The Van Buren press., 1860-08-31
Public Mee,ing in washington
countv- v--Abolitionism
County


We publish below the resolutions oil
nnblic meeting Of the citizens OF WASH
County. held at Fayetteville on the lS'
met Tho recent movements of Abolition
lists, in Texas, show cause for our cit'zehS
to be on the alert, and to be watchfui OF e'-
cry suspicious person and circumstance
We think it would be well for the citizens
Of Crawford County, as have the citizens
of Washington to organize police to keep
strict watch upon whatever is occurring or
NAV occur IN the County. in regard to such
raids as have lately occurred in Texas. Our
| County is as likely to receive visitation
| from Aboltionists as was Eastern Texas,
and it therefore bcIloovcs usevcry one to be
watchful in the premises. We are not, MS
general thing, in favor of mob-law, but
we are in favor, at the present time, and IN
the present aspect of thing, Of executing
summary law and vengeance upon every and
all Abolitionists, who may be found prowl-
ing about the country, and against whom
satisfactory proof may be had.
We are informed that there is now in
this County northern Methodist preach
er, who does not tscruplc to preach rank alb.
oAonism we have his name, and when
we have undoubted proof against him, will
give il in full, and show him up. In the
meantime let all bo watehfui. AS we said
II Il l = Ill e, Al,
zcns of Crawford County to meet and talk
such steps as may be deemed necessary in tho
matter.
RESOLUTIONS.
We, citizens Of Washington, believing in Tho
necessity, well the right that people shoulD
defend themselves from danger and prepare for any
threatened evil, do declare the following
| Rcsoiocd, That now acting simply on th'
defensive against the visible approaches OF Aboii
ltionism upon our borders, and its suspected pres
encc amidst us but that we hereby warn all In
ceDdiarics, all abc'ors Of abolition, all friends q
frcesoism. that should we suffer from their detes
table principles, or discover any attempt whatever
10 tanper with our slaves we shall most assurcdl'
aet on the off'nsiye and declare that such person
shall be dealt with according to the laws mad
and provided ; and should they fail TO atfori tn
remedy, il shall be- administered by the people.
| RcsOiUcd That the raids in Virginia Texas, an'
and Choctaw Nations, admonish rs to keep war,
eye upon all persons who may reasonably be sup
posed to entertain abolition sentiments and that
Is duty imposed upon by regard for ON
common safety TO examine, question and try al
such persons and that we hereby publiclV war;
all such who may Gow be amonc Us to leave US
aud all such who think of coming here to stay
for the climate here is too " unhealthy " for them
aud should such persons tarrv or come among us
and make any demonstration of aboliionsin, or il
any way, whatever. tamper or meddle with on
slaves, they shall feel The extremity Of the law
and where that is legally powerless, the Arm o
the People.
R'sotoed That all our proceedings be conducteo
ltompcrateY, according TO law, with strict iustic
as men wha know and will maintain their rights
bat that the honest, industrious, non-lneddlin.
northern man shall not be moleSted-for it is onl,
at the free soisr, the negrocquality. man. the abo
i Zionist we aim These last must shall not b.
permitted to come or abide within our borders.
Resotred, That no man shall be condemned eX
cept on evidence sufficient to convince people
after hearing the same, Of guilt. and Tat no mar
shall be deprived of his right Of defence
ResoLUed, That . NiGilant Police be appointed {,
aid the regular authorities whose duty II shall b
10 watch and look into the character, habits ant
SO far possible their antecedents, of all yagrant,
wanderers and suspicious men, and collect evi
dence necessary to the safety Of region and th
legal punishment of any who may be found gull
Ity that said COMMITTEES be composed of active
sh.rp secing and prudent men, who will neithc
neglect their duties not outrage the law or human
Iity.
| Amendment 70 5th resolution
| That the Chairman of the meeting be empow, r
ed appoint the Committee of Vigilance named i,
the 5th resolution, in his private rooms and tina
the said Committee be known only unto him. an,
She members thereto appointed and that said mem
bers be chosen from different parts of this county
SO as to be more effective in carrying out the obiec
! OF tins meeting and securing our common safety
Resotoed, That each and every newspaper pub
lsned within the State Of Arkansas, be respectful
" requested TO publish the proceedings and reso
lutions OF this meeting.