The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-08-08
FOR the National Era
JAMESTOWN CONVENTION.

Pursuant TO notice, without respect to party,
Convention met, June GOTH lS50-G. Jenkins
called to the chair, and j. Hibben appointed
secretary.
J. Morrow, being called on, made some brief
remarks explanatory Of the objects of the meet
ing. J. A. Jenkins, J. C. Johnston, and j Nor
row were appointed a committee of business, who
reported the following resolutions, which being
duly considered, were adopted
|. ReSolUed, That the time has fully come when
the friends of free government without distinc-
ton Of party, should assemble together and give
a free and full expression of their sovereign will
with regard to the extension of slavery and its pro-
lection by the National Government.
2 Resoired, That the contest now pending in
the councils Of the nation is but the inevitable
result of mighty effort TO su6vert practically
the great principles Of a representative democra-
cy, as couched in the Declaration Of Independence
and to institute permanently in its stead an unnal-
lowed and despotic rule, congenisl only with the
interest and perpetniiy of human slavery.
3. Rssolred That the pure and patriotic prin-
cipes Of democratic liberty and the despotc usur-
| pations of slavery cannot both control the SOW
| ereign power in the same Government; and that
the crisis has come, and the conflict is now pend.
ing, which must settle the future destiny of this
nation for freedom or despotism.
4 ResOlUed, That each Senator and Represent
alive from the free States of this Union who are
fwning and catering at the shrine of the slave pow
er, and yielding up the principles ofthe Ordinance
of 1887, are betraying the trust confded to their
! keeping, and rendering themselves unworthy
/ longer to represent free people.
! s. Resolued, That the only shadow of Compro-
mise contained in the infamous Omnibus bill is
that it proposes to compromise the great princi-
pies of human freedom, together with the dignity
| of ifa advocates the valua h1e dara-
: ton of remaining the same party organization
and the privilege of voting for such candidate as
| the slave power may think fit to present
6. ReSOiUed, That Daniel Webster, Lewis Cass,
and others of like stamp, who are aiming to lull
the free States with the idea that slavery cannot
be extended, and sounding the alarm Of disunion
as pretext for their servlity and lack of fidelity
10 ne snterest of freedom, are worthy oa1y' of
our deepest contempt.
On motion,
ResoIvg9 That; a. a good means of promoting
good cause, we would recommend the regular
organization of an association in every convenient
district in the county, in support of the Ordi-
nance of 1857.
Resolved, That q committee be now appointed
to report constitution for the district Of James
town and vicinity, inviting oil true friends OF
liberty, from whatever party they may come to join
in the association
Mr., Morrow, being appointed the committee
reported the following Constitution
Whereas the country is in deplorable condi-
ton through the influence of slavery, and where
as it is the duty Of every good citizen to rise in
opposition to this runous evil and its extension,
the undersigned, DESTROYS more effectually to CO.
operate in this good work. agree to form an asso-
citation, and be governed by the following Con-
stitution:
Art l. This society shall be called the Free
Soil Society of jamestown, and based on the fol-
lowing platform
The abolition of slavery and the slave-trade in
the District of Columbia, and all other places
where Congress has the power. A positive pro-
hibtion Of slavery in all new territory now ia
possession, or which may be hereafter acquired.
Decided opposition to the admission of any
more slave States into this Union, under what
ever pretext Remaining articles omitted
Resolued, That the secretary of this Conven-
ton forward copy Of the proceedings to the
editors of the XeaM TorchIigh, The Cincinnati
Gazette, The National Era, The Ohio Statesman,
and The Ohio Standard, with respectful request
for publication.
Adjourned to meet at the school-room in James
town, on the first Saturday Of August next, at
o'clock, p. M. JAMES HiBsEN, Secretary