Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-08-17
tFor the Herald Of the Times. =.
Mr.. ATKINSON: :

For the Herald OF the Times.
Mr.. ATKINSON:
Sir wish small space in your pape for
the purpose Of addressing myself directly to
that portion of the Aboltionists, i'm this State,
who are ''in truth aud in very deed" .4boiiiion-
lists. ! am, myself, and from early manhood
have been, in all its varied forms, opposed to
slavery. The unceasng desire of my heart
has been to see the glad day that shall un-
manacle every human being, and proclaim to
the whole race Of Adam the joyful and thrill
ling sound-''you are redeemed ,regenerated,
and discnthralled." This cheering proclama-
ton has already been published to the op.
pressed African throughout the widespread
dominions ofthe mightest empire in the chris
tian world.-And az surely as the empire of
christianity is yet to become co-extensive
with earth's remetest boundaries, just SO sure.
ly shall that proclamation be heard in all the
habitations of men, especially throughout the
length and breadth of that land, over which is
unfurled for its protection, the ample folds of
the "star-spangled banDer." The event may
be retarded for n season-may he long delay
ed. The enemies of universal freedom may
not conspire alone, to keep back the long wish
ed for universal emancipation. The misgud-
ed friends,as well as the enemies in disguise,
OF the holy cause, may, and | seriously fear,
doing much to cripple and defeat the best
energies and well directed efforts Of those,
who are looking, with singleness of purpose,
to the diffusion Of universal freedom. This
should be the great, the paramount object
with every aboltionist. The present is q
season full Of interest, full Of deep RESPONSE
biity to the abolitonist of Rhode-Island!-
From one portion, at least, of this land of
Roger Williams, the abolitionists have been
hitherto excluded, and denied the privilege
Of free and full expression Of their senti-
menls upon the great question Of human
rights. But rejoice to know that pnblic
opinion, in relation to this matter, has been
and still is undergoing a wholesome and
radical change, and now, on the eve Of an
important election, men Of oil parties, even
the violent and unreasonable men Of all par
ties, have become moderate in their tcmpers,
and still more moderate in the expression Of
their opinions respecting abolitionsts. 1t is
from these and other considerations, have
been led to think that the present is period
Of deep responsibility to the aboltionists Of
Rhode Island. If a proper and Legitimate
use shall be made Of the circumstances by
which the Rhode Island abolitionists are sur
rounded, the cause will receive a mighty in
crease Of moral strength; but on the contrary.
! if our friends, the genuine friends ofthe cause,
should permit themselves 10 be misled; ifthey
permit their motives, and their actions a
body, to be misrepresented, as I know them
to be at present, then will our Society and
our cause become identified with political
purty-then shall we be directed and con-
trolled by political men, and then will aboli-
tionism in Rhode-lsland have consumed
itself, and passed away unpiticd to the grave.
Being conversant with oil the proceedings
Of our Society, as a Socicty,in Rhode Island,
avoid myself of this occasion to contradict
some Of the reports respecting us which have
recently been put in circulation, ] presume,
for political purposes. Much pains has been
taken to induce the Abolitionists in the coun-
try parts Of the State to believe, that the So
ciety ut their meeting recently held in Md
detown, on Rhode Island, agreed to support,
at the coming Congressional election, Thom-
as w. Dorr and Dutee J. Pearce, Esqrs.-
Now ] assert, without the fear Of contradic-
ton, that there was no such agreement or
even understanding entered into, or talked Of
at that meeting. for the truth Of my
declaration, appeal to A. A. Phelps, Esq. Of
Boston; Mr.. Secretary Chase, of Providence;
Hon. Peter Barker. and Deacon Philip Peck
ham Of MiddletowD; Richard and George e..
Shaw, Esqs. Of Newport.-All these gentle
men were present at that meeting, and Mr..
Phelps addressed the meeting several times,
and at large, upon all or most Of the great
questions usually discussed at our meetings.
How is it, then, aud why is il, that such un.
founded reports are put into circulation, and
by whom is this wickedness done? Mr..
Chase, ] believe, is Van Buren, man, and is
said to be in favor Of his Administrations
call on Mr.. Chase, then, 10 dissbuse the pub
llc mind in relation to this matter. call on
him to state the facts officially, so that the
public may know the truth as to what the So
cieiy has, or has not done, touching this mat
ter. deem il to be exceedingly injurious to
our cause for the public to suppose, for mo-
ment, that the Aboli'ionists, as a Society, or
otherwise, should have agreed to support Mr..
Pearce.-Bccsuse that gentleman is pledged
to support Van Buren,, who stands pledged
TO the country nsrer 10 sign amy biz that shall
provide, ~ any manner 'chaterer, for the me-