Congress – Recapture of Fugitive Slaves

January  18, 1850

Notice of Mr. Mason’s bill, providing ‘for the more effective execution of the third clause of the second section of the fourth article of the Constitution of the United States,’ is as follows:  (then follows the content of the bill), then this:  “Mr. Mason has given notice that he intends to prosecute the consideration of this bill, and has desired the Judiciary Committee to report it back as soon as convenient, for the action of the Senate. It is a deliberate movement to arrest the proceedings of the fugitive slave conspiracies and underground railroads in the North, for running off, harboring and aiding in the escape of the slaves of the South from their masters. It is clearly a measure based upon the Constitution, and will test the good faith of the North to that instrument.”