Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-06-29
Freedom in Kentucky.

A few weeks since the Rev. John G Fee,
a native born citizen of Kentucky, Of a sim
gularly pure and gentle yet brave and reso-
lu'e spirit, was interrupted and silenced
when attempting to deliver an address on
the subjec, of Slavery to the citizen. Of
Lincoln County OF that State. The outrage
awakened much public Indignation and
meetings were held at various parts reprobat-
ing the transaction and the actors in IL.
We have been furnished with a account
Of the proceedings of one Of these meetings.
which we give below. The resolutions are
spirited and earnest and breathe a temper Of
fixed determination which cannot essily be
put down Indeed. we understand that in
several instances, in that part of Kentucky,
anti slavery magistrates have been chosen
over pro-slavory competitors by handsome
maiorities. alr. Cossus NJ. Clay deserves
the gratitude Of all friends Of freedom in the
Union for the heroic consistency with which
he maintains the cause of Liberty aud JUS
lice IN his native State:
At large meeting Of the citizens Of
Jessamine County, Kentucky, called without
distinction Of party, May 20. 1855. James
England, Esq, was made President, and
George Brakeman, Esq, Secretary. c. NJ
Clay, after speech Of three hours, which
was listened TO throughout with great inter
est and respectful attention, offered the fol.
lowing resolutions, which after challenging
discussion aud negative votes, were unani-
mously adopted
" Resoired, BY the citizens of Jessamine
County and State OF Kentucky, in mass con-
vention peaceaby assembled at Little HEX
man, according to the time honored rsages
OF American freemen, thar we invoke the
calmJudgment of the people to our conscien-
tous ayowals.
Resolved, That the liberty of speech.
the freedom of the Press, the untrarnmeled
utterance of religious opinion and the unds-
turbed exercise Of the worship Of God are
inollenabe rights of man, and by the guar
antee Of our National AMI State Constltu-
tons are our political inheritance.
ResOlced, That the act of any man or
set OF men by which we are deprived of these /
rights, punished for the alleged abuse of the /
same without legal procedure, is gross
usurpation OF power, practlca! despo,ism,
TO which we cannot submit without dlshonor
and the loss of all other liberties.
" Resoired, That mob law, Lynch law, or
my other attempted exercise Of political or
'vll power outside of the regular chan
lels OF justice and law which result in injury
o person, destruction of property or loss OF
lie, cannot by any sophistlcal plea of neces-
MY or self-defence be otherwise character
zed than as violence, robbery and assassin
ltlon, the liberation Of which must Of ncces-
MY lead TO retaliation, anarchy and civil
var.
" Resolued, That the act OF a portion of
he citizens of Linsoln County by which, in
March last, the Rev. John q. Fee, a citizen
IT Kentucky and of the United States, was
Interrupted and silenced IN the utterance of
Us pollllai and religious sentiments and OPT
llons whether they be good or bad, and
Which we neither intend to indorse or de-
lounce, was usurpation of power unknown
o our Constitution and laws, anarchica
nd revolutionary, and which ought TO be
essted by all honorable means, by appeals
o the Courts OF Justice, and Ill other means
alllng, by rePelling force by force
Resofred, That we stand by the citizens
I the Glade, in Madison County, and the
ltlzens of Boon's Fork and of Green's
school House, in Rockcastle County, in
heir public resolves to maintain the suprema
y OF the laws and the liberty of the citizen,
% matter what may be his party or prnci-
les.
ResOiued, That the newspaper press of
II paiNcs, uhuer "nhleNer pTetenSo OF pa
rlolIsm and public interest, who invoke or
auction Lynch law, cannot be viewed by
rue and sensible men and honest Republi-
ans in any other light than as the base tools
{ party, or the bireling followers of power!
8 Resolved, That the times demand calm
idgment, fixed purpose, courage. devotion
duty and heroic patriotism, such as called
ur fathers to the field in 1916, in the main,
'nance the Liberties which they bequealh.
d us; and to the defense of the Constitu-
on Of the United States aud the Common
'ealth OF Kentucky We pledge once more,
our lives, our fortunes, and our most sacred
onor.'
T" Resolved, That these resolutions be sign
d by the President and Secretary of this
leetlng, and have due publicity given them.
JAMES. ENGLAND, Pres't
Gao. BLAKMAN, Jr, Sec'y."
When will Northern men reflect that their !
ase subservlence to the Slave power para
yes the efforts of such men as Clay in the ,
lave States When will they by noble I