The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-03-22
GRAND CONSERVATIVE MEETING IN
PHILIPPI, BARBOUR COUNTY, WEST
VIRGINIA.


VIRGINIA.
Pursuant to notice large number of
the citizens Of Barbour county met at the
Court flouse in Philippi, on Monday,
March the 18th, for the purpose OF pub
licly expressing their sentiments in re-
lation to the present condition of poiltl-
cal affairs, both State and National.
The meeting was organized by the
election Of DR.. Z. ID. TALBOTT as Pres
ident and J. z. THOMPSON, Secretary.
The object Of the meeting was stated
by WIN. L. ICE in a few brief and peril
nant remarks. Upon motion OF the
same gentleman, 4 committee Of five
was appointed to draft resolutions for
the consideration of the meeting. The
Chair named the following gentlemen
as members of the committees: VIM. ~
lee, d. NJ. MYERS, 4. S. RoEABAuGII,
-. b. MoDEsE.rT and J. n. 3. GRIM.
Pending the preparation of the report,
HENRY 5. WALKER, OF Harrison coun--
ty, Was introduced and addressed the
meeting with an able, eloquent and APP
proprlate speech VIII ch was we'll receive
ed and appIauded by all, and listened to
with an interest seldom manifested on
such occasions, lat the conclusion of which
the committee submitted the following
unanimously adopted:
Whereas, 1t is the right OF the people
peaceably to assemble and declare their
sentiments and opinions upon tie policy,
eXpediency and constitutionality Of all
political measures, involving the securi-
ty of their lives, liberties and property,
and
Whereas, We recognize the Constitu-
ton Of the United States and of this
State as the supreme law of the land,
imposing equal obligations upon any.
citizen thereof, whether in official or
private stations, and
Whereas, We have witnessed with
unqualified disapprobation the efforts of
the majorities in the Congress OF the
United States, and of the Legislature OF
this State, to subvert the constitutional
rights Of all opposed to their policy by
the enactment of laws entirely subver-.
sive Of the liberties of the people, and
Whereas, The Legislature of this
State in the enactment of the Registra-
ton Law and the Law to prevent the
obstruction of public justice, and in the
prop osed amendment to the Constitu-
ton, have endeavored to disfranchise
more than one-half the qualified voters
of the State and deprive the people of
criticising the acts of their public SER
wants, therefore
ResoNed, That the honest, manly and
statesmanlike policy pursued by An.
drew johnson, the President of the
United States, SO far as the same has
been manifested in his efforts to restore
to their constitutional relation with the
United States the Southern States lately
in rebellion against the lawful authority
and in vetoing the act of Congress for.
the enlargement of the powers Of the
Freedmen's Bureau, and in his efforts to
restore substantial and lasting peace and
harmony to the whole country by strict
adherence to the Constitution of the
United States, merits and shall receive
our cordial appreciation and coopera-
ton.
Resolved, That the Constitution of the
State of West Virginia prescribes the
only qualification that can lawfully be
required of her citizens to entitle them
to exercise the elective franchise, there
fore we regard the said Registration Law
and all other laws which require other
and additional qualifications as most
dangerous violations of the Constitution
of this State.
Resolved, That whatever may be the
private opinion of any, it is the une-
quivocal duty of every citizen of the
State, who can cOnscientiously take the
oath required by the said Registration
Law to register himself as voter, and
thus prevent the political power of the
State from passing into the hands Of q
minority who have shown themselves
wholly unworthy of public confidence.
Resolred, That we recommend to all
citizens of this county, who are opposed
to the unconstitutional, oppressive laws
passed by the Legislature OF West Vir-
ginia, and of the proposed amendment
to the Constitution to hold meetings in
their respective Townships and appoint
committees to urge upon their citizens
the duty of complying with the requisi-
tons of said Registration Law, so that
they may not by fraud or official intim-
idation be deprived of their right of
voting at the coming elections.
Resoired, That three delegates from
each township in thiscounty be appoint
ed to represent the Conservative men
'of this county in the State Convention to
be held in Clarksburg, on the 18th OF
April, next.
Resolreel, That +. j. OBricn, Senator
from this District, and John Keller,