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Story
February 18, 1837
The Liberator
Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
What is this article about?
Article discusses a bill introduced in the New York Assembly by Mr. Shepard to abolish slavery in the state, which was not printed. Includes bill text and commentary on its implications for Southern interests. Also mentions rejection of an abolition-related petition for suffrage and jury trials for people of color.
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Full Text
SLAVERY IN NEW-YORK.
Annexed is a copy of the bill introduced into the New York Assembly, by Mr. Shepard of Genessee, which that body refused to order printed:
§ 1. No person shall hereafter be held to service or labor, as a slave, or as the child of a slave, within this State; every person now held to such service or labor, within this State, is hereby discharged therefrom, and is henceforth free.
Every person born, or who shall hereafter be born within this State, is, and shall be free; and every person held to service or labor as a slave, or as the child of a slave, who shall be imported, introduced or brought into this State, under any pretence whatever, shall be free.
§ 2. So much of the Revised Statutes of this State, as is inconsistent with the intent and meaning of the preceding section, is hereby repealed.
So far as this bill is designed to affect our own citizens merely, we see nothing objectionable in it. If there is any remnant of slavery remaining in this State, by all means let it be abolished. But if we mistake not, there are ulterior objects embraced in the bill, designed to affect the interests of the South. It was probably intended, among other things, to facilitate the labors of the New York Runaway Society. It would also prevent any Southern family visiting the North, from bringing a servant with them.
As the Legislature of New York do not claim to make laws for the South, especially in a matter so carefully guarded by the Constitution, they very properly denied to this bill the courtesy extended to most others.-N. Y. Journal of Com.
It will be seen from the report of legislative proceedings which we publish to day, that the Assembly on Saturday were favored with a small touch of Abolition. Not exactly so,-but as the petition came from an Abolition quarter, and was understood to be connected with Abolition movements, it was not even referred to a Committee, but forthwith rejected. The petition asked for the extension of the right of suffrage to people of color, and for the trial by jury of persons of color claimed as slaves. Also for the repeal of certain laws, which, it says, sanction slavery in this State. How odious every overture for the benefit of the blacks has been rendered by the misguided efforts of the abolitionists!-Ib.
Annexed is a copy of the bill introduced into the New York Assembly, by Mr. Shepard of Genessee, which that body refused to order printed:
§ 1. No person shall hereafter be held to service or labor, as a slave, or as the child of a slave, within this State; every person now held to such service or labor, within this State, is hereby discharged therefrom, and is henceforth free.
Every person born, or who shall hereafter be born within this State, is, and shall be free; and every person held to service or labor as a slave, or as the child of a slave, who shall be imported, introduced or brought into this State, under any pretence whatever, shall be free.
§ 2. So much of the Revised Statutes of this State, as is inconsistent with the intent and meaning of the preceding section, is hereby repealed.
So far as this bill is designed to affect our own citizens merely, we see nothing objectionable in it. If there is any remnant of slavery remaining in this State, by all means let it be abolished. But if we mistake not, there are ulterior objects embraced in the bill, designed to affect the interests of the South. It was probably intended, among other things, to facilitate the labors of the New York Runaway Society. It would also prevent any Southern family visiting the North, from bringing a servant with them.
As the Legislature of New York do not claim to make laws for the South, especially in a matter so carefully guarded by the Constitution, they very properly denied to this bill the courtesy extended to most others.-N. Y. Journal of Com.
It will be seen from the report of legislative proceedings which we publish to day, that the Assembly on Saturday were favored with a small touch of Abolition. Not exactly so,-but as the petition came from an Abolition quarter, and was understood to be connected with Abolition movements, it was not even referred to a Committee, but forthwith rejected. The petition asked for the extension of the right of suffrage to people of color, and for the trial by jury of persons of color claimed as slaves. Also for the repeal of certain laws, which, it says, sanction slavery in this State. How odious every overture for the benefit of the blacks has been rendered by the misguided efforts of the abolitionists!-Ib.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Slavery Abolition
New York Assembly
Anti Slavery Bill
Abolition Petition
Suffrage For People Of Color
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Shepard
Where did it happen?
New York
Story Details
Key Persons
Mr. Shepard
Location
New York
Story Details
Bill introduced by Mr. Shepard to abolish slavery in New York, freeing all current and future slaves and prohibiting importation; refused printing due to implications for Southern interests. Separate abolition petition for suffrage, jury trials, and repeal of slavery laws rejected outright.