The passage of the constitutional amendment, abolishing slavery, was celebrated
in this town on Thursday, by the ringing of bells and a mass meeting in Washington
Hall, in the evening. At the mass meeting, Hon. George Grennell was chosen President;
Henry W. Clapp, N.E. Russell, Ansel Phelps, David Aiken, Richard E. Field, Matthew
Chapman, Theodore Leonard, Lewis Merriam, Alfred R. Field, Samuel H. Reed, Almon
Brainard, Frederick G. Smith, Lewis Smead, Rufus Howland, Hervey C. Newton and
Salem Rich, Vice Presidents; S. S. Eastman, C. C. Conant, H. A. Buddington and
Noah S. Wells, Secretaries. The Hall was well filled and and speeches were made
by George Grennell, Whiting Griswold, D.W. Alvord, Rev. A. Dean, Ansel Phelps,
Rev. D. H. Rogan and Charles Munn. Col. Munn wished to have it understood that
he had always been a democrat and an anti slavery man. H.
S. Ford's choir of singers were present and sung the "National Hymn"
and "America" in an excellent style. On taking the chair, Judge Grennell
said, substantially-
Citizens:- It is a sight worthy the admiration of angels and men,
to see a great people rushing to their halls of Liberty and Temples of God to
signalize great events for freedom and humanity. We are here, not delegated
by choice; no. we are here, moved and awakened by that divine spirit that forms
all of our best and noblest purposes; a voluntary impulse brings us together;
but a rational impulse. Chosen? premeditated? No, no; the process were too slow.
The fire that glows and burns in our hearts is impatient of repression. Abraham
Lincoln presents a new claim to the reverence of his countrymen. We stand here
to rejoice and shout onward the begun march of true liberty for the white and
the black race- freedom eternal to the slave! How impatiently have we waited
and prayed for that act of Congress, sanctioned by our noble and brave President,
in amendment of the Constitution- abolishing the deadly plague of slavery from
the Republican land! It is done; - so far so good;- will you respond? Will you
anticipate the action of your Legislature? Yes, with cheers and shouts of joy
and confidence. The act will be consummated, citizens. Where do we gather to
hail this glorious measure, to put the stamp of reprobation on slavery? We come
spontaneously to this great hall, baptized to the name of Washington- the Father
of his country. He, an anti slavery man, if now on earth, wou'd do what Abraham
Lincoln has done. Let us congratulate one another, our country and our whole
American people, on this greatest measure of the age. |