ANTI-SLAVERY MEETING.
Preamble and Resolutions presented and adopted at a meeting held in Northfield,
Franklin Co., March 28, 1836, and by adjournment on the 4th and 7th of April,
for the purpose of forming an Anti-slavery Society.
Since GOD hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the
face of the earth, therefore,
Resolved,- That the division of caste on the pretext of occupation,
blood, or color, is a daring infringement on the laws of creation;
in direct opposition to the letter and spirit of the Bible, and prejudicial
to the best interests of man.
Resolved- That the recent expression of public sentiment, by addresses
in public meetings in every section of the country, in our Halls of Legislation,
and in the annual Messages of our Executive, shew that all the birth-right
liberties of our country are in jeopardy.
Resolved- That every friend of his county, every friend of liberty,
every friend of justice and humanity, is loudly called upon to assist in maintaining
the right of free discussion: the right of unrestrained locomotion for all who
have not forfeited it by crime; the right of legal protection, and redress of
wrongs.
Resolved- That as advocates of immediate emancipation, we
adopt the sentiment of all anti-slavery societies to regard the Constitutional
laws of the United States by disclaiming all acts of violence, and using only
moral means for the speedy and entire abolotion of slavery.
CONSTITUTION.
Article 1.- This society shall be called the Northfield Anti-slavery Society,
auxiliary to the 'Old Hampshire Anti-slavery Society.'
Art. 2.- The object of this society shall be to investigate and expose the abominations
of the slave system, and the sin of slave holding; to co-operate with kindred
societies in all peaceable measures for delivering the oppressed out of the
hand of the oppressor, by operating on the consciences of the slave holders,
thus leading him to loose the bands of wickedness, and let the oppressed go
free.
Art. 3.- Any person may become a member of the society by signing the constitution.
Art. 4.- The officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Art. 5.- All monies shall be raised by voluntary contributions and appropriated
by the officers, or by a vote of its members.
Art. 6.- The anniversary of this society shall be held on the first Wednesday
of January.
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.
Dea. Phinehas Field, President; Jonathan Cutting, Vice President, and Secretary;
Moses Field, Treasurer.
Voted, That the Secretary forward a copy of the official proceedings of the
above meetings for publication in the Greenfield Gazette & Franklin Herald.
JONATHAN CUTTING, Secretary. |