboro, where, we
presume, he will be lodged in jail.
An advertisement will be inserted in
the Greensboro NonitOr-a model con-
sentative paper-directing the owner to