The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1863-02-26
DEMOCRATIC MEETING.

purpose of depressing their sentiments rel
alive to the present crisis: c. II. REEvl
was appointed. President, VIM Nj. PATrER
SON Vice President ID, E. EGGLKsToN Sec
rotary Of the meeting. The following res
olutions ware then introduced and after
speech from c. II. REEVE. they wer'
UNANIMOUSLY adopted:
WHEREAS The Constitution of the Uni
ted States expressly provides that Son
gress shall make no law abridging the free
dom of speech, or of the press" and
Whereas, Every native citizen owes al
legiance by birth, and every naturalized
citizen by oath. to the government, and
that government is made by virtue of the
Constitution; and
Whereas, Every person holding office
takes solemn oath to support that Con
ssitution, and is bound by his oath-and
bound by double oath if not native born.
TO maintain every provision of that Consti.
tuition; and
Whereas. we have been free people
and have had free government only by
virtue of that Constitution and obedience
to it and the laws made under it; and
Whereas, that liberty and that govern
ment can be preserved to US only by such
continued obedience; and
Whereas, the strongest safeguard of a
free people ia free press, amenable TO the
law only for abuse of it's liberty; and
Whereas, our courts are open. the course
of Justice unobstructed therein, and the
provisions of tho law are ample for the
protection of all persons against the evils
of an unfet,ered press; Therefore be it.
Resolved:
lst That, we have viewed with alarm the
acts of the leaders OF the SO called rerub.
lican party; abridgine "lhe freedom OF
speech and of the press but have SUI
mtted to those acts with tie sole view OF
leaving the administration wholly unub.
structed in its efforts To suppress this re-
bellion of the Southern States; with the
hope that such acts would be temporary
only.
3D. That, the continued encroaehment OF
Republican officers, civil and military, on
the rights of the people, and their entire
disregard Of their natural and official ob.
legations under the Constitution. especially
regarding the "fieedom of speech and OF
the press" has proved them to be gov
ernsd by determination to rule in their
own way instead of ruling according to
sworn duty.
Sd. That, as party and as individuals
we have always maintained the Constitu
ton and abided by our oaths and duties in
holding true faith and allegiance to our gov
eminent; and therefore We have the right,
both lesal and natural, to demand that it
shall be upheld and maintained inviolate
in all its provisions. among the most i'm
por,ant Of which is the guaranty of the
freedom of speech aud of the press
4.h. That. any person in or out OF or
fee. who will directly or indirectly, by
word or act, seek to abridge the freedom
of speech or of the press is false to his
allegiance, and, if holding Office, is per-
jured, is dangerous to the peace. is unfit
to live in q free government and deserves
the unqualified condemnation of eveay hon
est and law abiding citizen.
5th. That We will not tolerate or sub
init to further usurpa,in of power by any
man or set ofmeu, in Office or in privrte
life, for the purpose of, OF tending to. the
abridgment of the freedom of speech or OF
the press" and that after We have first
exhausted all lawful means 10 preserve ouI
Constitutional and reserved rights inviolale
we will resort to all and every means with
in our power to preserve them and punish
he usurpers.
9th. That the unfinching course pur
sued by the Chicago Times in denoun'
cling the usurpations Of Ab,aha Lincoln q
abolition administration and in battling fol-
the Constitution and the law, merits the
appreciation, ofall good men and receives
our most hearty sanction.
7th. That, the Constitution with all itt
compromises must be preserved and all at
tempts TO subvert CT annul it must he dis
counrenanced and put down, come from
villa. source they may; and that the PEG
pie alone have the right to change, alter oil
amend it in the form prescribed by its owl
provisions, and we will resist to the deatf
all ate mpts 10 chnnge or annul It IN any
particular by any other means.
Sth. That, We are in favor OF peace; an(
to obtain il are in favor Of cessation o
hostiitrs between the armies Of tho nor
tern and southern STATES, and settle
menl of our differences by a convention Q