Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-06-21
TWEEN TY-EIGHTH co n q K Els )
FIRST SESSION.
IN SENATE.

Mr.. WHITE, Of Indiana, presented heinon-
st,once of the Society of Friends of Indiana
Yearly Meeting, by their Meeting tor Suiicrlngs'
a,ainst tho annexation of Texas.
Mr.. White rose and said, he held in his hand
tho memorial of meeting OF tho society OF
Friends convened from the States of Indiana and
Illinois, and the western part OF OHIO, at Rich
rnond demonstrating against tho annexation OF
Toxas to the United States. Tho principal
grounds aledged by the mcmorasts for this re-
nonstrance, were, that such annexation would
have the effect of uphoIding, continuing, and cx-
tending tho system of slavery, and of involving
this country in an un Just war with friendly ma
ton now ut peace with us. The memorialists, in
n letter accompanying their remonstrancc, add
yiscd him that tho sentiments and language they
uttered on this occasion, wcre tho sentiments and
language Of tho large body of their society," CON
sistng of not loss than $4,000, distinct from a
small body which had separated themselves from
the main body of Quakcrs. and united with abo-
litionists. And he (Mr. W. would himself un-
dertake to say, that they had not only spoken the
virtuous sentiments Of $4,000 Quakcrs, but of a
worry largo portion Of the intelligence and respect
ability of tho West. He would go further, and
undertake to say, that, within less than eighteen
months from this time, these Will be the uni
vcrsal sentiments Of very largo minority
of tho citizens of tho United States
This portion of tho American people had only
spoken in advance Of what will be tho prevailing
opinion every where in loss than twelve months.
Tho annexation of Texas will be dead qucs-
ton within that period. IIo took pride in
being selected as tho organ OF presenting this me-
mortal and romonstrance, because they camc from
a body of mon who, while thcy possessed moro
than ordinary intelligence and enterprise, were
noted for exemplary prudence, integrity of char
actcr, and sobriety of cOnduct-a body possess
ing and practising all those virtues of social life,
which bost qualified, if he might say, to
th~ 81,
They stand up for what they vigorously believe
to be right, whether popular unpopular; for
principles based on virtuc-for good government
the friends of order, of tho laws, and of rei-
gion. They had doubtless, errors in their tencts
one of which, in his judgment, was that of non
resistance in the present condition of the world :;
but oven in this may they not be only in advance
of thoir age and generation; Tor VINO uit nor see
in the advanced march of civilization, the germs
Of universal peace and Christian brother hood,
which in all human probability, must, at no dis
tant period porvade all nations In tho present
condition of the world, he could not, however, APP
provo of tho tenet which they held of refusing to
perform military duty but the ohstinacy with
which they adhered to such tcnets, suffering
imprisonment and fine in their support evinccd
ut least tho sincerity and stoadfastncss of thor
principles. He wished tho memorial to BIO first
read, and then the lottor accompanying it.
The following memorial, together with the ac-
companyng letter, wero accordingly read by the
Secretary of tho Senate:
TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
Tho Memorial and Rcmons:r STRANGE Of the roli-
gious Society of Friends. commonly called Qua
kers, of Indiana yearly meeting, for the States of
Indiana. Illinois, and the western part of Ohio,
by their meeting for suilcrngs hold to represent
tho said yearly meeting III lis recess,
Respectfully represents,
That your memorialists have learned with
fb,t, hoSb oop tod
and laid before your body for ratification, to
tho territory of Texas to tho United States
and that one, if not tho main object Of the an
ncxation is, to uphold, continue. and extend, the
system of slavery.
Deeply impressed with tho belief chat al! sia-
very and oppression i +" ulrocs 'ioa'ol oi .iia'
righteousness wbi~., IS of universal obligation.
and totally nj ,~.riance with the spirit and princl
pies Of gospel of our Lord and Saviour jesus
Christ think it religious duty respectfully.
b,,. earnestly and to soemnly demonstrate against
the ratification of the said treaty. aud against the
annexation of tho said territory in any manner
whatever, the object effect of which would be,
tho continuation extension of slavery.
We also desire to enter our earnest and SOL
emn remonstranco against the measure, as being
calculated to involve the country in with a
friendly nation now ut peace with us.
AS righteousness exalteth nation, and sin is a
reproach to any people, we cannot Justly hope
for the divine blessing upon our government and
people without respect to the principles of equi-
~ and justice in the proceedings Of national
councils and these being guided. in great moa-
sure by the influence of the citizens, we should |
nor II we should be silent, feel clear of the fear
lul responsibility which the adoption of the pro-
ioseo measure might bring upon tho nation by its
consequences and arc therefore in duty hound
to ontor our solemn protest against it with hone
and fervent desire. that in this as well "a III 9th
or momentous subjects which may claim YOUR de-
alterations. you may be guided BY that wisdom
which is from above. which is pure and peace
able, gentle and easy to be en,reated. and is prof
table to direct in all things.
Slngned IN behalf of the meeting aforesaid,
held at Whitewater. near Richmond. Indiana. bv |
adjournment, on the 3lst day of Fifth month. !
1874.
THOMAS EVANS, Clerk.