And so the South began to call loudly and fiercely for the suppression of a movement calculated to incite the slaves to insubordination and rebellion.

This demand of the South had its influence at the North.

Such newspapers as the _National Intelligencer,_ and the Boston _Courier_ suggested amendments to the laws whereby the publication of incendiary writings in the free States might be prohibited.

The latter journal allowed that under the criminal code of Massachusetts "every man has a right to advocate Abolition, or conspiracy, or murder; for he may do all these without breaking our laws, although in any Southern State public justice and public safety would require his punishment." "But," the editor goes on to remark, "if we have no laws upon the subject, it is because the exigency was not anticipated....

Penal statutes against treasonable and seditious publications are necessary in all communities.