4 the inventive genius and sensitive olfactory nerve of the mi- nority on this floor were put to the test to smell, or stir up something which should smell “nigger.” In this course, they were aided by some other gentlemen, whose over-earnest patriotism led them to a course which, under other circumstances, they would not have pursued. In every “ wood pile ” the bunch of “wool” was found, and again and again were the charges rung upon us, day after day was the same scene gone over with, until from sheer exhaustion, or from some other cause, there has been a brief respite.. It seemed that certain gentlemen were possessed with a perfect mania for stirring up something into which the poor negro could be introduced. Through all this contest I have contented myself with a silent vote. That vote conscientiously given; in view of right, of justice, of fidelity to the constitution, and my oath to sustain that instrument. Again are these questions pressed upon us, and we are led to inquire, Where is all this to end? We have refused to pass laws for the more perfect protection of the free people of the State, and have passed a law, most odious in its features, to prevent the amalgamation of the white with the black race; because, forsooth, the patriotism of some gentlemen led them to feel that it would be a panacea to cure the injured feelings of our Southern brethren. What more need we do ? Have we not done enough? Must we go still farther, and repeal all laws which look to the protection of our people ? Must we pass additional ones, with provisions like those in the bill now pending, and others of a kindred character? Laws which, if carried out in their spirit, would inflict severe penalties upon that person who should give a cup of water, a bit of bread, or bestow a blanket upon the poor, shivering, hunted fugitive? Does duty demand this of us? Because we declare ourselves ready to discharge constitutional obligations and aid in enforcing constitutional law, shall we volunteer legislation unasked? The bill before us proposes to punish, by severe penalty, that person who, under certain circumstances, furnishes aid to the hungry, naked and needy fugitive. You cannot by law prevent it. No law can do it, and the attempt As simply an effort to exercise the law-making power, in obedience to a spirit of oppression, in stifling and preventing the manifestation of benevolence and outgushing sympathy of the human heart. Laws for this purpose will, from the necessity of the case, prove a nullity. The bill before us seems to be intended as an aid to the fugitive slave law. To Congress, as is claimed, belongs the right to legislate for the return of fugitives from service. If so,
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