Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-06-17
YE oLpEy TIMES

proceedings of public meeting held in the
Court House, in the city of Lancaster, on the
23d of November, isl9-oyer forty years ago.
The proceedings copied, rsr6atim, from
| the 8. Lancaster JourEal'' of Friday Nov 26th,
1919, published by VIM. Hamilton Ia bound
volume of which is now in the reading room
of the Lancaster Union League, where Ill who
doubt can call, see, and read for themse Ives.
These same proceedings bave been published
heretofore, but it may be we'll enough TO re-
mind the present generation of the men who,
| though dead, are venerated for having died
with principles unchanged, or if living, exc
Grated for having forsakcn them. The record
| is follows:
CAT a large and respectable meeting of cit
izens, held at the Court House, in the city of
Lancaster, on Tuesday, the 2Sd inst, conven-
ed pursuant to public notice, calling on them
to take into consideration and consult on such
| measures may best tend to prevent the in
PRODUCTION of Slaves into any Territory or
State hereafter TO be formed or admitted into
| the Union-the Hon. Walter Franklin was
called to the Chair,and VIM. Jenkins appoint
ed Secretary.
planned, it was moved and seconded that
Committee of three persons be appointed to
frame resolutions expressive of the sense of
the present meeting; whereupon James Hop
kins, James Buchanan and William Jenkins
were appointed committee for that purpose
and made report as follows:
WHEREAs, the people of this State, pursu-
ing the maxims and animated by the benefi-
cence of the great Founder of Pennsy ylvania,
first gave effect to the gradual abolition of
Slavery by a national act, which has not only
rescued the unhappy and helpless African
within their territory, from the demoraIizing
influence of Slavery, but smeliorated his state
and condition throughout Europe and Ameri-
ca; and, whereas, it would lily comport with
their humane and christian efforts, to be ST.
lent spectators when this great cause of hu-
manity is about to be agitated in Congress, by
fixing the destiny of the new domains of the
United States Therefore,
Reeolred, That the representatives in Con-
gress from this district, be. and they are here
by most earnestly requested, to use their ut
most endeavors, as members of the National
Legislature, TO prevent the existence of SIa-
very in any of the Territories or States which
may be created by Congress.
Resolred, As the opinion of this meeting,
that, as the Legislature of this State will
shortly be in session. it will be highly deser-
wing their wisdom and patriotism to take into
their early and most serious consideration, the
propriety of instrncting our representatives,
in the National Legislature, to use the most
jealous and strenuous exertions to inhibit the
existence of slavery in any of the Territories
or States which may hereafter be created by
Congress and that the Members of Assembly
from this county, be requested TO embrace the
earliest opportunity of bringing the subject
before both houses of the Legislature.
Resolued, That in the opinion of this meet
ing, The members of Congress who at the last
session sustained the cause of justice, human
ity, and patriotism I; in opposing the introduc-
tion of slavery into the State, then endeavor-
ed to be formed out of the Missouri Territory,
are entitled to the warmest thanks OF every
friend OF humanity.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meet
ing, be published in the newspapers of this
City. JAMES HOPKINS:
WILLIAM JENKINS,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
The foregoing resolutions being read, were
unanimously adopted. after which the meet
ing adjourned. Signed, WALTERsF rankin,
Attest. WILLIAM JENKINS, Sec'y.
[The. Journal was published twice aweek,
Tuesday and Friday. In Tuesdays issue
the day the meeting was held, is the follow
ing editorial:
''The inhabitants of the city and county of
Lancaster. are requested to attend general
meeting proposed to be held at the Court
House this evening Tuesday. at O'Clock,
to consult on such measures as may best tend
to prevent the introduction of Slarery into any
Territories or State hereafter to be formed or
| admitted into the Union. On this subject the
opinion of the citizens of Pennsylvania is
probably unanimous, and It is very desirable
that that opinion should be clearly expressed
to our Representatives in Congress."]
CoNISG OF AGE.-Why youth is said to be
ssof age'' when twenty one years old very few
can tell, except $50 saith the law" In the
considered to be of age and man when be
was able to bear arms and protect himself.
But this period varied at different times, de-
pending very much on the character OF the
arms in use. At first these were light and ea-
silly handled and then the time for the coming
of age was fixed at twelve years. After the
Teutons were brought into collision with the
well-a armed omans child of this age was of
little use in battle, and the period of coming