Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-04-22
Ube Anti-9 laperp Buale.
Salem, Ohio, April ~, 1854.
THE CINCINNATI CONVENTION.

to the Convention, some persons, fearful or mimi
cal, predicted that if he came, it would be the last
Of the Conventions. Well, the time for another
has passed-thc meeting has been held, and with
no less success than those which have preceded it,
Thus have these prophets who would prophecy
smooth things, been condemned out of their own
mouths. And thus 1t appears that the people have
among themselves, more thorough appreciation
OF the enormous wrong Of slavery, and Of the thor
oughly radical means necessary for its eradication
than these trimmers thought or believed.
The Convention this year surpassed all preceding
ones in point Of numbers. The people came in
crowds. In crowds, altogether beyond the capacity
Of the Hall to contain them so that on tho last
two evenings we heard it estimated that as many
went away as obtained admission. The influence
of the Convention evidently is not limited to the
city. Sections of the surrounding country were
fully represented. And both from the papers and
from individuals we heard the statement repeated
ly, that large numbers of Kentuckians were pres
ent But, from whcncesoever the audiences came,
they were evidently deeply interested in tho sub
jccts discussed, and most respectful listeners to
whatever was said thereon.
The meeting was remarkable for the number Of
ministers present. listening to or participating in
the discussions. For years, we have seen no anti
slavery meeting like it in this particular. Most
noted among these, were DIR. Elliott, of the Meth
odist Church, and editor Of the Western Christian
Advocate, and Mr.. Boynton of the Christian Press.
The former spoke out strong condemnation Of
slavery-taking the antslavery position that the
system cannot be reformed or improved but must be
1eSfrOUed Tho pnbl;, al 80 1.
what seemed to us poor apology for his presence
in that company and on that occasion. Or, as he
termed II, a defining of his position" An odious
work, which anti-slavery with singencss Of
purpose, have very seldom occasion to do. Their
faithful, uncompromsing anti-savery lives are de-
fning, living epistles, known and read of oil men,
And the fact that ever finds it needfu to
define his position" always carries to our mind
the impression that the definition is called out by
consciousness Of inconsistency or unfaithfulness
on the question. Mr.. Boynton's presence and ap
proyal indeed was somewhat remarkable, in consid-
Grafton of the course he had previously pursued in
regard to these Conventions. He had previously
excused himself from participating in them, on
account Of the nfdel character Of those prominent
in their management, and because women were
N.
Now here he was, side by side on the platform
with Lucy Stone, and such men as have been made
notorious by himself and such as he, for their al
legged infdelty.
Mr.. Boynton's apology for his presence consisted
in the allegation that the present Convention was
called under different circumstances from the pre-.
ceding ones What these remarkable differences
were, he declined to inform the audience, though
requested to do so, and we have not the skill to
divine. The meeting was called by the same asso
citation, for the same purpose in the same manner
and the same classes Of persons were invited were
expected, and were actually present. We should
have been better pleased if Mr.. Boynton had fount
his reason for attending in the Importance of the
cause and the necessity and rightfulness Of coop
Grafton, rather than in a difference which no on,
could see, and which the speaker himself declined
to point out. We should in that case have hopet
for more valuable and efficient cooperation, thar
from his reasons assigned, we can now hope to re
ceive from him. Nevertheless, we are encouraged
by the presence of Mr.. Boynton and other clergy
men, on the occasion. For if they now take hole
and work with heartiness and efficiency, the caus,
will move on with new vigor, and as to such a.
came from other motives, their presence indicates
a change Of public sentiment, which trimming
ministers well as politicians, are ever prompt t.
discern, and which may well cheer and animate tn,
most despondmg of the friends Of freedom.
Every one seemed to miss Samuel Lewis, 81
nobly did he preside last year. and SO earnestly die
he plead then and there for the slave. lie was do
tainod at home by severe indispositon, but mani
tested deep interest in the Convention.
The meeting was treated with the utmost respec
by all classes Of Cncinnatians so far as we oh
served With the exception of the Enquirer, tn
press was respectful and fair. The reports wer
no caricatures, were well--so far as they went L
one respect, however, they fail entirely in doin
justice to the meeting The Reporters seemed d,
termined that the Convention should appear respec
able. So they made no allusion to the more ultr
4 and unpopular sentiments advanced. From tn
reports, no one would dream that such were
: I. tered. And yet they were, frequently, during Ii
s. whole course Of the meeting Political disunio
e was advocated and defended, by several of ii
speakers, formally and at length, and yet no ALL
sion is made to the fact in any Of the reports "
have seen. Thus, these reports will fail to mall
the Convention speak in its true language to III
% country, or TO exert its true influence upon i
y These most radical sentiments were listened
q q with earnest and respectful attention. And II
excellent resolutions were adopted with unanimit
I, and heartiness Indeed, we have seldom attende
u more interesting meeting than the session whic
= II was devoted to the reading and adoption of u
!. resolutions. They were well read by Mr.. Blacl
e well, and from their character, excited deep il
le terest in the crowded audience. And their effe
n y was heightened by occasional short pithy an
- !. pertinent speech.
lt On the whole, we think the Convention one
n the best Of The series. And those earnest wome