The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-08-01

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not carry out the principle, and apply il
TO other classes of men, if they believe its
Justice in reference 10 the African descen-
dant.
J. During the whole period of the history Of
the settlement of this continent by the
whites, the law in more or less of the
states, and in one feature or another has
Recognized the right OF one set of religious
professors 10 lord it over the consciences
of another set, to punish them for non-con-
formity or 10 subject them 10 pecunlary
tribute. Not only so, but we have con.
stantIy had a class of persons striving 10
extend the range of this religious tyranny
and it is to the efforts ofthis class that the
recent mobs are in great measure at;rlb-
utable.
Though freedom of speech has been lin
general guaranteed by law, it has not
been maintained in practice. For the
last ten years the abolitionists have been
subject TO mob violence in three fourshs
of the Union for the simple expression of
their opinions. This violence has been
wnked at, or indirect y approved, by a
large portion of the men in authority, as
well as of the political and religious lea.
ders of the people.
Coming more directly 10 the city OF
Philadel phia we find that about the year
1887 few coored and white boys at a
scene of amusement called the flying
horses" got into quarrel in which the
white boys, who were probably the ag-
gressors, were worsted. They sailed
forth and collected mob of men and boys
with whom they made an iudlscrimnate
assault on the colored people of Southwark
and Moyamensing who had given them
no provocation. They lore down some
houses, ransacked others, destroyed furni.
|ture, bea. women and children and killed
an inofensive man who was TOO i'll TO es,
cape by flight.
A large portion of the community sa nc
toned this horrible crime on the prelext
that the colored people must be taught
to know their places the public authori
ties winked at it. aud the rioters aud
murders were never even brought 10 tri.
al.
1t was previous 20 this last occurrence
we believe that public meeting had been
held in the Musical Fund Hall, to inUm-
date abolitionisls, at which meeting the
present member of Congress from the
city declared that the people Of the North
had no right to discuss the subject of slave
ry:-and also previously lhata mob meet
ing headed by prominent politicians from
that day to this, sent deputation and
seized on the wharf box of abolition
tracts and threw them into the river, some
handkefchiefs which were in the box being
stolen and carried off by portion of the
patriotic mob. The perpetrators of this
outrage were never prosecuted.
In May, 1888, the celebrated burning
Ct the Psnnsy lvania Hall took place af-
ter it had peen delivered into the hands of
the Mayor, under solemn promise Of
proteclion-a promise which he did not
even attempt to keep, by any thing like the
appearance of efficient means. This burn
ing was paIiated by clergymen and 9TH
ers in public speeches. 1t was applauded
by large portion of the merchants ofthe
city. One went so far as 10 issue his card
or advertisement, with picture on il Of
Pennsylvania Hall in flames, thinking
thereby to conciliate the saveholdi1g mer-
chants of the South. Although some of
he rioters were known, and two or three
indicted, the Attorney General never brot'
them to trial. To the claim of the propri
etors for compensation, the County Com
missioners opposed an obstinate resistance
in consequence of which they have not
yet been paid at the end OF six years: and
they have prospect when paid OF eceiv-
ing but half their real loss.
Some two or three years after the burn.
ing of the Hall, a mob in Kensington tore
up the railroad, and burned house be-
longing 10 the president of the company.
II is an instructive fact that this man had
been among those who applauded and
justified the burning of the Hall. 1t was
not long ere he experienced the vertical
lion of the Scripture maxim, that the
measure we mete unto others shall be mea-
sured 10 you again. Two of these rail-
road rioters were convicted, but pardoned
by the Governor after few days impris-
onment. AS TO the mass of them hardly
an effort was made to bring them to jus.
tice.
In 1912, colored procession walking
peaceably along the streets was assailed
and dispersed by mob. The colored
people we're pursued every where with
savage ferocily, The Mayor and Police
being called on 10 suppress the riot, instead
Of arresting the rioters arrested those who
were attacked. The mob thus encouraged
proceeded to the burning OF Smiths Hall,
and the African Presbyterian Church.
Although the mayor had soasonable notice
of the Intent to burn the church, he had
scarcely any portion of his force on the
pround and none nj if I'VE believe stationed