State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-08-23
ADDRESS.
TO THE FREEMEN OF THE STATE OF
VERMONT.


FELLOW CITIZENS:
= The day is at hand when YOU will be
called upon to decide one of the most i'm
portant questions represented to the con-
sderation of freemen. Sixty years have
elapsed since this nation sprang into exis-
tence, free and independent; and at no
period, since that time has the momentous
question been moie forcibly presented to
our minds-iShdH that freedom and indie
pendence be preserved?
The decision of this question, fellow
citizens, important as it is to yourselves, is
still more so TO your country, and to
posterity. 1t will carry with it evil
dence convincing to the world, that the
spirit of republican freedom still predom-
mates, and is destined to find permanent
resting place with the sons of the Green
Mountains, or it will tend to hasten the
downfall of civil liberty, aud to extinguisl,
forever, the last hope Of the patriot, that n
pure republic can exist on earth.
In the pending contest are involved,
therefore, interests of the highest magnitude
to the whole people. TO you the issue
is made Disreg nrding, then, mere party
considerations, let us inquire with the can
dor of freemen the position which princi-
pie and patriotism call us 10 maintain.
Duly approaching the important conse-
quences which might result from the de-
termination of the political campaign of
1886, both TO the state and the nation, the
antimnsonic state committee, exercising a
discretionary power entrusted to them, re-
solved to call convention of the people at
period considerably in advance of the
usual time. Upon this convention, in ad-
dition TO the customary business of nomina-
ting candidates for state officers, was de-
volved the delicate, and highly responsible
duty of selecting suitable persons to be
presented TO the consideration of the people
of Vermont, as candidates for the two high
est offices in the national government. 1t
was not unknown that diversity of opin-
ion existed amongst the antmasons in this,
us well as in other states, in regard to the
next presidency. Whilst some had indica-
ted preference for one or another of the
candidates then in the field under aus
pices of different and opposing parties, 9th
ers waited for the notion of contempla
ted national convention. A greater portion,
however, looked forward to the assembling
Of our own state convention ms being, I'M
der all the existing circumstances the most
proper tribunal, into whose hands 10 COM
NIT the decision of this important ques-
ton.
Such, il is believed were the feelings and
sentiments of the people in relation not only
to the individuals who might be selected as
candidates, but also in relation TO the man.
ner in which the selection should he made.
1t was, then, under the influence of views
somewhat unsettled, that the freemen met
in their respective towns and elected their
delegates to the convention; but the great
mass of those elected had been long and
'honorably known 10 their constituents, and
to their fellow citizens generally, MS veteran
antimasons, sound practical republicans,
honest and iudicious men.
Such, fellow citizens, were the auspices,
such the responsibilities under which the
last nntinasonic state convention assembled
at Montpelier. All parts of the state, the
remote county of Grand Isle only excepted,
were ably and faithfully represented. The
delegates came, as heretofore antimasons
have been wont TO come, from the midst of
the people, with correct knowledge of
their long cherished principles, and stead
fast determination to maintain them.
In deliberative body. numbering near
two hundred members, assembled under
such circumstances, however patriotic or
intelligent they might be, perfect unaninity
of feeling and action was not to be eXpec-
ted and when il is considered that little
had been done, previously TO the meeting
of the convention, to concentrate public
opinion, it is matter equally of surprise and
congratulation, that SO much harmony did
actually prevail. On reference to the pub.
lished proceedings it will he perceived that
the nominations for Governor, Lieutenant
Governor and Treasurer were unani-
nous; and Notwithstanding the embarras-
ments which attended the nomination of u
candidate for President, yet majority OF
more than two thirds sanctioned that nom-
nation; while the selection of the can
didate for Vice President WAS made with
entire unanimity.
Having completed their nominations, the
convention resolved to spread before the
freemen, through committee appointed
for that purpose, some of the reasons which
operated to produce result at once au-
spicious to our cause, and truly fortunate
for the interests Of the country and it is
in pursuance of this resolution that we now
address you.
1t is deemed proper and necessary to re-
cur for moment to the first principles on
which the antimasonic party was or
ganized. The history Of the Inflated man
whose abduction and murder brought Anti
masonry into existence, together with the
judicial proceedings which grew out OF
that transaction, have become Familiarity I'M
derstood, and tho repetition of facts now
incorporated with the history of the age, is
not deemed 10 be important; but the great
and leading principles upon which the anti
masonic party was organized, are important
as civil liberty itself, and such as every true
republican must ever maintain. The broad
ground on which antimasonry is bnsed, is
briefly, hut empha,ically stated in tho call
| 10 the first atimasonic state convention in