Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-09-11
For the Waterman and journal.

/
animal meeting on the 4th inst, observing that
the Society was organized on the god day of
| November last, and contains 81 members, 90
| gentlemen, and 81 ladies'. Tho Rev. K.ah
! Bayley, President Of the society, presided
| The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev.
| Mr. Underwood Of Maine who also addressed
the meeting in very interesting manner, plea.
ding the cause Of the trodden down slave with
thrilling effect.
The Report was read, accepted, and ordered
10 be forwarded for publication with the other
proceedings. Several appropriate hymns were
sung, and after the election Of officers, the fol-
loving resolutions, introduced by the Presi-
dent, were adopted, viz;
Resolved, That tho principles advocated by
abolilionists, are the genuine principles Of Dc.
mocracy, and that those who sustain these
principles are the best friends Of our republican
institutions.
Resolved, That the people Of this state have
q natural and inaenabe right 10 assemble and
discuss in peaceabIo manner, any and every
subject affecting their social, civil, or religious
interests and that no power on earth has any
right TO hinder them from go doing.
Resolved, That the right TO petition Congross
is sacred right, secured in the Constitution
and that Congress cannot impair this right
without violating the Constitution, under which
they act, and which they arc soemnly bound
TO support.
Resolved, That slavery, not abolition, ia I'M
dcrmning, and will destroy our national con-
sti,ntion, liberties, and the union Of the States
unless speedily abolished.
Resolved, That Northern frcemen will not
give up their birth.riehts TO coaciate the ia.
vor, or TO avert the displtasurc of shareholders
in Louisiana, Algiers or any other slave State
Resolved, That the divine command to Re.
member those that arc in bonds, as bound with
them,' does require ministers & christians 10
pray for our fellow men, thar are held in the
vilest slavery.
Resolved, That the people in the free states
have as good a right TO interfere with the do
nestle slavery Of the South, as the temperance
society have TO interpose with domestic drum
kenness, or Missionary Societies with the do.
nestle idolairy Of the heather.
Resolved, That pledges given 10 counter
ance and uphold Southern slavery by Office hol.
ders, or aristocratc merchants in our large CT
ties, evnce hostility to our republican institu.
tons, a willingness TO sacrifice the rights of
| the free states, and a meannoss Of spirit dis
| graceful 10 our Republic.
Resolved, That the federal constitution gives
Congress no power 10 extend our territory by
receiving into our connexion any portion Of
foreign territory; and that every friend TO our
chartered rights ought TO resist all such usur-
pntions Of power, and by all lawful means to
oppose the admission of Texas into a union
with these States.
Resolved, That slaves have an unalienable
right TO petition Congress for redress of inur-
les, and that the resolution OF Congress deny
ing that right is an outrage upon humanity
more becoming the Divan of horde of barba-
rians than the representatives OF free people,
Resolved, That the Hon John Quincy Adj
ans and the Hon. William Slade deserve well
OF their country, for sus aiming, with such firm.
ness, the national and constitutional right of
slaves as well as freemen 10 petition Congress
| for redress Of grievances.
| The following resolution introduced by Ira
| Atkins, Esq, was also adopted, viz:
Resolved, That we depore the existence OF
! so prominent an article in the creed Of our ma
tional freedom, as that which makes one man
free to cnslavc the body and soul of another
a freedom coveted by all lyrans and despols,
and practised by none else.
The following resolution, offered by Thomas
! Tolman, ESQ.,, an officer OF the Revolution, was
likewise adopted, viz:
Resolved, That in future, after sixty years
of apostacy and perjury, it is sacrilegc, hypoc-
risy and shame TO celebrate the honors of this
day, July 4th) while slave Of any color re-
mains on the soil of the nation.
First Report Of The Hard,eick .qniislauery Soci.
ETY..
Friends and Fellow Citizens:
OF one blood hath God made all nations O
men," From one married pair have they al
descended. They are recognized by their Gre
ator and redeemor as one brotherhood; and b,
Him arc they placed under one universal law
which is, Thou shall love thy neghbor as thy.
self. brief but perfect exposition Of this law
was given by the Great Law Giver himself, in
these memorable words, GAN things whatso
ever ye would that men should do unto you, de
yc even SO TO them" Of this law, the wholt
system Of slavery in this country is one contn
ned, and tiagrant, and outrageous violation.
What is slavery? Let us take lie definition
from the laws OF sla ve-holding states. Slaves
shall be deemed, taken, held, and adiudged {,
be goods, chattols, toHah inlents and purposes
whatsoever Thus, (says the Boston Recor
der, commenting on this law Slavery is TIT
legal changing n man into a thing 10 b.
bought, sold, and used Tor the benefit Of anoth
er. Ii is breaking down the distinction origin
ally created between man, who was made no
bic, erect, in the image Of God, and The inferi
or animals and inanimate things. 1t is dcpri
wing man, not only ofinvaluablo rights, but O
himself, and all that appertains TO him. Ant
IN accordance TO this principle, the slave law
proceed 10 declare, that slave can neither b.
any thing, do any thing nor possess any thine
separate from his master. His right TO hinl.
self, body and soul, is transferred to another
lie has no right TO seek his own happiness
He has no interest He iJ u mere appendau
to his master. He cannot even possess hi
own wife and children. They are held at In
absolute disposal of his master. And when
ever his interest, or caprice, requires it, the
are taken from his embrace, and driven 10 mar
ket." Such is slavery. Such 10 the legal con
dition OF the American slave and this condi
tion OF the slave is legally perpetual To thi
inheritance, by the provisions of law, his chill
dren are born, and his grand children 10 D