Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-12-16

the second lnst and called at MS request that he
might explain TO the party his political position,
respectfully submit that, after bestowing our earnest
and careful attention 10 the same, we have adopted
the conclusion that the present occasion demonds at
hands, such array of facts shall exhibit to
this meetings so far as may be, the position of
Mr.. Wetherby, and, incidentally, the position of
all who have exerted any agency in the
ishing Developments in our moral and political
atmosphere.
At the meeting of the Free Soil party, by which
MIR. w thelbv was selected candidate Tor Rep
resentatye 10 the General Court his language, on
his acceptance Of the nomination, was expressive of
true and earnest devotion the principles and inter-
ests of that party of which, for years. he had
been member. His language, on that occasion,
was substantially as loows:-''My nomination was
unexpected; | regret that | have not more TALENT
and more experience to bring; but such as have
is at your service. | am with you heart aud hand;
and Tor purity Of motive and honesty Of purpose, l
yield to no Ii elected, / will se7ve you an
yfineangly." And, believe, that by accepting
the nomination, both honor and morality demanded
that he should truly represent the Free Soil party,
resign his position their candidate. 1t was by
such course, alone, that he could Justly expect to
receive their votes, or retain any OF their
confidence
But occurrences since his nomination. have induced
the belief, in the minds OF your committee, that he
has been attracted very far from the sphere OF obi
| CATION and consistency. And our conviction rests
upon rumors, but upon substantial facts. Those
facts we will now briefly present to this meeting.
Within the interval between the nomination and
election OF Mr.. Weherby, in conversation with
member Of the Wing party, he stated that he was
as much Wing as he had been, and that he was
not satisfied with his present position in the Free
Soil party. 1t was then proposed, by this Wing,
that, II Mr. WeIherhy would vote for the Wings, he
! wonld speak 10 them, to majority of
votes for him on the first ballot, at the coming town
! meeting Dir. Wetherby Replied that he would let
Euotp haf, he I, H.
wards added, by this Wing, "He did let us Know
/ At the town meeting, while the election was pro-
ceedins, an unusual whispering observed among
/ the Wings, and sufficient number Of them voted
for Mr. Welherby, to secure his election He
| Immediately reported, among the Wings Of Worces-
ter, 10 be OF that pariy and also reported in
| one or more OF the Wing newspapers. Subsequent
~ to his election, he was waited upon bv
bers of the Free Soil Party. 10 whom he said that
he was verbally and sacredy pledged to for the
| Free Soil and Wing candidates for Senators and
| Governor lie has since come before meeting of
the Free Soil party, explain his position and vim
| dicale his reputation.
4 Near the commencement of his exposition, he
declares that he stands on his Free Soil principles
the same ever, and that for these he shall vote.
4 He supposes that there are Free Soil Democrats
| and Free Soil Whigs,-he knows men IN this town,
belonging to both those parties, claiming to be SUCH
He says 81 do not claim to be etl.er. | claim to be
Free Soiler and to the Free Soil Ticket erclu-
smelly, when can; but, if compelled to choose
between the proslave,y parties, which for,
endeavos e shoW tRs lie Democrac and
partie: alike pro-slavery.
He then condemns the Coalition Of the Demo-
cratic and Free Soil parties, impolitic, injurious
| to the cause Of Freedom, and runous to the Free
Soil party; and feels under no obligation to sustain
il. But near the close Of his address, he thus
cudes the explanation OF his position. He says, 81
was inquired oil by the Wings, before the last trial,
| il | was pledged to the Democratic Ticket.
told than | was under no obligation whatever, and
that should not probably vote for that ticket under
the circumstances, any how; but, if they cast their
vote for me, l should feel under obligation to vote
the Free Soil Wing Ticket that felt could dc
without violating any true Free Soil principle
and that had been drawn far away from the
original Free Soil Platform as | should go, what
ever course others might take.' He further says
/ | stGentlenen YOU aolr understand where ! am.
may have taken local view of the matter,-l ma,
have erred; but leel firm in my purpose; for lee
! that am ght."
g We think it might trouble politician to know
. and show, who or what the Free Soil Wings are
for whom sir. Wetherby would feel himself unde
II obligation to vote, on condition that the Wings
IS Shrewsbury would Tor him. and Tor whom he
verbally and sacedly pledged to vote, had not hi
: conversation with the Wings, their votes and syn
. psthy for him, their newspaper and verbal claims
r and his definitions and declarations, fully estaE
n, lished ard calculated his meaning.
ia He says, in the Free Soil meeting, had suppC
sed there were Free Soil Democrats and Free So
y Wings belonging to each OF those parties kno
ry | there are in this town, who claim to be suct
r. belonging to both.'' The Free Soil Wings, thel
a. for whom he is pledged TO vote. men who belon
to the Wing party; and we are informed, by h
en conversation with the two members Of the Free So
by party, that they the Wing candidates for SEM
,is tors and Governor.
Although Mr.. Wetherby stands upon his FIR,
." Soil principles, though he has planted himself Their
we believe that his course and present position a
dy adverse TO the Free Soil party, but much more
=. | to himself.
=, We exceeding regret to find him in the uneny
ne able position which he has chosen.
ew We will for "A moment leave him there for CLAN
he, those who have tempered with the reputation
n integrity Of their townsman and neIghbor, for 1
' purpose OF sustaining party. doomed by the peoI
on of Massachusetts the dread Of the guiltless a
he helpless fugitive; the right Of the Slave Powe
ver but frowned upon by the hosts Of Freedom, a
~ firmly held in the hand Of him who will have
S"u enemies in derlsion.
will In conclusion. we submit the following pream
me and Resolutions:
Whereas, il we, members Of the Free Soil pa
" Of Shrewsbury, had understood the political cou
and position Of MIR. Wetherby, the Representa-
elect for this town, he could not have received
los Euffrages at the late election, therefore,
eyk Resolved, That request Luke b. Wetherby
resign the Office TO which he was elevated, mainly
eeA the contribution OF votes.
was Resolved That, provided Mr.. Wetherbv cecli
Ibel to comply with the foregoing request Of the +
oe Soil party, town meeting be forthwith be called
give him suitable instructions in relation 10 his r
'on' resentative duties.
lam Resolved, That the Secretary OF the Freedom G
said Of tn's town. be Delegated 70 furnish mr. We'he
~ with copy Of these Resolutions.
OCH NATHAN PRATT,
ris- ASA III. ALLEN,
the BENZ. MAYNARD,
.n@ NN LUCIUS s ALLEN,
Sn' CHARLES o. GREEN