Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1845-08-28
SHAREHOLDERS MEETING IN ST.
MARY'S COUNTY.

At a meeting of the Shareholders of ST
Mary's county, held in Leonardtown on
the 18th inst, the following preamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted
WHEREAS, the faithful execution ofthe laws,
is alike the duty of the constituted autho-
rites, and protection of the rights and
property of all, and as the same must ever
be dependent on the vigilance and Coop
Grafton of the people; therefore, we the
people Of St. Mary's County in general
meeting assembled, feeling with our fell
low citizens of Charles County, the caus-
es and effects that have led to their pro-
ceedings relative to their colored popu-
lation, and believing that the great causes
that threaten the safety of our property
and the happiness of all, is laxity in the
execution of the laws, and misguided
philanthropy among us that leads to de-
moralizaton, idleness and RIGHTEOUSNESS;
Therefore,
Resolved, That this meeting hereby earn
es,ly appeals to the county court, the or
phans' court, commissioners of the tax,
magistrates, constables, and all good citizens,
particularly the deputy Attorney General
and the Bar, for all proper aid, cooperation,
and advice that they can give to the COM
mittees and police that may be appointed or
called on to carry out the purposes of this
meeting.
Resolued, That the President of this
meeting appoint committee, to be styled
the Committee of Vigilance, consisting of
ten in each election district, ANY five ofwhom
may be quorum for business, whose duty
it shall be to examine the existing laws in
regard to the colored population of this
State and county, the right and duties of all;
and that they are hereby instructed 10 as
certain any violations and evasions of the
same, particularly as TO police regulations
within their respective districts, looking in
to the means of subsistence of the free CO.
lored population, and when they shall find
the same inadequate either for want of means
and of industry, that they repor, such cases
to the public authorities; also the carrying
of dogs, guns, Sc; also all emigrations of
free negroes to their respective districts from
other States or counties, and all else that
may be necessary 10 the due execution of
the laws for the protection and we'll being
of all persons and property involved: and
that they advise with and aid the District
Committees in all necessary means of police
for the execution of the same.
Resolved, That said committee be re-
quired TO give attention to applications that
may be made to the county court, orphans
court, and other constituted authorities from
their respective districts, with regard TO the
carrying of guns, the apprenticeship of free
persons and children of color, and permis-
sions or indulgences that may be asked from
said constituted authorities, and that in all
matters they shall use their sound and dis
erect endeavors TO protect their country from
any further increase of idle free negroes,
and that they will adopt and enforce all
provisions of the law that will correct the
same and ameliorate the condition of the
present and rising generation of free negroes.
Reso7Ued, That the constituted authori-
ties OF this county be and they are hereby
respectfully requested not to act in such
cases without some consultation with the
committee of the district from whence such
proceedings may come.
RESOLVED, That the said committee is fur
Their requested to give attention TO the laws
prohibiting and regulating buying and SELL
ing by and between free persons of color,
slaves, and white persons, with the same;
also all laws relative TO their making and
selling of crops, holding of horses, guns,
and other property.
Resozved, That the Committee of Vigi-
lance appointed by the President of this
meeting, be and they are hereby authorised
and required to selectand appoint as District
Committees; five prudent and discreet per-
sons from each school district in this coun-