Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-03-13
.meeting of Colorcd CIuzen...


We copy the following report of the proceed
ings of meeting of the colored citizens OF
Chicago, which appears in the Chicago Tribune
Of the 2sth of February. 1t make no remarks
adverse to the sentiments announced by the meet
ing. The Tribune is the leading organ of the
Republicans Of Illinois. Straws show which wsy
the wind blows. The Tribune SAYS:
The meeting of colored citizens last night at
Knights Block, for the purpose Of indorsing the
action of the Canadian Government in regard TO
the fugitive slave Anderson, was largely attend
ell, and the proceedings were OF most enthusias
tic character.
A Mr.. Williams was called - preside. and An
drew Williams elected Secretary.
The following resolutions were then read
WHEREAS We believe in that sacred emblem
of humanity, that all men are created equal, and
are endowed by their Creator with certain inalien
able rights, among which are life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness; and
WHEREAS, We firmly believe thai resis-
lance to tyrants is obedience to God; therefore,
ResOiued, That we fully justify the course Pur
sued by the slave Anderson, in taking the life of
his pursuer while defending his own liberty, and
that we look upon him a hero and n true Amer
lean.
Resolred That to England, proud, monarchia
England, belongs the highest praise, for she has
not only proved an asylum for the flying fugitive.
but she has given TO man his birthright, freedom
to the slave, rights TO the wronged, and declared
that no slave could, under the Ashburton treaty,
be delivered up, unless the offense he charged
with murder by the law of England
Resolved, That we cordially recommend to our
people the noble example set them By our brother
John Anderson, and that we are now satisfied
that rights are in our own hands, and that the
public opinion of our white brethren of the North
practically enforcing the doctrine proclaimed by
Patrick Henry-"Liberty or death"
Resolved. That the colored people of the free
Northern States are American citizens; that
love our country; that we believe that It's Consti-
tuition, properly interpreted and enforced, would
give us rights; that believe the day Is fast
approaching when the courts Of this country will
do US justice; that will look forward with pa
tence to the "good time coming, and endeavor
in all possible ways to become good, honest, in
dustrious citizens.
Resolved, That in this man Anderson we see
the elements Of usefulness; that by perseverance
and thorough application he NAV become an able
defender of human rights; therefore, we recon
mend him TO educate himself-for il is a basis
upon which he must either stand or fall: There
fore,
Resolved. That the results arrived at IN this
cause are vastly encouraging 10 ms as people ;
that the conduct of John Anderson in taking the
life of Diggs, his pursuer, not only lawful
and right, but brave and heroic. and entities him
to a high position in the minds and affections Of
every true lover of his country.
Resolved That with o full view Of the conse-
quences that may follow, we now declare our un-
alterable determination TO oppose and resist tho
fugitive slave act, not only on account Of its
wicked and barbarous character, but because We
are satisfied that man obey that law with
out violating the Constitution OF his country and
the law of God. We are therefore determined
that no fugitive shall be taken from Chicago into
slavery, If il is in our power to prevent IL.
Resolued, That toward our fellow citizens who
have recently assisted US in foiling the purposes
of the kidnapper and slave catcher, and have
thereby brought indictments upon themselves,
and are now under bonds, we have feelings Of the
warmest gratitude and most unbounded respect
and we promise them that we will be a united
people in doing anything that may be necessaFs
to the successful termination Of these cases
ResolUed, That it was the anti-slavery senti-
ment of the people that elected Abraham Lincoln
President of the United States That the present
political crisis will work much for the benefit OF
our people, and that greatly rejoice that AbIa-
ham Lincoln announced in Faneuil Hall. on
Washington's birth day. that he would rather be
assassinated on the spot than TO surrender tina;
principle which in due time would lift the weight
from the shoulders of all men.
Pending the resolutions, Chancellor L. jerks
made a speech. He commenced by giving n very
full and correct report of the Anderson case from
the time of the birth Of the slave TO the present
which was listened TO With marked attention, but
interrupted by occasional bursts Of applause Mr
jerks then followed with series Of sentiments
giving several reasons why the whole people have
cause for rejoicing in the turn the Anderson az.
fair had taken, and closed with an eloquent perO.
ration, appealing to the sympathies of his hear.
| ers.
Among the audience attending this demonstra
ton we noticed many white persons Of both sexes
but, with the exception of Mr.. Jenks-who wa,
loudly and imperatvely called for By the coloreC
people-they took no part in the proceedings, anC
| Interested