Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1850-10-14
Another Great meeting in Worcester !!
The Fugitive Slave LayY!.

Another large and enthusiastic meeting of the citi-
gems Of Worcester, was held without distinction of par
ty at the City Hall last Friday evening.
Alderman Miles was called to the Chair, and Oliver
Harrington. ESQ. chosen Secretary The Presi-
dent, after briefly stating the assembage the objects
for which the meeting had been convened and express
ing his hearty detestaton of the law and its authors
called upon the vigilance committee of forty which was
chosen at the last meeting for their report In response
the CALL Mr.. Thos. Drew came forward and said in
behalf fthe committee that that body were of opinion
that the sentiment Of hostility the law and opposi
ton to its enforcement so deep seated and Sc uni
versa, that it did not eitherprobabe or possible
that any attempt would be made in this vicinity to en-
force it. In the present excited state of the public
mind, every felt that he himself was one of com
mee of vigilance, and as the city's population SEEM
ed to be vigilance committee of the whole the COM
mtee would recommend no further action at present.
than that all, in their primary capacity as citizens,
should be the alert In behalf of the committee he
submitted the following resolves additional to those
passed at the previous meeting.
Whereas, The present law of Congress in relation 10
Fugitive Slaves utterly inconsistent with Christianity
uuSOl olposItlOu 10 the commands oil It's founder.
and whereas by its enactment, we are compelled to
make choice whether we will obey man rather than
God. Therefore,
Resolfed, That prefer to meet all the penalties
imposed tor the performance of the obligations which
Christianity enons rather than escape the punishment
by violation OF those sacred duties which we owe tC
fellow men.
ReSol0ed That if there is among us, utterl,
heartess, so lost every and sentiment of human
ity as to accept government appointment of commits
soner or kidnapper under this law, that in opinion
hep places himself at upon a level with the pirate
and man-thieves who upon the coast Of Africa AM
elsewhere, make merchandise Of human beings ant
is worthy and will receive the scorn and contempt O
this community.
Resolre5, That it is imperative duty strive 70
the abolition Of the law at the earliest period possible
and that until such repeal is effected we declare oil
unwavering purpose to Disregard its provisions an
pledge ourselves never to assist in the recapture of
gitive slaves but the contrary use all righteou
means for their escape and protection and abide III
consequences.
On motion being made to adopt the resolutions. sp
tied addresses were made by Rev. Calvin Fairbank
Rev. Elnathan Davis, Mr.. and Mrs Foster. Rev. Nj
Crandall, J. NJ Earle, Dr. Martin and fugitive sIay,
Discussion was continued until late hour and The re-
olutions were unanimously adopted.
motion was then made that should the u. s Stat,
'' " ""J "tioi Petsoh WISH w orceSter Tor tE
purpose OF making an arrest of any person or person
claimed as fugitives from labor, it should be the dutv
the committee Of vigilance, to alarm the whole popu
ton by the ringing of the BELLS A warm discuss;,
sprang upupon the expediency of such action in whic
many gentlemen participated, and it was finally ca
RED, by large majority, and after the passage of
vote authorizing the vigilance committee to fill all v,
cancies, the meeting adjourned, to assemble again
the call Of the vigilance committee.