It is a fact full of meaning, that no sooner did the democratic slavery party come into power, than a system of legislation was presented to the legislatures of the northern states, designed to put the states in harmony with the fugitive slave law, and the malignant bearing of the national government toward the colored inhabitants of the country.

This whole movement on the part of the states, bears the evidence of having one origin, emanating from one head, and urged forward by one power.

It was simultaneous, uniform, and general, and looked to one end.

It was intended to put thorns under feet already bleeding; to crush a people already bowed down; to enslave a people already but half free; in a word, it was intended to discourage, dishearten, and drive the free colored people out of the country.

In looking at the recent black law of Illinois, one is struck dumb with its enormity.