The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-01-16
November 81, 1850.
BUCKS COUNTY. PENNsYLvANIA.

PMEyILLE, Pa =, Dec. Q, 1850.
Nix. EDITOR: Enclosed is an abridged report
OF 3Gersrodeediugs Of q GlSS,s2 hels at Pineville
Hall, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December "a,
1850. This is but one Of many that are being
held in different parts of our county, and in sd-
-Setss@g cscntS.e AVE- 80 40
against the law is very strong and general. Only
here and there Can an exception be found that
will advocate the law on its own merits. The
People are expressing themselves in these prima-
ry meetings in a way that will yet effect a rebuke
Of the city politicians, which they will not relish.
They will find they "reckon without their host"
when they attempt to barter the peoples honor
for the political and pecuniary advantage Of
Southern patronage Let those men who are 80
active in getting up meetings to bolster up the
Union alias the Fugitive Slave Law but come
before us for State or National office and they
will learn there is yet some lingering virtue and
self-respect in our hearts In conclusion, would
say that this was meeting Of the hard-working
farmers and artisans of this vicinity, who met
together to give expression to their feelings Of
deep disgust for an infamous and unjust law.
viii you give them an insertion in your paper
and obligs yours, &c,
T. ELLwood SMITH.
[ABRrDGED
A meeting of number of the citizens of Bucks
county was held at Pinevie Hall, on Monday
evening" December Cd, 1850 to discuss the Fu-
girive Slave lawn DR.. Watson p Trego was
called to the Chair; T F. Smith, Secretary.
The following preamble and resolutions were
adopted as the sentiments of the meeting, and
ordered to be sent to the National Era for publ
cation:
Resolped, That the Fugitive Slave law violates
almost every guarantee Of personal liberty, in its
application to its victims, institutes innumerable
irresponsible tribunals amongst us the sole judges
as to whether man has any right to himself or
whether he be slave-denying him the right Of
trial by jury, or the privilege of appeal-lets
loose the kidnapper among US, and compels us to
tolerate ~ oGr very nrcstucs, the pHipitatiuS,
hideous form Of Slavery, with its manacles and
handouts
Rssolred, That the said law was passed express
ly and purposely for the support and protection
Of Slavery, while it extends itself in its applica-
tion the length and breadth Of the free States
and cannot be promotive, but must be destructive,
to our national peace, as hurtful to the cause Of
human liberty everywhere.
Resolu,d, That q law which makes mercy a
crime, justice punishable with fines and impris-
onment, and imposes obligations the performance
Of which would be clear violation of the Divine
law and the rights of conscience, should be treat
ed as null and void by every true and honest
man.
Resolred, That, in the opinion of this meeting,
the present Fugitive Slave law is unconstitution-
al and bjects us to greater acquisitions cti-
zens, than we can conscenously perform as Chris
tisns, subject to highter law; and that there
fore We will use all proper and legitimate means
in our power TO effect its speedy repeal.
WATSON p. TREGo, President
T. ELLwooD SMITH Secretary