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Pennsylvania Legislature
REP' iillED EXPRESSLY FOR TUE TELEGRAPH.
LIO USE OF RERRESENTATIVES.
TIFURSDAY, - Jan. 24,' 1861
The House was called to order at 11 o'clock,
14M., by the SPEAKER, and opened with
Payer by the Rev. Mr. Carson.
7,_+l'he Clerk read the Journal of yesterday.
Mr. D - CI 'FIELD moved that the bill entitled,
"a supple.ment to an Act to incorporate the
, Wiladelphia and Delaware river Railroild corn
p*y,"' read in place by him yesterday, be re
edleti to the Committee on City Passenger
Unloads. instead of the Committee on Rail
*is, to which it was referred yesterday.
motion was agreed to.
LEAVE OF ABSI:NCE
lit TRACEY asked 1 , ,,r and obtained leave
of essence for Mr. 'Brass, for a few days.
Mr, WILDE 1 - asked for and obtained similar
leayeleave for Mr. TnomAs,
Mki RHOADS asked for and obtained similar
Tfor Mr. SUITT' (Berks.)
TTIO ALAS asked for and obtained similar
for Mr. AIILLE.a.
ELLIOTT asked for and obtained similar
for '!r. STRANG.
ACKER asked for and obtained similar
For Air. COLLINS.
SPECIAL ORDER--STATE OP TEE =ION.
eeably to order,
House resumed the consideration of the
resolutions submitted by Mr. ARMSTRONG,
9th inst.
question was on the amendment offered
ARMSTRONG.
AT Hr. SPEAKER :—lt will not be
I that the Constitution of the - United
I is, or should be, the supreme law, of the
Thr only difficulty seems to be in the
snt constructions placed upon it. That
)f the States have a right to enact laws
would prevent the full and free force and
of all its provisions, I trust is nut enter
by any, even of the most ultra of either
. C'ertainly no citizen of Pennsylvania
'ocate doctrines so dangerous in their
and treasonable in their character.
'ennSylvanians, acknowledge the all"-
If States to otserve both the letter and
of national law, constitutionally en
implied ; and we should be ready at
to insist upon its enforcement in all
s ; and should, if necessary, supply the
means.
when the peace of our beloved Union
rbed, and several of its members are
from the compact, so far as their own
effect a separation, it becomes us, as
s of the Keystone of this glorious arch,
ire what are the. causes. and whether
any remedy.
!ading and principal cause can easily be
om its effect. It is slavery ; the blast
thering, blighting curse of slavery is the
id fruitful source of all our troubles.
Oh ! why was there entailed upon us
lion this great evil ? The ways of the
are beyond the comprehension of
rids. It exists, however, and we, as
vanians, have only to enquire what Is
as fellow - .members of the confederacy,
tt are our rights. Whilst we concede
stitutional rights of other States, we
it own. The freedom of speech and
, ess are among the dearest rights and
I we enjoy ; and while we have no
for those who, by interfering with
the institutions of their neighbors,
saves into trouble, yet we demand
al and free expression of opinion,
speech or through the press, by our
sister States, shall be respected, and
be protected in their persons and
compromise of 1920 the South were
•e than satisfied. They conceived that
secured a glorious triumph ; and they
had. Yet the people of the North
e, and faithfully fulfilled their part of
met. Their faith and patience were
tested by the demands made from,
cessions made to, the South by the corn
;of 1846 and 1860. Yet after that of
country breathed free, and we all, with
int, agreed that these the vexed ques
ld rest. It was only when the South
ter political aspirants courting her
Asked that that solemn compact
had given peace for thirty years,
be broken; it was then_ that a strife com
which, in the short space of six years,
to such fearful magnitude that it
ttens the dissolution and destruction
•est fabric that ever was reared on a
mai form of government, controlled
)ple.
s alleged that the Compromise Act of
uneonstiutional. I shall not stop to
point on which eminent statesmen
rists have been here brought to issue.
iat that act was a solemn compact,
t protected it from all assaults, come
i?,r quarter they mtg - ht. Conceived,
y have been, to forward and cover
icked and designing men, yet the
;s of its passage should have given
inctity. Yet it was broken ; and
.day the bitter fruits.
- ed wrong by the violation of that
and they who secured its overthrow
to accomplish the desired end. Kan
and I hope forever will be, a free
. cf that compromise originated and
>nsummated the organization of a
la7ing arraigned the conspirator,
r of the people,, eecured a verdict
id "Thus far thou hest gone ; re
-
Ts." They have felt the rebuke
lag to recede. Theyare vanquished.
nir.ms, and can afford to be getter
we meet them on the old land
agree that the old line shall be
1, extended to the golden borders
and upon more favorable terms
Shall we, by a little magnanimity,
ifice of principle, secure for ourdis
m peace? Leave this, the main
;sue, to the voice of the people, and
truing majority will answer "yes."
told it is a sacrifice of principle ;
tablishing this line we are fasten-
Ton all territory south of that line.
ly not. We leave it to the people
in their own way, the ques•
Fry, soy only. that they shall not
ntil they, with sufficient popula
tle them to one representative in
shall apply for admission to the
n they may, in their oonstitution,
or reject slavery.
Republicans, prepared to say that
i our territory, south of that line,
adrnissibn as a State, with a condi
)gnizing slavery,- shall be admitted
•
• ' s
--
_
,
• --fge
. 7
I 11[1111/$ll till
, 1111
iel
VOL. •XIV.
into the Union ? If so, we repudiate the Jaaan
of our choice, who has said he will not take
such a position.
How are we ever to arrive at any adjustment
of this question, if we are unwilling to com
promise upon any terms ? And if at all, why
not upon terms; based, at least, - zon the pro
position named in these resohitiona? 'We are
only expressing the voice of Pennsylvania, and
is it not becoming the position and character of
Pennsylvania to propose at least some, hashi,
of adjustment ?
The gentleman from Lycoming (Mr. Ang:
arnoso)has shown us that, as the territories
now stand, since the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise, and by the construction 'placed
upon the. Constitution by the Supreme Court in
the Dred Scott case,. those- territories are- now
open, both North and South of the original"
line, to the introduction of slavery. WaS 'not'
the battle fought on the fields of Kansas upon
this question ? By the establishment of this
line we cut off all that vast productive and fer
tile region. North of the, line from this:curse of
slavery, confining it to the territory lying South
of the line. Even with regard.to that portion
of our national territory in which we do !IA
prohibit slavery, we do not fasten the instit
tion upon it. We lea've to the people themselves
to regulate the subject in their own way.
Mr. MARSHALL. I would like to ask the
gentleman a question. Has he any assurances
that, if we hum ilige ourselves in this ; way,
abandon our princiFles and adopt, this - line, it
will satisfy the people of the South? I have
never been assured of that fact.
Mr. AUSTIN. If the gentleman will wait
until I shall have finished my remarks, I think
that he will find •that his question has been
answered.
I was about to observe - that by this proposed
measure we shall not fasten slavery upon any
territory, even that south of that line. We
shall leave it to the people to say whether they
will or will not have slavery. How do you pro
pose to settle this question? What do you pro-'
pose to do? Are we, as Pennsylvanians, going
to say that slavery shall never enter any portion
of our national territory—that even though our
refusal should involve the dissolution of this
Union, we will net allow slavery in another
inch of our national territory? If that is to be
our position, of course we have the argument
all on our own side ; we take aslonr unchange
able position, and say, to the South, " there is
no compromise whatever to be made."
But this compromise will not rest upon pre
cisely the old terms. The South having secur
ed the repeal of the former compromise line
and driven us from territory once consecrated
to freedom, they are now willing to go back.
Why? Because they find that the voice of the
people has indicated'a determination that must
and will be heard.
I cannot see why we, as Pennsylvanians, can
not at least reconenenarthis proposition. ' By our
action here wee 1p not make it the' lacy"of t
land-a but-come proposition of tale nature must
originate with, and be eupported.by the border•
States ; some ground of compromise must be
offered, or we must say that net at
`
tempt to meet the.Soutla at all that we-will
ignore altogether the present agitated condition
of the country, or declarethat those States, that
have gone may, go, and those that, propose , to,
secede may follow them. ,We - declare our will=
ingress to establish forever ;dividing line , be
tween the States of the. North and these of
the South ; to decree that we shall hence
forth be two distinct and separate nations.
Are we prepared to' take this position
Are we not willing to make one effort before we.
allow affairs to reach this ,condition ? I, at
least, am prepared to make all reasonable ef
forts to avoid any such total alienation' of the
North and the South. Let ns show some. dis
position to preserve this COnfederacy. of States,
entire. Does ,it not become the position Of
Pennsylvania to make some advances--to offer
some proposition ? I hope gentlemen are riot
disposed to stand upon nice scruples which
might prevent them from taking an attitude,
favorable to a reconciliation of our present na
tional difficulties. I am not prepared to -say
that this sixth resolution is the most desirable
basis of adjustment. I would prefer that the
Territorial Legislature—who should represent
the people—might have the power to prohibit,
las I am positively opposed to fastening or force
ing slavery upon any portion of our people, or
territory. But let us endeavor to nieet'onsoine
ground, and be willing to compromise on some
'terms, even if they should not be all we could
hope for.
There is anether proposition comprised in
these resolutions which I presume the great
body of this llouse is willing to accepte•—the pro
vision that the 'Judiciary Committee - shalt be
charged with the duty of, inquiring whether
any laws now in force in. Pennsylvania conflict
with her constitutional obligations to the gov
eminent of the United States. I advoCate this
resolution on the ground that I believe such.a,
measure calculated to favor the purposes of
conciliation and peace. With' regard - to South
Carolina or any of the States that hairs followed'
her in seceding, I have no proposition to offer—
nothing. So long as they occupy the position
which they have chosen - to asaume, they CEM
expect no overtures from us - . 'Thefstand in
open violation of the Constitution and laws,
and I do not wish to be understood , as desiring
to offer the olive branch to..them—let them
alone and to the proper authorities. ;We, I
hope, have a government sufficiently strong to
enforce the laws. But there is another vie* =of
this subject. We profess to be Union lovers
and law-abiding citizens. As Union men, it is
our duty to say to our brethren in the: 'border
States, who are now struggling aping the tor:
rent which is almost overwhelnairig them,. that
we are willing to stand by them and to assist in
effecting some adjustment of this question,
which will enable them to keep their ,pesition
—which will prevent them from being dragged
into that whirlpool of ruin in which other
states farther. South are endeavoring tol.nvOlve
them. -
For this reason I am disposed to advocate the
repeal of at leciSt a part of the 96th section,
which has been so much discussed here. Such
a step can not do any harm., We do not sacri
floe any, principle. laep6al abbutfdurteen lines
of that 9oth Section, and you satisfy those who
are looking to us, as Pennsylvanians, to take
some notion towards recontiliation: • •
In the fourth resolution of the series we de
mand that when we visit the' States of the
South, our rights as citizens of Pennsylvania.
shall be respected. We also in another declare'
our willingness that the Constithtion shell' be
the supreme law of the land,' and our readiness
at all times to be governed by it. If after all
proper action on our part, we cannot obtain,
from the States of the South this ,protection of
our own rights, I shall be among the first to
demand, our rights. lam willing that the Con
stitution and the laws should,. be earned ;4aiit;.
even to the letter ; and lam ready *EY: ti:l'
those seceding States that we 'are 'determines('
to show that we have, a government, whose'
laws must. be obeyed If no otlietMeaindeoi s
• .
"INDEPENDENT IN ALL THINGS-NEUTRAL IN NONE"
HARRISBURG, PA., MONDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 28, 1861
will answer the purpae, I would be in favor of
blockading their forts ; of withdlawing their
mails; and if attempts are made to resist federal
authority,- execute the laws at all hazards.
There need be no civil war unless an overt act
be committed by them.
But shall we refuse to make any concessions?
Shall we stand upon nice scruples, with regard
to our own dignity, fearing that it might be
compromised by propositions that look toward
.reconciliation? I-hope not. If we are to be
brought to deadly °millet, let the responsibility
rest 'upon the other side. Let us be able to say
that they have refused-to meet us ; that pro
pBsitions.for reconciliation have been offered by
. .
us m vain:
These are the views. which I honestly enter
tain ; and I believe then - L . lO be the views of
'those whom I have the - hon.:Sr, in parf, - to -re
present upon this floor.
Mr. FIDFIIIS. Ido not rise for the purpose'
of making a speech. I have already consumed
more of the time of the House than I intended
upon the resolutions from the 'Senate. I - have
become satisfied that a part 'of the great prinei
ples of the Republican party are about to be
thrown aside by a portion of our Republican
members upon this floor. If those members oc
cupied merely an ordinary position in doe .par
ty I should not have a. wordto Say; but amongst
those who appear willing to abandon their for
mer position, I 'find the'Major Generals, the
Adjutant Generals, the Brie - ule Inspectors and
all the officers of high rank, 'who list Winter
appeared before this House with all the "pernp
and splendor of a lofty military character. With
such'men as these I am' not willing to part.
With this: view I rise for the purpose of offering
an amendnient to the resolutions now Under
consideration ; and I hope that niy- proposition
Will bring together all the different branches of
the Republican party as well as the Democratic
party.
The amendment was read as follows :
Strike out all after the 'word " Resolve(l + "
the sixth ruolution, and adoPt the folloiving
propositions in lieu`thereof :
.Mrst. That-when my fugitive slave ascapes
into any. non-slaveholding State. and shall be
arrested'acdording to the provisions of the Con
stitution and Jaws of the United States, provi
ding for - his rendition, and shall be rescued
from the proper officers of the law, the govern
ment of the United States shall pay to the own
er, or his legal representatives, the market val
ue of said fugitive, and the cost of his attempt
ed recovery • the same to be sued for by the gens
eral government, and recovered-of tha county
in which said resoue took placelland the coun
ty to sue for and.recover of ,the - person. or Iper
sons engaged in the unlawful rescue:
Brand That all the present occupiedsnd un
occupied territories now belonging ta,lthecUnis
ted States, be divided into two States, -and be
immediately adMitted as sovereign States. -
• Third.ffhatcriannivasumzin
sallOwho,sball be charged with no crime aril
who shall be taken from any vessel sailing
from a non-slave holding State; and-cast into
priiton M any port of -a slavbsholtlifigAtat - e, the
government=-of the ljnited , -Stitea stall-pay to
said•free negronr mula,ttor, Vie of ten dol
larsa day; for: each and‘everY daY he shall be
BO imprisoned ; aml if the said sailor shill be
soldinto slavery to satisfy his Ail fees, the gbv::
ernreent of the United States shall pay toile
family or legal heirs of said negro' or Mulatto
sailor the sum of five thousand dollars.
Fourth: That for' tarring and, feathering, or
ridingon a rail, any citizen of a nen-slavehold:
ing State, on account of his opinions on Slavery,
unexpressed, or expressed only to free white
persons, the government of the United 'States
shall pay to the injured person the Sum of one
thousand dollars ; for shaving the'head; *hip
ping, or otherwise maltreating, or maiming, or
deforming n citizen of a Free State, the govern
ment 'shall pay to the injhred patty the sum of
three thousand dollars; _ and for hanging or
otherwise killing by mcib"vialerice - any citizen
of a free State, the parties:act 'offending shall be
deemed guilty of and be . rainishedfor Murder,
and thp government of the United . 'States shall
pay the family or' legal ' representatives of the
deceased; the sum of twenty thousand dollars .;
the same to be recovered 'of the county where
the`violence was Committed, aid of the indi
vidual, as provided in the first proposition.
Fifth. That the Stalk -of =Virginia and other
Southern , StateS shall-repeal their laws for the
• illegal.and unconstitutional search and taxation
of Northern coasting vessels entering their
ports . ; arid that the Northern States having
statutes conflicting -with - the Constitution and
laws of the United Statei relatiori to the ren
dition oflugitive slaves, shall forthwith repeal
the same.
. , .
The, question bang on the i amendment o
Mr. HOFIIIB, it vas declared not agreed to.
Mr. 140FIUS. ' I call for the yeas and nays
, ,
The SPRAILER. The Ye,* and nays have
been demanded by the gentleman from Mercer
(Mr. Hornis) seconded whoth?
• MANY MEMBERS. Nobody.'
The call for the yeas and nays was not sec 4
onded
The question then ed on the amendi
mentlf'Mf.'ARMSTRON43r - • !
34. ARMSTRONG. Mr. Speaker, I desir
after consultation with numerous members - .
the goose, -to more that the 'resolutions 1)
.posfpOned until next Wednesday, and, be madi
the 'Special order of the day, at half-past doves
o'clock.
Mr: ROBINSON.- We have now.been her.'
three offoui wee 'lfs,` aad .alMoit. tlie whole ot
our tithe bail been occupied in, the discussion
of our federal relations. Our attention is de;
mended by many measures affecting more par;
tidularly the various interests of our Commeni,
wealth, it is evident to all that, until we dist
pose of all these resolutions With regard to the
state of - the Union, we cannot concentrate chr
attention - upon any measures of State legislt
don,- : I hope, therefore that the omsideratio
of this specialorder will be continned,and
the House will come to a conclusion as speedil
as possible. ,
Mr. 'ABBOTT. No doubt the gentleman front
-Lyconaing (Mr. Amtsminto) hat good - 'reasons
for MAU ag this. proposition for postponemen
1 In fact he has intimated that he has ;such its
; sons ; but they have not been, eNiret*ed., 'l4e -
I gTet very midi that' the discuSkon Of, this tali
ject should be delayed. It is a subject inid
ving topics connected with the present conditkp.
1 3
of the country and the relation of the Sta tz.
each Other. I desire that we - shall continue
disciradon until some definite conclusion s all
be attained by the House. If the gentle ;in
from Lycobling will state any reasons why ur
action shoiild.be delayed, I shall cheerfully ac
quiesce'. ;But it appears to me that esthete
soon be before' us pressing 'business, frivol g
lepar or „State legislation, it is - desirable t
t4IS eg.o3.B4ll4national subject should • *ve
our,eontirmed attention until we 'shall hair it i 7,,
ito orir liiitd'action.. Irode sbnAktcia*" i) n
iikilitioilliiiiiiin: such an eitilihation as en-
Many Wzraris. 'Oh, uo!
able us to determine intelligently this question
as to postponement.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. I am, well aware„ that
there is business Effecting the interests of our
own State which should be attended to ; and I
have no disposition to interfere with the pro
per consideration of such business. But it is
evident that a diversity of opinion exists re
specting the sixth resolution which I had the
honor to offer ; and I think that the postpone
ment will harmonize the views of members,
and pliable us to vote upon the question with a
great deal of unanimity. For the purpose of
giving an opportunity for mutual consultation
for the purpose, if possible, of harmonising
our views—l have concluded, after, consulting
with many members, of the, House, to make
this motion, which I submit to the, judgement
of this body.
Mr. BARTHOLOMEW. I am in favor of
postponing the consideration of. these resolu
tions for the present. Any determination of
the q,uestion at this time,
_whether favorable or
unfavorable, might' operate to forestall public
opinion, or rather might give to our members
of Congress an incorrect impression with re
gard
to the position of this Legislature and the
people of this State. There are various propo
eitions now. before Congress. The Pennsylva
nia delegation stand in a very peculiar posi
tion. A proposition similar to that embraced
in, theseresolutions is now before the Congress
of the United States ; and it is receiving that
grave consideration which it deserves. I hope
this Legislature will take no action on the sub
ject for a week or two, until, we shall hear
something definite from the Seat of Govern
'
Meet.
Mr. SeBANG. lam favor of the postpone
ment of theie resolutions.. I am influenced
partly by the considerations which have been
smeated by the gentleinan from Schuylkill,
(Mr. Reamninonaw.) But there are other con
siderations. We are here as representatives
no* and lam anxious to learn the views of
iny.constituenU upon this question,
Mr. WILLIAMS. It seems to me that the
objebt which.lny friend from Lycoming, as I
understand him, has in view, will be equally
well accomplished by-a postponement until to
mo4ow.' So far as regards the action'of Con
gress, and I donfess lam , not prepared tolook
In that direction for instruction, it istrikes me
that, these great questions are now transfened
to.thi3 Legislatures of the several States Of this
Union ; at altevents they will be called on :to
pass Upon them eventually. We should hot
look to Congress for information; but, Congress
must:look brads direction. The States' 'must
pass upon.these.quettions.
With regard to my own opinions upon the re
solutions I am'- preparedlo vote on the question
no'. Still I thitiksthat a• postponement until
to4norrowmorrdifgr enable us'to compere
opinions, and to ascertain whether we are'likely
agr9e- '`s
VET,-. i piis
- tottmend the motion by designating Mon
day Morning._
Mr. COLLINS. - I have; with a great. deal-cif
deference.to the judgment of .the gentlehian ,
froia Allegheny,. (Mr.= Wiradams,) and.l would
cheerfully acquieicein his motion to Monday
morning for the consideration of this subjeat."--- -
But atthat time many merabers Will just be re
turning fromhome, and there will be a 'great
many; bills :and petitions, ' which- they will
Wish to offer; so that the time of the House
will be largely taken up by each-business.
, Bisides, some of them may not return so
early as MondaY. • They desireto leani the feel
ings of their constituents on this question._ By
way of compromise between tIW gentleman
from LycomingAmasraose) and the gen
tleman from Allegheny (Air. Wratam) I would
suggest that Tuesday morning be named' as
the time:
Mr. WILLIAMS. -I accept that as a misdifi
cation. Let it be TuesdaY.
Mr. ARMSTRONG. I have no personal ob
jection to designating that time, but Members
who have just spoken to me,' inform me that
they expect to be absent; and will not return
until Tuesday .evening, and hence they would
prefei that the subject should c.,e postponed until
Wednesday. • - „
Mr BUTLER, (Crawford.) Ido not conceive
that there is any necessity that we should be in
a hip on this question. It is my opinion that
We esday is quite:soon enough.
M. ARMSTRONG. Iwould suggett, inad
diti n, that Tuesday is Private Callendar day.
COTJ,TtsTS. Ldont urge my proposition
as motion, it was merely a suggestion. •
. Ihe amendment. of Mr. WILLIAMS was not
agteed to, and the question recurring on the
mti
).
on of Mr. Aronsraona,
r. SELTZER moved to' amend by -making
it ednesday evening at seven o'clock.''
• r. ARMSTRONG,accepted the amendment
a modification, and
I The motion as modified was agreed to.
IEITERB t -Pkl' /IONS; &C
Mr. SMITH, one from citizensof Upper Tul
pehocken, Berks county, praying for the pas
sage of an Act for the 'relief of Michael Lauck,
an old soldier'f the wai'of.lBl2.
- - - - -
Referred to the Oorataitiee on. Pensions' and
Gratuities.
Mr. AUSTIN, one from one hundred citizens
of Franklin county; praying that no legislation
to repeal the.tar on tonnage on the Pennsylva
nia Itailroad, or to extend the time in any
'ciay - to give farther aid to the Suntiury and
Erie Railroad,he given during the present ses
sion. ` •
Referre4 to the Committee .on Ways and
Means • .
Mr. PIERCE, one from citizens of London
derry. township, ,
Chester County', praying for an
alteration iv. the law relating to do s.
Referredlo the Committee OnAgriculture and
Domestic Manufactures.
Mr. BOYER, one from inhabitants of Berk
and Schuylkill counties,for the appointment Of
commissioners to change f i part of the boundary
line betwern said counties.
Referred to the Committee on New Counties
and County Seats. '
Mr. DOUGLASS, one from inhabitants of
zabeth tosmship, Allegheny county, for a law,
to tax dogs in said . township.'
Referred to the Ccem:aittee on Agriculture.
Mr. MYERS, one from inhabitants of Adame,
county, for the repeal of all laws Conflicting
with the Compromise Acts of Congress,.passed
in 1860, and all laws of this State conflicting in
any way with the laws of other States.
Referred to the Committee on the Juaininry
(general.)
Mr. GRAHAM, one from citizens of Butler
and Allegheny counties, to attach the farm of
Cyrus J. Anderson to Butlerpounty.
- Referred to the Committee on New Counties
and County Seats.
Mr. BLANCHARD, one signed by numeions
citizens of Mercer and Lawrence counties, pray ;
ing for the repeal of the "'small note, lawr,'.
and that banks be permitted to issue Mid" pay
out steal). notes. • - . -
,
Referred tothe donait,*.on Pfulks,,!
Mr. BUM, four reunimitriums taxi aims
of Huntingdon aruntY,ngdzwit annexing _parts
of Dublin and Springfield townships to Fulton
county.
Referred to the Committee on - New Counties
and County Seats.
Mr. COPE, one from citizens of Northampton
county, praying fora supplement to an Act to
incorporate the Bethlehem water company.
Referred to the .Committee on Corpora
tions.
Me, DLSAIAN ; P, one from citizens of Limerick
township, Montgomery county, praying for an
Act to sell and conveyßowman's school house
and lot in said township.
Referred to the Committee on Education.
Mr. ETLENBERGER, one from the firemen
of Northampton county.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
(local.)
Mr. PUGHE, one from citizens -of Green
field, Tell and CarbOndale townships, Luzerne
county, asking for a repeal 'of a supplement to
an Act incorporating the Milford. and Owego
Turnpike Company. so far as Luzerne county is
affected.
Referred to the Committee on Roads, Bridges
and canals.
Mr. ABBOTT, one from citizens of Philadel
phia. praying for the repeal of so much' of the
96th and 96th sections of the Penal Code as re
fer to the rendition of fugitive slaves.
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary (gen
eral.)
Id r. moprx,.one fremuitizens of Philadelphia
praying for the repeal of so much a the 95th
and 96th sections of the Penal Code as are net
needed for the protectfort of the rights of the
citizens of Pennsylvania and may be construed
to be unfriendly to other States.
Mr. MULLIN, a remonstrance of the Bur- I
gess and Council of Conemaugh borough, Cam
britt county, against annexing any portion of
said borough to the borough of Johnstowm
Referred to Committee on Judiciary, (local:)
Also, a remonstrance of citizens of Cone
maugh, of like import.
Referred to same committee.
Also, a remonstrance of certain citizens of
Johnstown, C,ambria county, against the grant
lug of a new charter to said borough.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary, (local.)
Alio, a petition'of divers citizens of the bor
ough of Conemaugh, praying that that portion
of said borough in which they reside may. be
annexed to the borough of Johnstowrt.
Referred to Cominittee on .Yudiiiary, (10ad..1
Mr.. MANIFOLD, one front citizens of' Het
dieluarg township, York comity, for an to
change the place-.of holding elections in said
township.
Referred to Cortimitte on Election. Districts.
Mr. ANDERSON, three front "a[tizens of this
Commonweajtb, askingl for the repeal of all
laws against, and prohibiting,_ the
_bankstof
this CommOnyiettltii to issue_and ay out notes,
Beferredto. the Coininittee tin BtUdie.
Mr. RANDALL, one from, Spaulding , and
Rogers. •
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary,
P.122C.E , two from citizens of Chesier
county praying, for thelrepeal at, all.lawe inter;
fering with the fugitiye slaye law of 185 Q; also
favoring the, adoption: Congress of the Crit
tenden compromise.
Referred to the Committee on the Judie!ary
(General.) -
Mr. 101311.9, one from inhabitants of Adams
county for the repeal of the act passed thell4th
day of April;lBs9, for the protection of 'game,
so faras the same relates to the county of. Ad-
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture
• Mr. BARYESLY, one from the stockholders
of the • Spinnetsburg and Milford Scivare turn
pike Road Company, asking that provisions of
certain laws may be extended to said compan
ies. .
Referred to the Committee =Roads, Bridges
and.Cartalm
Mr. BREWSTER; one from. citizens of Hun
tingdon., county, .Praying that part of said coon
ty be annexed to the county of Fulton.
Referred to the Committee on • New Coun
Mr. HECK, one . froni citizens of Dauphin
county, praying the re-enactment of the pro
visions of the Act of 1780. • -
• Referred to the Committee on • Judidary
(general); •
BRESST , FR, one from citizens of Clinton
county ; : for the passage of an: Act _authorizing
the erection of a boom in the Susquehana river
at or near Jersey Shore, Lycoming county.
Referred to-the Committee on Roads, Bridges
and Canals.
Mr. BUTLER, (Crawford), one relatiyeto the
protecting•of sheep - and taxing of dogs in the
county of Crawford. •.
Referred to the committee on Agriculture'and
Domestic Manufactures.
Mr. PIERCE, One from citizens,of ,Ifpper Ox
ford; Chester county, praying for an alteration
in the laws relating-to dogs in said township.
Referred-to the Committee on Agriculture'.
Also, one from the Commissioners and others
of Chester county, praying. for an alteration in
the law relating to the . payment of the fees of
Justices Of the Peace. 'and Constables in the
borough of West Chester.
Referred to the Committee en the Judiciary,
(local.)
Also, a Memorial of the Philadelphia Female
Anti:Slavery Society," . praying for the passage
of such laws as are necessary for the protection
of all persons, within : the Commonwealth, who
, have not forfeited by crime their right to liberty.
Referred to the ComMittee on the Judiciary,
(Be l 4oral.)
Mr. RHOADS, .one from citizens of Amity,
Dougla.s and Earl townships, Berks county,
praying for a further supplement to the act in
corporating the Limerick and -Colehrookdale
ttrrnpike company, incorporated March lb,
1847. . •
The petition was read, and,
Bbferred to the Commdttee on Roads,. Bridges
end Canals
Also, , ond from•cildiens of Northeastward of
the city of,Rgadlng, tp divide said ward' into
two election precincts.-
' Referred to the Cominittee on Election Ms -,
tricts: ; • --
-one from inhabitants of Berks and
Shhnylkili conntles, .19e: tht,:appoirittnent of
commission ens' to change Et. pest of-the boundorY
line between said` comities.
'Referred to the Cominittee on N'ew Counties
and County Seats: •
•
Mr. MARSHALL, one from the citizens of
1411cCandlmis township, Allegheny county, PraY
ing for a change in the place of holding electiosus
in said township: '
Referred to the Committee ors Blection _
tnFte
Mr.•: l O l MiS9Nt one fkozroitizons of ,Butler
comity,. pfayinglforan increase in,the comp9n-
Sit& of the COlMlllife.ol26Tl3 of - mkt
Ifeferied to -the o:o3:ohltikkg 7 on-tlie Judicial*
:).
ktram rintiugl put.
Having procured Steam Power Presses, we are
prepared to execute JOB and BOOK PUNTING of every
description, cheaper that It eitn be done at any other es
tabliehmentin the country
RATES De AuVeatTIRIXO-
IfarFour lines or less constitute one half square' Fig h
sees or more that tour constitute a Kura.
Hall Square, one day.....
.
‘., one week
one mouth . .
4• three monies 3 Oy
“ six months 4 a
one year........... ....... „ . aOO
One &mare, one day
" ,eno week. ....... ..... . ........ 2 00
" one 'Oman . . 3 00
.. three months 5 00
fig. Ma months.... . 8 00
.• one year io 00
far Boldness notices inserted in the Local column, ut
before Marriages and Deaths, FIVE cENao PER LINH
kir each insertion. -
NO. 21.
gaoiages and Deaths to be charged as regular
advertisements.
Mr. BARNSLEY, one numerously signed,
from citizens of Bucks county, praying for the
repeal of the 96th and 96th sections of the b -
vised Penal Code.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary,
(general.)
Mr. ABBOTT, the memorial of Samuel Haz
and, Philadelphia, editor of Pennsylvania Ar
chives.
The. memorial i-as read, and
Befeered to the Committee of Ways and
Means.
Mr. COPE, a petition from citizens of North
ampton county, remonstrating against any
change in the Auction law in said county.
,Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary,
(local.)
Mr. RANDA.I.L, one from the citizens of Phil
adelphia'praying for the repeal of certain por
tions of the 95th and 96th sections of the Penal
Code.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary,
'(local).
Mr. ati.alsr, one from citizens of Schuylkill
county praying for the repeal of such portions
of the 95th and 96th sections of the Revised
Penal Code as may be deemed unfriendly to
sister States.
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary, (gen
eral.)
01111OL1TA'9 PROPOSITION FOR A NATIONAL OONVIN-
Mr. 'RANDALL submitted the following
Wmortats, The Legislature of Virginia has
recommended to the several States in the Union
to appoint delegates to hold a National Conven
tion at the city of Washington on the 4th day
of February next :
.AND Wzmazas, The people of Pennsylvania
are anxious that every possible effort should be
made to restore harmony and good feeling
among the several States. Therefore,
Resolved, That the General Assembly of this
Commonwealth approve of holding the said
National Convention at the time and place de
signated as aforesaid.
Resolved, That the Senate and House of Rep
resentatves will meet in joint convention on
the 29th lust at 12 o'clock noon, and will. then
elect five citizens of this Commonwealth to rep
resent here in the said National Convention.
The resolutions were read a second time
Mr. R&NDALL. I wish to say merely a few
words in explanation of these resolutions. Vir
ginia has proposed that &Convention of dele
gates from - the - several States should be held for
the purpose of taking into considenttion the
grievEames which may be complained of by any
of, the States, and of suggesting' to the several
State Leghdaturea, or to Congress, such mea
sures as may - seem most etpedient in the way
of remedy: Tice action of this convention will'
not bind any. of the States ; the' convention
will have no power to make any positive enact ,
men* .^ef Its only object in thatthe
. . - • t matters of complaint which any of the
State may ' suggest may be considered and
remedial measures suggested to • the different
' States. I , consider that, in a national convention
Such as is Contemplated, Pennsylvania shouldje
represented: •• Her voice should be heard there,
whfthee ft be for or , against• the suggestions
which may come from her sister States. On
these baasideratioth I have been urged by many
inembeis of this-House to prepare and introduce
a ret3glation to this effect. I hope it will re
ceive the'favorable action of the House at this
time: •
Kr. WILLIA3P. .Will the gentlemartinform
us as to the terms of this invitation? What
States are intended to be embraced? Is it con
fined to the States called " border States," or
is it to be a general convention of all the States
of this 17nion ? Are New York and the New
England'States to.be excluded?
I may also remark, while I am upon the floor,
that this proposition involves very grave con
siderations. Is the Legislature of Pennsylva
nia, on , Short notice, to elect commission.-
era without a reference to the people? Itis a
question which involves an exercise of their
sovereign poirors---one upon which I should be
very loth to vote under any circumstances.
But I desire to know from the gentleman what
are the•precise terms of the invitation?
Mr.. RANDALL. - I have already stated the
object of the Convention. The invitation is by
its terms to every State in the Union.
Mr. BALL. This resolution, if offered at the
proper time, would present to us a subject on
which we would necessarily bq called to act. I
think the gentleman from Philadelphia, (Mr.
RANDALLO when he reflects a moment, will con
cur with me in the opinion that he should
either Withdraw these resolutions or consent
that their consideration shall be postponed for
a time. The resolutions which, according to
the accounts of the newspapers, haiwn been
adopted by the Virginia Legislature, appointing
commissioners to a national convention, to
whichi delegates from the slave States are in
vited, must, in due course of time, reach in an
official form the Executive of this Common
wealth, by whom they will be transmitted to
both branches of the Legislat,ure. At that time
the action of Virginia will be properly before us,
and such a resolution as that.: presented by the
gentleman from Philadelphia; will appropriate
ly come under our consideration. When Tir
gmia's action shall be thus officially before us,
I for one shall be ready to consider. the ques
tion ; but I am not now.
I agree with the gentleman from Allegheny
(Mr. Wirmaits) that the question involved IS
one of a very delicate nature—one demanding
deliberate and solemn reilection—one on which
we should understand the views of our respect
ive constituents. • Whatever may be our action
on a question of this character, we shall stand
upon the record for all time, be it for weal or
for woe. So delicate_ are the relations between
the border States and the free States at the pre
sent moment, that we ahonld take special care
that no vote be given here which may be mia 7
construed or tortured so as to misrepresent our
real sent -cent. For that reason, I ask the gen
tlemen. td .withdraw his resolution at thiatime.
Iiiir:RAANTLISLT. I have only to say in reply
to the gentleman from Erie, that. the time be
tween this and the period for the assembling of
the convention is certainly very,short. If there
is any probability that this matter will. receive
our attention within the time allowed, - I cer
tainly have no objections to the postponement
of these resolutions.
Mr, BALL. The time is short; I admit; but
if Virginia is sincere in inviting Pennsylvania
and other States 'intoan informal convention for
the emisideratiorof the delicate questions which
nowdisturb the public mind, we should allow
sufficient time., Itthis is merely a tub throivn
to thewhale—if sufficient time is not to be al-
Jawed for the transmission, in.dueforra, of-tier
rescailticill,Ph*gti our i_eeliti.V.e-to this lees
ii,very pertain that sheis not .sincere..
belive;however, that Virgh&ls sincere in
this I only regret:that in the re
soluticini, as I have, seen them in the newspa
pets, I dipixivern.pondition which fear would.
be fatal to theLdeclared - aim and ottic , pt of tie
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