TODAY IN HISTORY: The Fugitive Slave Act

Congress, in its infinite wisdom, often makes bad law. Today is a reminder of that fundamental truth.

When: On September 18, 1890, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, which allowed slave owners to reclaim slaves who had escaped to other states.

Why: The Fugitive Slave Act was part of a larger "Compromise of 1850," intended to settle the question of extending slavery into new territories and avoid breaking apart the Union. (Guess what? It didn't work.)

What: Under the law, aid to escaping...