The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-20

left not the shadow of legal justification OF re-
sistance to the slave drivers demand
But the Abolitonists did not share the con-
scientious scruples Of the Judge. They de-
manded that the writ should be refused. and
when the day of trial came they crowded the
courtroom to overlooking. loudly demanding
the justice which they claimed TO be of God. If
not or man. The small proslavery minority
was awed into silence. not only by the fierce
temper displayed by the Abolitionists, but by
the injustice and inhumanity of the contem.
plated seizure. Public opinion not only
one-sided, but violent in expression, and amid
the fury of IL all stood the man, who saw
his official duty clearly, and resolved to perform
il at whatever risk of life or agony of soul TO
himself. The .trial brief. The very hiss
OF the slave-whip was voiced IN the official
communications read to prove the rights of prop
erty, and in the statutes quoted to determine the
right of recovery. Against this array stood on
ly the weeping slave-wife and mother and her
stricken husband ana children. There was not
a shred of legal evidence or word OF law to put
against tho damning chain which the slavers had
forged to manacle the womans limbs. Even the
most violent of the antislavery men bowed their
heads before the crushing weight OF authority
and were awed into silence, born OF their respect
for the honesty and courage of the man. as the
commissioner proceeded to render the decision
of the court Il was IN a few words. but, burn
ing with the fire of an outraged sense
of Justice 81 cannot refrain, he said, from
expressing my deep condemnation OF this pro-
ceeding. / would to God that this duty had
never come to me. but, being here 1T shall DO
met. Under the law and the evidence this
woman ia a slave. It is my official duty to sur
render her to her legal owners can violate
my own private convictlons better than can
violate nv oath of Office But / here and now
lay down the burden of shame and dishonor,
which these inhuman laws would make 1t the
duty of in my position to bear. resign
my commission instantly he exclaimed. Then,
turning the triumphant slavers:
'.The law gives you your victim" he said.
"Thank it and not me, and may GOD nave mercy
on your sinful souls"
A more dramatic scene was probably never
witnessed in any courtroom. The stern att1-
tuds and demeanor OF the judge his terrible
earnestnesS and overmastering sincerity or pur-
pose awed the crowd into hushed acquiesence In
the mandate of the court The calm was only
that before the storm, however, for the slave
their victim. shrieking and struggling.
through the streets toward their hotel
the evening packet for St Louis. This sight
aroused men to the passion and impulse of a
mob The hue and cry was raised in the streets,
and it with difficulty that the robbers. with
their prey, reached the seclusion and compare
tive safety of a private room on the second floor
of the hotel building. Their pursuers hesitated
at the line of private property, but 1t was only
for an instant. and the leaders were about to en-
ter the building. when one of the slave dealers
appeared at a window and waved white hand
kerchief. An answering flag of truce dis
played, and then the traders coming down met
the leaders of the people and negotiated for the
sale of the woman for 81 200. They pointed out
the legal strength of their position, said that
1.-THE property was worth at least double the
sum asked, and that, if they were compelled to
surrender ill.," they could easily
judgments for that amount Although
realizing that it was fear that prompted
these men to such liberal offers it was
deemed prudent to at least make effort
to meet them on their terms A popular sub
scription at started, with view of
raising the 81. 200 asked, and in less than
hour every cent of the money had been raised
and paid. and the necessary papers making
Mary E. Chavis free had been delivered. and
the woman restored TO the arms of her husband
and children
This dramatic incident was about the last OF
the open conflicts along this border after it
the anti-slayery sentiment became practically
universal on the free side of the river Judge
Davis gave three sons to the federal army,
and still lives rich in years and honors, content
with the full vindcation of his motives which
the years have brought in their course. and
signedy awaiting the call to that higher re-
ward which is ever unto him who can ''be just
and fear not