"And whereas, such practice is derogatory to our national character, incompatible with the duty of a civilized and Christian people, and unworthy of being sustained by an American Congress: Therefore, Be it resolved, That a select committee of five members of this body be appointed to inquire into and report to this House by what authority said prison is used for the purpose of confining persons who have attempted to escape from slavery, with leave to report what legislation is proper in regard to said practice. Resolved, further, that said committee be authorized to send for persons and papers." Objections being made, the motion was not received.—Cong. Globe, 30 Cong. 1 Sess., 641.
28. Giddings's resolution on the jail in the District of Columbia. [§ [28.]]
1848, April 21. Mr. Giddings visited the jail in the District of Columbia for the purpose of interviewing the persons confined there on charge of carrying away slaves from this District. He was then mobbed and his life endangered.
"Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed to investigate and report to this House respecting the points alluded to in the above statement, and that said committee be authorized to send for persons and papers, and to sit during the session of the House."—Cong. Globe, 30th Cong. 1 Sess., 664.
29. Meade's resolution on more effectual enforcement of the constitutional article on fugitive slaves. [§ [27.]]
1849, Jan. 8. Mr. Meade moved that the rules be suspended to enable him to offer the following resolution:—
"Preamble. Whereas it is the duty of the Congress of the United States to enact all laws necessary to enforce such provisions of the Constitution as were intended to protect the citizens of the several States in their rights of property, and past experience has proved that laws should be passed by Congress to enforce the second section of the fourth article of the Constitution, which requires that persons held to labor in one State, escaping into another, shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such labor may be due; therefore, Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary is hereby instructed to report a bill to this House, providing effectually for the apprehension and delivery of fugitives from labor who have escaped, or may hereafter escape, from one State into another." Rules not suspended.—House Journal, 30 Cong. 3 Sess., 213; Cong. Globe, 30 Cong. 2 Sess., 188.
30. Legislative history of the Fugitive Slave Act. [Jan. 3 to Sept. 18, § [29.]]
1850, Jan. 3. Mr. Mason of Virginia gave notice of his intention to introduce a bill.—Cong. Globe, 99.
Jan. 4. Senate bill No. 23 introduced by Mason, read twice, ordered printed, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.—Senate Journal, 54; Globe, 103.