Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1853-05-26
THE MAYOR VS.. THE PEOPLE.
sNELBAKER REQUESTED TO RESIGN (!

At seven o'clock, last night, every ave.
nue. leading 20 the Mechanics Institute was
thronged by the populace, and in a half
hour the capacious area Of Greenwood
Hall was filled to its utmost capacity by a
respectable and ordsrIy. but highly indig-
nant concourse of citizens, who had assem-
bled, on short notice, TO express their
feeling at the course pursued by Mayor
Snelbakef, on Sunday morning last, in pre-
venting Mr.. Kirkland, the street preacher,
from speaking in Fifth street Market Space.
Mr.. J. S. Weatherby was elected Presi-
dent, and DR.. r. S. Newton, DIR. A. Whip.
pie, Mr. John Milestone, and Mr.. John
ForbuS, Vice Presidents. George Stack.
house and A. w. Armstrong were appoint
ed Secretaries.
On motion, the following gentlemen
were appointed a Committee 10 draft reso-
John S. Nixon, .. Aldrich, DIR. Armstrong,
Nathaniel Bartlett, and S. B. w. Mclean.
In the absence Of the committee, Andy
Giffin, Esq, ex.president of the late City
Council, being loudly called for, took The
stand. He said that he had not come TO,
the meeting to make speech, but with the
same feeling that filled the breast OF every
one present. a feeling of deep indignation.
When the Liberty Of the Press or ot speech
is tramped on free people should arise.
1t was for this sacred principle that our
forefathers bled and died, and we will not
see it dishonored with impunity. What
brings this immense cOncouIse here! 4
free American citizen has been put down
bv the Pope of Rome or his cOnledrates
This is no new thing; ii was determined
on at Baltimore, year ago, by Catholic
Priests and Jesuits, and warn you, fellow
citizens, against the Vaccinations of that
party. | am no public speaker, but ! felt
it duty to give you my sentiments on
this question. | am opposed to PoPery
and Jesulism, and will bs while live.
Mr.. Gifia'S remarks were frequently in
terrupted with voc(erous cheering, and a
loud huzza when he closed, showed that
his sentiments were unanimously approved.
A call was next made for Spooner, de-
signed, no doubt, for the Judge, but he not
appearing, his brother, Thomas Spooner.
hardware merchant on Main street, took
the rostrum. He said he might not be the
man called for, but having the same name,
resi- ond to the call. The sacled right Of
Free Speech had been invaded by our chief
municipal officer, and he should be reques-
ted to surrender his authority to the people,
from whom he received it. (Great cheer.
ing) He dwelt at some length on the
rights of American citizens, in a train oil
patriotic eloquence that brought forth i'm
mense applause from the multitude, and
closed BY urging Republicans, that while
they claimed their own rights, to forbear en-
croaching upon those of others.
Mr.. Handy, late candidate for Prosecuting
Attorney in the Police Court, was called out
He said he had oome up, as all had done, TO
merely be an auditor. This is not the first lime
my voice has been raised on this or kindred
topic. If there is anything an American citizen
holds more dear than another, it is free speech.
This is the first time man in this Republic has
been officially silenced while speaking his sem
timents. An political parties hold the right OF
Free Speech as sacred. And who is this that
ldares attack il? Not the Democratic party
Though ths Mayor was elected by its votes.
The attack is made by an agent, who is acting
by an under influence which is taking him out o
The ranks. His present supporters are chiefly
foreigners, whom we have taken to our bosom