Jan. 16. Bill reported favorably by Butler from the committee, ordered printed, and made a special order for Jan. 23.—Senate Journal, 88; Globe, 171; Senate Reports, I. No. 12.
Jan. 22. Debate begun. Mason offered an amendment which made the fine for any obstruction of the workings of the act one thousand dollars, and refused to allow the testimony of a fugitive.—Globe, 210.
Jan. 23, 24. Bill taken up and debated.—Senate Journal, 104, 110; Globe, 220, 228; Globe App. 79, 83.
Jan. 28. Seward presented an amendment, which allowed the right of trial by jury, and punished judges who should disallow the writ of habeas corpus.—Senate Journal, 117; Globe, 233-237.
Jan. 29. Clay introduced, as a part of his compromise resolutions, a declaration that a more effective fugitive slave act should be passed.—Senate Journal, 118; Globe, 247.
Jan. 31. Mason offered a substitute for the bill already before the Senate. It was laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.—Globe, 270.
June 3. Webster brought in an amendatory bill.—Senate Journal, 370; Globe, 1111.
Aug. 15. The debate was again opened, and made the special order for Aug. 19—Senate Journal, 560; Globe, 1588.
Aug. 19. Mason offered as an amendment a substitute for the bill already before the Senate.—Senate Journal, 564; Globe, 1605; Globe App., 1582.
Dayton brought in an amendment which gave trial by jury. This was rejected.—Senate Journal, 564; Globe App., 564.