express provision of the Constitution, cannot, with fidelity
thereto, be repealed nor so changed as to destroy or impair its
efficiency." When this was read, the convention broke out in
uproarious applause. Then there was a demand that it should be
read again. Again there was loud applause.

Why was there this demand that a law which every one knew had
proved a complete failure should be made a permanent part of the
Constitution? And why the ungovernable hilarity over the demand
that its "efficiency" should never be impaired? Surely the motive
was something other than a desire to recover lost property. Upon
the Whig party had been fastened the odium for the enactment of
the law, and the act unrepealed meant the death of the party. The
Democrats saw good reason for laughter.



CHAPTER VIII. THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Wherever there are slaves there are fugitives if there is an
available place of refuge. The wilds of Florida were such a
refuge during the early part of last century. When the Northern
States became free, fugitive slaves began to escape thither, and
Canada, when it could be reached, was, of course, the goal of
perfect security and liberty for all.

A professed object of the early anti-slavery societies was to
prevent the enslavement of free negroes and in other ways to
protect their rights. During the process of emancipation in
Northern States large numbers of colored persons were spirited