Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1840-04-28
MECHANICS, MEETING.

u'9udhl 10 previous notice, q large
number ofthe Mechanics of Columbus
assembled on Friday evening the 18th
instant, In the upper room of the bull
ding, occupied by Mr.. Spears, Market
street, to deliberate upon some plan
Tor the better protection of their own
interests.
On motion, RoBT. BLAKELY Esq.
was called to the Chair, and SAM'L.
DAVIS appointed Secretary. The OBJ
Ject of the meeting was then fully ex-
planned, and the following Resolutions
adopted:
On motion of VIM. d. CHAPMAN,
Esq.,-That none but those who are
known to the citizens oil this commu-
NIFTY as Mechanics, be alloMed to take
part in-the proceedings of this meeting
land that none but mechanics shall
vote on this resolution:
On motion of G.. s. AKIN, Esq,
That committee Of II be appointed
by the Chair, TO report Preamble and
ReSotataoBS to an adjourned meeting:
Whereupon, the CHAIR appointed
VIM. d. CHAPMAN, G.. S. AKIN,
NEEL BARTEE, SAM. RoHRER, f.
b. DRAKE, GEO. STILLMAN, J. N.
SPEARS, JOHN CRUsoE, HARDY
STEVENS, A. R.WoLFlNGToN, HAIR
RIsoN JOHNSTON, and ELIHU GAS
TON, Esqrs. said committee; and on
motion, the Chairman was added to
the same.
The meeting then adjourned to meet
on Friday evening, the 24th.
FRIDAY EVENING APRIL 24.
The meeting assembled according
to adjournment, when the committee
were called upon to make their report,
and in the absence of Mr.. CHAPMAN,
Chairman, +. B. DRAKE was appoin-
ted in his stead, who presented the
following, for the consideration of the
meeting, which was unanimously adop-
ted.
WHEREAS, amidst the general con-
fusion that prevails throughout the
country at the present time, bearing
down with an immense pressure every
interest, none it is believed, has been
more affected than the interest of the
Mechanic, who now finds himself, if
not thrown entirely out of e mploy-
ment, compelled to labour for RATES
greatly below the common average,
affixed as the INTRINSIC value of other
products, and especially those of daily
and necessary consumption.
And whereas, the Mechanic not
being a producer from the soil, but
dependent upon the sale Of his rares,
or labor for his daily Bread, and for
the necessaries and luxuries of life,
which according to the custom and
laws aftrade, have first to be exchang-
ed for medium, called money, as a
representative Of the value thereof,
Therefore, RcsolUed, That a sound
circulating medium, is all-important to
his interest
Cd. ResolUed, That without such a
medium, the interest of the Mechanic
must anguish, and he be subjected to
great losses and Inconvenience by
reason thereof.
3, Resolccd, That for the last four
or five years, the currency of the coun-
try has been, and now is, so fuctua-
ting and precarious, and so contracted
wilhal, as not TO answer the purposes
of currency.
4, ResolCed, That whatever be the
cause ofthis unsettled state of the cur
rency, the same should be removed as
speedily as possible.
S, Resolred, That the discussion Of
all topics Of whatever character, is e.
| quafly within the sphere ofthe Mechar
ic as with other Classes-and that gen.
eral information, whether mechanical
scientific, Political, or Theological, i:
all important to him, to act his part pre-
perly on the Great theatre Of life.
6, Resolved, That in view Of the
foregoing--and for the more especia
purpose of fostering and protecting tn,
Interests and general welfare of Me
chanics. We recommend the form a
ton of an Associationto be called eth
Mechanics Association of Columbus
for the acquisition ofuseful knowledge
and for the promotion of the interes
of Mechanics.
7, RESOLVED, That from and afte
this date, we will not receive in pay
ment for work and labor done, or 70
manufactures any bank issues or cul
rency except it be made equal TO goo
funds: Provided, that the same ma
be optional whether or not it shall ez
tend to contracts heretofore entered il
to. And that we cordially invite III
, corporation of the public generally
: behalf of the same.
8, ResolUed, That Committee
twelve, be appointed by the chair
: draft a suitable Constitution and b
: Laws for the government of the assoc
alton, to be presented for consider
ton at the next meeting: Whereupc
the chairman appointed the followir
gentlemen said committee namely