Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-02-01
Ma..nohn.eltr Anll-sIarery soelely.


Massachnsetta AnII-SIaVery Society.
The Massachusetts Anti Slavery Society held
Its annual meeting in Boston, on Thursday and
Friday last, Francis Jackson, the President, in
the chair On Thursday, speeches were made
by William Lloyd Garrison, Stephen S. Foster,
Abby Kelly Foster, T. w. Higgnson, Wendell
Phillips, Charles L. Remond, and others.
MIR. Buffum of Lynn attributed the decline of
interest in the Society to the prevalence Of spir-
itualism among anii-slavery men. There was an
animated discussion between Mr.. and Mrs. Fos-
ter, he being for voting against slavery, and she
against it,
Mr.. Foster thought he saw the way open by
which new party could be built up on the prin-
cpes Of radical anti-slayery. as he had lately
learned that any nan could hold Office in this
Commonwealth, from the Office of Governor
down, without being obliged to take an oath to
support the Constitution of the United States.
This being the case, they could proceed in the
formation of political party.
Mr.. Higginson thought the radical anti.slavery
element not as strong formerly,
manifested by the press Of Boston. The remain
der Of his remarks were directed mainly TO a re-
view Of the points of argument advanced by Mr.
Foster. Mr.. Higginson took occasion to doubt
the statement of Mr.. Foster that no man who
held Office in this State was required to take an
oath to support the Constitution of the United
STAGES.
This brought out member q the Legislature,
who was present. who stated that no oath was
required to support the Constitution of the Unit
cd States. How it happened to be so he could
not tell. An attempt was made, however, in the
Constitutional Convention of 1853 to insert a
clause to bind those taking oath of Office to sup
port the Constitution Of the United States but it
was defeated.
Mr.. Higginson, in continuation, conceded with
Mr.. Foster in the belief that no politician had
any respect, or cared for the Union, and he be.
ieyed there was only thin film of ice between
the Republican party and disunion.
On Friday morning, addresses were made by
Henry C. Wright, C. l.. Remond of Salem, Abby
Kelley Foster, w. L. Garrison, S. S. Foster, and
Wendell Phillips. Mr.. Garrison offered series
of resolutions calling for the secession of Massa-
chusetts, in case the bred Scott decision should
not be reversed, the immediate removal of Judge
Loring, &c.
In the afternoon a discussion took place on
the question of accepting the Representatives
Hall for the evening meeting, Mr.. Garrison
speaking against il, on the ground that, as they
could demand no admission fee at the State
House, the Society would suffer loss OF some
$50.
1t was finally decided to occupy the Hall, and
q collection was taken to supply the needed cash.
The old list of officers was elected for the ensu-
ing year. Mr.. Wendell Phillips urged the neces-
sity of raising funds to carry the Society through
the coming season, when extraordinary expenses
would occur-among others, that consequent
upon the renewed agitation of the question OF
Judge Loring's removal, for he feared Caleb
Cushing would be able to putback the action of
the Legislature on that subject this year.
Henry C, Wright proposed to alter or destroy
the Union, and number Of other speakers spoke
in like strain.
On motion Of Mr.. William B. Earle of Wor-
cester, the meeting recommended the Legislature
TO pass law imposing fine and Imprisonment
upon any person bringing a slave within the
limits Of the State, with the intent to hold said
slave in bondage.
Stephen S. Foster, in lengthy speech ex.
pressed his grief that his labors in the cause had
not been duly appreciated by his friends and co.
Eborers, and thoughtwe must agree among our.
selves before we could expect our laburs to result
in anything practical
William Lloyd Garrison said he was surprised
to hear that we were not going to welcome men
in the anti-slavery cause unless they coincide
with our particular views Such course was
contrary to the established principles OF the So.
ciety. Mr. Garrison would welcome every one
who has the slightest anti-slavery feeling at heart.
Wendell Phillips thought there was no neces
sity for Mr.. Foster to charge the society with in
gratitude towards him. Mr.. Phillips, in abiding
to Mr.. Fosters views, said he tPhillips) had no
objection to politics. On the contrary, he Phil.
lips) said he would give $4,000 today to be a
member Of the United States Senate. In sneak
ing Of the Republican party the speaker said that
they came from that political secession from us
in 1910, and they carried away exactly the prin-
ciples we had I; therefore he did not see the jus.
tice of Mr.. Fosters charge, that the party was
the most dangerous one in the field
The meeting Friday evening was held in the
Hall Of Representatives, at the State House. and
was largely attended. William LLOYD Garrison
read the long series of resolutions which he pre
scented at the morning meeting Rev. Theodore
Parker then made speech of an hours dura-
tion, and was followed by Charles Lenox Remond,
Wendell Phillips, and others.
Wendell Phillips made the closing speech. He
alluded to the derrecating remarks Of the 'learn.
ed and gallant member from Newburyport-Ca-
ieb Cushing-wherein he opposed granting the
use Of the hall to the society, and then proceeded
to state what the Massachusetts Anti.SlayeryS So.
ciety had already accomplished. All the de.
mands It had made in State capacity had been
granted except one, land that--the removal Of
Judge LOring-only remained to be granted His
remarks, as usual, were eloquent, and were lis
tened to with deep interest, and frequently APP
plauded' Mr.. Phillips said, near the close Of his
remarks, that he had only two objects 10 live for
Ito make Massachusetts, ct to live in. and Al To
dc in. That would be when Charles Lenox Re-
mond should be Just as much respeeted as 1.
(Phillips) was and his rights recognized n ~
same light Any government that ala no, mo-
tect the rights Of the eolored citizen was or;.
ance, and 80 read the account Of its ley;sla,,r.
proceedings in the newspapers was a nuisance
also.
AZ the conclusion Of Mr.. Phillipss remarks ,Ao
meeting adopted MIR. Garrison's resolutions. ma
then dissolved.
The Oveg0nfan, published at Oregon, SAYS IN.