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tion of slavery at the foundation of the Government, as
shewn by the extract recited; the constant recognition, in
the States, of our right of properly in that population, and
the tender solicitude ever exhibited upon this subject, your
committee venture to suggest the assumption that New
York and Virginia are "States so closely connected by
friendship and good neighborhood, as to authorise and re-
quire this matter to be carried further" than the limits as-
signed to nations more widely separated by distance —
more foreign in interest and sympathy — and to claim the
application of the above qualification to the present con-
troversy, as presenting a case of at least "ordinary trans-
gression, the subject of civil prosecution, either with a
view to the recovery of damages, or the infliction of pun-
ishment. "
Your committee deem it inexpedient to recommend any
course of action to the State of Virginia; more especially
as she does not indicate the character of the measures
contemplated by herself. It is presumed, however, that
all the States will countenance any necessary and proper
measure of redress which she may be forced to adopt. It
is confidently hoped that an amicable adjustment of this
difference may be effected by expressions of opinion by
the other States. New York and Virginia must be too
sensible of the value of the union, to risk any thing on
which its permanence may depend. A regard for their
own interests, as well as a becoming respect for the judg-
ment of their sister States, will induce them to reason the
matter dispassionately, so as to arrive, in a friendly way,
at an honorable and just conclusion of a controversy which
the people take no pleasure in witnessing.
The committee respectfully recommend the adoption of
the following resolutions, as expressive of the opinions of
the Legislature of Maryland on this subject:
Resolved unanimously by the General Assembly of Ma-
ryland, That it is the exclusive right of each State in this
Union to define, for itself, what is felony or crime, within
the meaning of the constitution of the United States, and
to determine the manner of furnishing violations of its own
laws; and that when a person, who is charged in any State
with the commission of an act, which, by the laws of that
State, is felonious or criminal, absconds from justice, and
flies to another State, it is the duty of the authorities of
that State to surrender him for trial, on the demand of the
State where the offence was committed.
Resolved unanimously, That, if a negro slave be stolen
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