The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-03-17
FREE DEMOCRACY IN INDIANA.

FREE DEMOCRACY IN INDIANA
The Independent Democracy are quietly or
ganzing in their local assemblies for the cam
paign of 1856. They make no noise, beat no
drums carry no banners, and make no impo-
sing displays; but they are discreetly, and let
us hope effectively, organizing. There is work
to be done, which requires patient and perse-
vering effort, and the men who stood by the
Pittsburgh nominees in 1852 seem disposed to
form county clubs, and thus prepare for the
contest We have observed the proceedings of
many meetings in almost all of the Northern
States, but the crowded state of our columns
during the session of Congress prevented a no
tice of them. Three of these associations have
been founded in Indiana.
RANDOLPH COUNTY
A meeting of the Free Democracy of this
county was held in the court house at Winches-
ter on 4th February. Paul w. Way was cho-
sen President, and ]. c. Pickett, Secretary.
The following Constitution was adopted:
We, the undersigned, citizens of the United
States, do sincerely believe and declare that so
far as concerns the government of nations the
Declaration of independence of 10 "that all
men are created equal, and endowed by their
Creator with certain inalienable rights, among
these are life, liberty, aud the pursuit of hap
piness; that all Governments derive their
just powers from the consent of the governed"
and inasmuch as the Constitution was based
upon these simple declarations, it should be
used for the establishment and extension of lib
erty in preference to slavery. Furthermore.
that the past history of this country clearly
demonstrates that this Constitution is 10 con-
strued as TO thwart the very objects for which
it was instituted, by establishing and protecting
slavery in preference to liberty Therefore, in
order to prevent the Constitution and its whole
some provisions from further becoming articles
of merchandise, but to strictly construe and
carry out according to the letter and spirit of
that document all the powers and privileges
therein delegated, we join ia with the State and
National Free Democratic Associations.
And, further, as men and citizens of Indiana,
believing in the sentiments set forth in the bill
of Rights to our State Constitution, do consider
that the thirteenth article of that Constitution
is in direct opposition to the plain interpreta-
ton of those sentiments, njust, and inhuman
Therefore, we pledge ourselves to agitate, and
continue to agitate until that article, and all
its diabolical provisions, shall have been repeal
cd. Therefore,
Resolped, That we, citizens of Randolph coun-
ty, do now organize ourselves into party TO
be known by the name of the Randolph Coun-
ty Free Democratic Association auxiliary to
the State Association.
The purpose Of the Association is to dissent
nate knowledge of the views and principles
of the Free Democratic Party. Any person
can become member by paying in Advance,
twenty-five cents, and contributing twenty five
cents annually 1t is to meet once in three
months.
RESOLVED, That we recommend to the Free
Democrats in each township in this county to
organize Free Democratic Associations 10 their
respective townships.
The meeting then proceeded to elect regular
officers for the Association, to serve for one
year, and the result was as follows:
Harvey Patty, President Stephen Haines
and Daniel Hill, Vice Presidents Martin A.
Reeder, Secretary T. c. Pickett, Treasurer
WAYNE COUNTY.
The Free Democracy of this county met at
Newport on the 22i February Daniel Clark,
President Daniel H. Roberts, Secretary.
The following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That we are not opposed b the an
nexation Of foreign territory, when it can be
done without war, with honor to the nation,
and upon the unalterable condition that it
shall be free territory.
Resolved, That we look upon the present APP
parent opposition of Southern statesmen to the
annexation of Cuba, as designed to lul Anti
Slavery opposition at the North, thereby quiet
ing agitation and rendering annexation more
certain
Resolved That we consider the circulation of
the Indiana Free Democrat matter of primary
importance, and we hereby pledge ourselves to
aid in it's circulation by our individual exertion
Resolved, That George W. Julian be appoint
ed Corresponding Secretary for the Associs-
ton.
RESOLVED, That we recommend every Free
Democrat in the county to forward his name,
together with one dollar, to the State Free
Democratic Association
Reso.usd, That our next quarterly meeting be
held at Economy, on the 23d of May next, at
10 o'clock A. M.
WARWICK CODNTf,
The Free Democracy of this county met at
the court house, in Bonneville, on February
18th. Starr B. Riggs, President; J. r. Haw-
kins Secretary. The National Free Democrat
10 Platform was read, and Constitution based
thereon was presented for signatures. Any
one can become member by subscribing to
thu Constitutiou
The Association elected Starr b, Riggs Pres
ident; o. Spillman and Henry Hewins Of
Bonneville, Francis Macy Of Newberg Alden
Spencer of Hart, Vice Presidents; J. F. Haw-
kins, Secretary; and Andrew Riggs Treasurer.
The following resolutions were unanimously
adopted:
RESOLVED, That we have the greatest conf.
dence in the political principles embodied is
the Pittsburgh Platform, and firmly believe
that those principles, faithfully applied to our
national Legislation, would result in tho great
est good TO our country.