Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-09-03


In reference 10 the disregard of con-
sequences. which the abolitionists pro-
less in performing what is rigAf, MIR.
SPrague could not conceive how a re-
gard to consequences. in n subject Of
this importance, could avoid entering
into the very essence Of right. II they
really entertained this notion, why Gid
they not carry 1t fully into practices-
Why do they not go to the South and
preach their doctrines? Why, from a
regard to the consequence; their lives,
perhaps. would be in imminent peril.
and the loss Of life is a consequence
for which, even in following the
strict line Of duty. they exhibit a due
regard. He thought the true under
standing Of this doctrine was, that the
abolitionists dlsregarded the consequent
ces that might result from their conduct
to other people-but were sufficiently
sensitive IN reference to those conse-
quences that affected themselves. This
position--tbis profession of disregard
to consequcnccs-was false position
one that could be in no wise sustained.
With reference to the opprobrious
language used by the abolitionists TO-
wards the holders, stigmatisine
them as robbers and murderers. men
with whom We should hold no COM
munion, MIR. Sprague pronounced il TO
be hbellous and slanderous. The time
was when such language could not have
been brcathed in this community. Go
back to That period when our fathers
first proclaimed resistance to that au.
tbonty which claimed the RICH: to bind
the colonies in all cases whatsoever.
when Massachusetts stood alone, breast
ing the torrent Of British power.
and when our gallant brethren OF the
South came generously to her assist.
ance-what was then thought of COM
munion with shareholders, When the
streets OF Boston, and the fields of Lex
ington and Concord were flowing with
the blood Of our citizens. split by the
myrmidons OF Great Britain-when
that man, stakeholder, turning to the
full length painting Of Washington.
which forms the most valuable decora-
tion OF old Faneuil,) when that slave
holder, who there smiles upon this au-
dience. with the shareholders under his
command, united in driving the enemy
from our streets, and from .his hall.
our fathers surely thought il no re-
proach to hold communion with him
and with them
We cannot follow Mr.. Spraoue
throughout in his spirited remarks
They were received with an ardent
and general applause. II is enough to
say that he fully sustained within the
walls Of old Faneuil the high reputa-
ton for chaste, sincere and fervent elo-
quence that he brought with him from
the floor Of the Senate.
The meeting was closed with a speech
from the Hon. HARRlsoN GRAY OrIs.
full OF sound and striking views of the
constitutional questions involved in the
great subject under consideration, with
strong and spirited, though not bitter
denunciation Of the agitators and abo-
litionists. On rising to speak. he was
received with the most hearty accla-
nation. The voice which had swayed
the stormy debates of that hall in past
Vic sdIilc respectful
attention, elected the same enthusiastic
admiration, which graceful rhetoric.
an impressive eloquence, and a con-
v'ncing power Of argument, never fail
to awaken IN an audience like that of
yesterday.
We should apologize to the speakers
on this occasion for the publication of
these hurried and most imperfect
sketches Of their remarks, sent al late
hour to the press, and of course mac
curaieiy gwen. Our apology must be
found IN the great interest excited by
the meeting, and our desire to furnish
the earliest intelligence of its proceed
ings to our own citizens, and the citi-
zens of the South. We shall present
full report Of the speeches at an early
day.
The resolutions were unanimously
adopted.