The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-01-23
And 1 will venture to say that there is
n al a r,arcnn in his ln rna aeeanohl, .uhc

not person in this large assembly who
has not personal frieuds--scarcely one
who has not kindred-in one or more of
the Southern States. How 10th you would
be to minge your blood with theirs in
deadly strife! Let us Danish the terrible
thought Rather let US believe that glad
ness will be restored to the distracted
country,-that the advancing, busy multi
tude will people our vast domain in peace,
adding star after star to our glorious con-
stellation of States, and honor to the dag
which cheers the American heart in every
land. Then, my country, who shall meas
ure thy greatness!-
-..-s "Who shall then declare
The date of thy deep founded strength, or tell
How happy, in thy lap, the sons of men shall
dwell?"
On motion of VIM. P Richardson it
was Resolved that committee of seven
be appointed to prepare resolutions ex-
pressive of the sense of this meeting.
Whereupon, VIM. p. Richardson, Mar
shall Morrow, Jere. Williams, Nathan
Hollister, John A. Davenport, Barna.
Powell and Hugh 3. Hill, were appointed
said committee, representing the Demo
cratic, Republican and Constitutional
Union parties. a'"' 2.
During the retirement of the commit
tee on resolutions, Hon. James R Morris
was called upon to address che meeting,
who thereupon proceeded In short ad-
dress to advocate compromise rather than
engage in civil war. Hon. VIM. F.
Hunter was then called upon, and ad.
dressed the meeting in brief speech ad-
vecaling compromise and concession.
The Committee reported that they had
unanm ously agreed on the following Res
olutions, which were severally adopted by
the meeting, there being but one dissent
ing voice among all the people present.
Resolred, That experience has clearly dem
onstrated, that the Union of the States, which
constitutes us one people, is of great advan-
tage to all sections of the country; that it is
the States as unit, not as separate con-
federacies, which gives US respect abroad and
security at home; and therefore it is our duty
to make every reasonable sacrifice to maintain
The Union, under the Constitution.
RESOLVED. That we have ever reposed faith
in the virtue, intelligence and justice of the
people, and now gveit as our opin-
ion. that il time and opportunity be given,
they will, when freed from the pernicious in
suence of mere politicians and demagogues,
cordially agree to such terms of adjustment
as will be fair and equitable to the people of
all sections, and will therefore restore feelings
of fraternity and kindness.
Resolued, That we deny that any State, by
any action of its own, can in fact withdraw
from the Union; and that SO long as the pres
ent government of the United States exists,
we will aid and support it, to the utmost of
our power, whenever lawfully called upon, to
enforce aud execute the laws of Congress, not
only during the present administration, but
during the administration of any other person
who may be oonstitu tionally and in fact Presi-
dent of the United States. But
ResoIued, That in the opinion of this meet
ing the employment of military power will.
plunge the country in civilwar, and
will entirely extihguish all hope of a peaceful
settlement of the fearful issues now before the
We therefore earnestly entreat, as
well the Federal Government, as the seseding
States, to stay the arm of military power, and
on no pretext to bring on the nation the gi-
gantic horrors of civil war, until the people
cas take such action as our troubles
demand.
Resolped That while we are in favor of the
Union the Constitution and the enforcement
of the laws, We are also i'll favor of guaran,
teeing to each section of the country all of
its lust rights; and to that end We would fav or
by way of compromise, and to restore peace to
the distracted country, any propositions that
in pri1ciplp embrace the following
points: i - aTssal sJ l.st,
l. The repeal of all the so called Personal
Liberty bills. 97.ad lrf
2. An amendment of the Fugitive Slave
Law so IS to remove the features therein OBJ
iectionable to the north, without at the same
time i,npairing its efficiency. -ee.- /, z.- ,r-r
5. An amendment of the Constitution So
as to prohibit all interference with slavery in
the States. g.. -, s-
L. An amendment of the Constitution so
that Congress shall not abolish slavery in the
southern dockyards, arsenals, &C., nor in the
District of Columbia without the consent of
the people of Maryland and Of said District,
nor without compensation.
5. An amendment of the Constitution so
that Congress shall never interfere with the
interstate slave trade.
6. A perpetual prohibition of the African
slave LTdue, duu CluClSut Laws w cAioiCo tL1dt
prohibition. sr..
Resolred, That while with respect to the
territory of the United States there is not 3
perfect agreement among the members of this
meeting as to our true policy, we would all
consent, by way of compromise to the princi-
pie contained in the following proposition:
That the line of SO degrees 80 min. shall
be run through all the existing territory o.
! the United States; that in all north of that
:, line, slavery shall be prohibited; that south o
that line neither Congress nor the territorial
Legislatures shall hereafter pass any law abol
ishing, prohibiting or in any manner jnterfer
ing with African slavery; and that when any
territory containing sufficient population fo
one member of Congress, in any area of 60,00(
square miles, shall apply for admission as {
State, it shall be admitted with or withou
slavery, as it's constitution may determine.
During the passage of the resolution!
remarks were made by Doctor Grimshaw
N. Hollister and others. si 41snsa el
| On motion it was resolved that the Sec
retary be instructed to furnish copy o
these resolutions to our member in Con
gress; also to the several papers publish
ed within this Congressional district ant