Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1867-04-19

4
sell, spresiaed. So
The object of the meeting is fullyset forth in
the Preamble and Resolutions which We publish
below. j. ss .5.a.-r ss
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS
We the freedmen of Augusta County, in Mass
Meeting Assembled, do recognize in theeFents of
the late war the Judgment and mercies of Divine
Providence in sweeping, as with the bosom Of
destruction, the foul wrong of human bondage
from the face OF our country, and trusting to
Him for guidance, we will strive to use our per-
sonal and political freedom for the glory of His
name, and the advancement of the moral and
material interests of all. And Whereas, we are
called upon to exercise the great privilege of the
Franchise, it is due to friends in other States
well as to our fellow citizens in Virginia, that
we define our political belief on the great ques-
tons of the day, and seek such National poiti-
cal association as will add strength to- freedom,
and also see to it that in the Constitution about
to be framed for the government of ourselves and
posterity we ask no more than justice, nor accept
less than safety.
Therefore, be it Resolved,
That our greatful thanks are due to the gallant
armies of the United States who under ProvI-
dencc followed the flag of Liberty and Union un-
til victory crowned their efforts.
RESOLVED, That we hold in reverent remem-
brance the memories of those who fell in the
cause of Freedom, and especially of Abraham
Lincoln, the good, = the sgner ofon deed of
emancipation, and the last martyr.
Resolved, That our profound gratitude is due
to those friends in the 39th Congress who, step
by step, have perfected for security the le-
Ultimate fruits of successful contest.
Resolved, That as Our late masters were not
themselves legally responsible for withholding
from as our natural rights, SO we enter upon the
exercise of them with malice towards none,
with charity towards all.
Rsso Ired IA a. w
dominant in the 39th Congress to be just as well
as necessary for our future security, we identify
ourselves, and seek affiliation with the Nation
al Union Republican Association at Washington
and elsewhere.
Resolved, That believing in principles before
men, we will not support by our votes at the COM
ing elections any candidates who will not pledge
themselves faithfully to advocate our wants and
insist upon what we believe to be ourrights, and
shall enforce strict responsibility to such pledges
Resolved, That we demand,
lst That all Elections National, State and
Local. shall be by secret Ballot sf,.rvs
End. That no man shall be ineligible to office
by reason Of sect or color.
3rd That trial ny Jury of peers is a right
not to be withheld from any man, and we demand
admission to the Jury list as well as the Poll
list.
,4th. That thanking Major Gen. Sclofeld for
his General order No O. March 18th, 1861, we de-
IN md that the "prohibiton of whipping or maim-
ing rs a punishment for any crime. miSdcmeanor
or offence, " be made part of the organic law of
the State.
9Th That while we are willing to the utmost Of
our ability to bear our share the burden
of taxation, we demand equal distribution between
person and property, and that careful provision
he made in the State constitution, and Legislatures
hereafter assembled under its provisions, to pre-
vent absolutely, land forever, the payment by tax
alton, directly or indirectly of any debt contrac-
ted by any State or corporation for the support
of the late Confederacy, or the armies thereof
9th, That believing ignorance to be the fruitful
parent Of crime, wrong and dscord, we demand
extraordinary State provision for the free educa-
ton of the young Of all classes. "A
7th. That we deprecate the attempt wherever,
or however made, to deter us from the free and
mntrammclled exercise of the franchise, and look
with contempt upon any who are willing to sell
this dear bought right for q a mess of pottage
sth. That believing we ask no more than JUS
tice and safety demand we pledge ourselves to
support by our votes, men committed to the prin-
ciplcs set forth herein, and no others-and firmly
realizing that union is strength we will lay aside
NIL private dissensions and unite rs one man in
support of those candidates whose nominations
ratified at mass meetings, to be held at the
call of the Executive Committee.
On motion an Executive Committee ap-
pointed, with power to fill vacancies, and it was
made part fthe duties to wait upon Gen Echols,
and other prominent citizens and request them to
address the freedmen nj such time and places
may be convenient. Delegates were also appoin-
ted to the convention to meet at Richmond, April
18th. Rev. n. C. Bracket Superintendent of the
Freedmen Schools, and PHILLIP Roselle (colored
were chosen delegates to said convention.