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Show 3tl6 LIBERTY AND SLAVERY. whom, if possible, he is determined "to blast with contempt, indignation, and abhorrence." The trial begins. The advocate appeals to the prejudices and the passions of the jury. lie denounces slavery-about which neither he nor the jm·y know any thing-as the epitome of all earthly wrongs, as the sum and substance of all human woes. Now, suppose that on the juq there is only one man, who, like the Vermont judge, requires "a bill of sale from the Almighty" before he will deliver up a fugitive slave; or who, like Mr. Seward, sets his own private opinion above the Constitution of his country; or who, like Mr. Sumner, has merely sworn to support the supreme law as be understands it; and who, at the same time, possesses his capacity to understand it just exactly as he pleases: then what chance would the master have for a verdict? Just none at all. For that one man, however clear the master's evidence, would hang the jury, and the cause would have to be tried over again. But suppose the whole twelve jurors should decide according to the law and the evidence, und give a verdict in favor of the claimant; would his rights then be secured? Very fhr from it. Fo•· there is the eager crowd, which TITE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. 3G7 never fails to flock to such trials, and which the infbmmatm·y eloquence of the advocate has now wrought into a frenzy. Cannot such crowd, think you, furnish a mob to effect by force what every member of the jlll·y had refused to accomplish by falsehood? If the master- if the abhorred "slave-hunter"-should escape from such a crowd with a sound body only, and without his property, he ought, we think, to deem himself exceedingly fortunate. Mr. Winthrop, of Massachusetts, has advovocated a trial by j my in such cases. lie was, no doubt, perfectly sincere in the belief expressed by him, that under such a provision more fugitive slaves would be reclaimed than under the law as it now stands. But it is equally certain that neither Mr. Seward nor Mr. Chase was of this opinion when the one proposed, and the other voted for, a trial by jury in such cases. Neither of these Senators, we think we may confidently affirm, intended to aid the master in reclaiming his fugitive slaves. "At any rate, sir," says 1Ir. Winthrop, "I shall vote for the amendment offered by the Senator f•·om N cw J crscy, ns right and just in |