The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-06-08
MONTPELIER, VERMONT, JUNE 8, 1899.

portant measures of our Association, Notwlth-
standing the opposition thus created, the Society,
at its annual meeting, renewed its testimony, IN
the following resolution
Resolved, That this Society still holds, as it
has from The beginning, that the employment Of
the political franchise established by the const-
tuition and laws of the country so as to promise
the abolition of slavery, is of high obligation--a
duty, which, as abolitionists owe to our cnslav-
ed fellow-countrymen, groaning under legal op-
preston"
In the spirit of this resolution, the Executive
Committee intend to conduct the affairs entrusted
to them, AS an Anti-Slavery Society, intoxicating
on all citizens who have the elective franchise
the duty of conscienously employing that power
in behalf Of the oppressed, care bound in honor
to Iscognize the duty of allegiance and support to
that government to which the slave must look for
protection and redress. We have no controversy
as aboitoniss, with any creed, sect or party, fur
Their than it contravenes the principles or throws
itself in the way of the constitutional and necessa-
ry measures of our Society. We cherish none
but the kindest feelings towards our brethren who
differ from the Society on this matter. Buta SOL
emn sense of duty to the slave, outweghing all
personal considerations, constrans US to declare
that the doctrines referred to have no affinity to
the principles of the Anti-Savery Society, and
are in no sense part of the Abolition movements,
and should therefore not be permitted to influence
its measures. Abotonists are associated for
single object to change the Ciuu Social and
Moral Condition of the Colored People. We be-
lieve this can be brought about without destroying
existing organizations, in the state in the churth
There is no Statesman of any political creed-no
Religionist of any sect-who may not consistent
ly give us his aid. 1t shall be our aim, them from
whatever quarter extraneous ojects Of reforma-
ton come, to resist their incorporation with Anti
Slavery; and to prosecute that, singly and alone,
according to our constitution, by such means as
promise most efficiency.
RELATIONS WITH STATE AUxILIARIEs,
The American Anti-Slavery is originally an ell
ementary not a representative body. Its constitu-
ent elements are the Anti-Slavery people, and
it's appropriate field of labor is the public mind, of
the whole country. Since State Societies have
been formed, and some of them have become strong
and enterprising, difficulty has arisen in estab-
fishing plans of harmonious action of these with
the Parent Society on the same field. The ar
engagements projected last year was not satisacto-
nv in its results, and has not been renewed. The
following resolution is the result Of the delibera-
tons at the tate annual meetings
/. Resolved, That the Executive Committee are
earnestly invited, for the sake Of securing the adj
4
or employ any agents in State, within which
State Society exists, without the assent of such
Society,"" FIJI
The advisory form othis vote entities ii to no less
respectful regard by this Committee; and we shall
endeavor to carry on tho operations Of the Soce
| ty with an earnest desire to promote harmony Of
action, so far as it can be done consistently with
the highest efficiency, Cherishing the utmost re-
spect for our beloved fellow-aborers connected
with auxiliary societies, we hope 10 "help one an
other" in fastening our cause 10 its final triumph.
But as we can never assume any control over the
charities of others, we think it inexpedient to en-
ter into any arrangement which will authorize
another board or society to control the American
Anti-Savery Society, according TO its constitution,
or hinder societies or individuals from contributing
of their own free will directly to our treasury.
We therefore solicit our friends to give either in
dvduay or by societies, according to their ability
and their conviction of the claims of the cause.
The accounts of donations will continue to be kept
by States, as heretofore, that it may be seen how
much the abolitionists of each State contribute to
the common treasury. But donations made direct
y to this Society will not be credited to any 9TH
er Society, unless by the will of the donors, And
we expect to make such arrangements with the
State Auxaries, in regard to the services of
agents, as will be mutually satisfactory. The
following extract OF letter, written subsequent to
the annual meeting, will show that the views of
the Committee are not unsustaned by the opin-
ions Of tried friends OF the cause:
SATURDAY EVENING, May II, 1889.
-" James G. Birney:
"My Dear Whether the existence be
for good or evil the State Anti-Slavery organiza-
tons will continue to exist. Let them exist in
peace, which they will not, if the Parent Society
sends its agents into state against the wishes of
the State Society therein.
"Now, for the sake of peace--and it surely will
not be a peace purchased at the sacrifice of prin-
ciple-let the Elk. Com. take the ground, that they
will send no agent into any State against the will
of State Society therein. Let them address
letter to each State Society saying that they have
taken this ground, and asking what sums they
may expect to receive from the State Society in
the course of the ensuing year--no pledges. Let
them inform each State Society Of their need OF
money. You want $4,000 more to increase the
circulation of Yields slavery-kilIing book. 10,-
900 copies of the Emancipator should be printed.
Let the Committee address letters to abotionists
in every part of the free States stating that they
want great sums Of money, and for what they want
them Now. if the Parent Sorietv connot IN