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Show 344 LIBERTY AND SLAVERY. Court he says: "Whatever may be the influence of this judgment as a rule to the judiciary, it cannot arrest our duty as legislators. And here I adopt, with entire assent, the language of President Jackson, in his memorable veto, in 1832, of tbe Bank of tbe United States." He then quotes this language, in which he italicizes the following sentence: "Each public office:r, who takes an oath to support the Constitution, swears that he will support it as he understands it, and not as it is understood by othe:rs." "Witb these authoritative words of Andrew Jackson," says he, "I dismiss this topic. The early legislation of Congt ·ess and the decisions of tbe Supreme Court cannot stand in our way. I advance to the argument." We shall let him advance. But we must say a few words in conclusion. Mr. Sumner swears to support tbe Constitution as he understands it; but how is it supported by him? Is it supported by him at all or in any way? Let us see. The clause respecting "persons held to service or labor," says he, imposes an obligation, not upon "tbe National Government, but upon the States." Is he then in favor of the States passing any law, or doing any act, by which fugitive slaves may be delive1·ed up? "Never," he replies. Massachusetts will never THE FUGITIVE SLAYE LAW. 345 do any such thing by his advice or consent. Surely, then, he will speak a kind word to tho good people of Massachusetts, and advise them to do nothing in violation of this solemn compact of the Constitution. If he will do nothing to support the compact, surely he will do nothing to break it down. lie will not permit us to indulge any such charitable hope. For it is his avowed object, by speech-making and by agitation, to create such a "public opinion" as "shall blast with contempt, indignation, and abhon ·ence, all who, in whateve:r form, or under whateve:r name, undertake to be agents"* in reclaiming fugitive slaves. Yea, upon the very officers of the law themselves, who, for this purpose, act under and by authority of tbe supreme laws of the land, he pours down scorn aud derision. Even these, though iu tbe discharge of an official duty, are-if it be in the power of Mr. Sumner-to be blasted with abhorrence, indignation, and contempt! The Constitution declares that the fugitive slave "shall be delivered up." lie shall NOT "be delivered up," says Mr. Sumner; and, in order to make his words good, he means to * Speech in the Senate, in 1865. |