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Peter D. Verheyen, Project Manager
Debra G. Olson, Digital Project Assistant
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Library
© 2003 This work is the property of the Syracuse University Library. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.
A most slanderous handbill was issued from the press of the Republican Monitor, Saturday, last, purporting to give a candid and truthful account of the recent Anti-Slavery Meeting, held in this village. Instead of giving such and account of said meeting and its proceedings has been ably answered by the noble philanthropist, who is the chief subject of slander and vituperation. But this afternoon (Nov. 5th) a new edition of that infamous bill has been issued, containing the names of thirteen persons as endorsers of the same, ten of whom have never been recognized as Abolitionists. The following is the endorsement with the names: --
"We whose names are undersigned, having the anti-slavery meeting held in this village on Wednesday last; and having attentively read the above statement of its proceedings, do hereby declare our belief that the said statement is true in all its parts ; and especially so far as relates to the deportment of Mr. Gerrit Smith on that occasion."
B. T. CLARKE, &c.
The language of these endorsers is, that the "handbill is true in all its parts." Let us examine.
1. The handbill insinuates that there were only forty-seven persons at the meeting! Is this true? There were not less than three hundred males present!
2. The handbill asserts that Mr. Fuller was the first that addressed the meeting after the reading of the report: Whereas all must know that Mr. Smith was the first speaker. He rose and said, he wished to make a few remarks that might be deemed out of order, before the resolutions were discussed. That was the time he read "a newspaper column or two of extracts from the message of southern governors, and from the speeches of Doctors of Divinity." But the handbill affirms, that this was done when Mr. Smith was discussing the resolutions. Is this true? All that were present must know it to be otherwise. It was at this time that Mr. Smith made the remarks that "had no perceivable connection with the subject matter of the resolution."
3. The handbill conveys the impression that Mr. Fuller was opposed to the passage of the 5th resolution, in its amended form. All must know that this is a gross misrepresentation. He was in favor of the resolution's passing after it was amended. This he stated distinctly.
4. The handbill conveys the impression that Mr. Clark, of Syracuse, declared that Victory Birdseye was an officer of an Anti-Slavery Society. Is this true? All must say NO.
5. The handbill declares that Mr. B. T. Clark's resolution was offered as a substitute for the 4th resolution; whereas, all must know that it was offered as a substitute for the second. It was offered immediately after the first resolution passed. Many then wondered how its substitute could apply to the second resolution. All must see that this is a mis-statement.
6. The handbill declares that there were "not more than half a dozen persons voting either way," on the question of laying the 5th resolution on the table, whereas all must know that there were more than forty persons that voted in the negative, and not five in the affirmative. Is this a true statement?
7. The handbill declares that Mr. B. T. Clark's resolution was rejected "by a very small vote; whereas all must know that more than fifty persons voted against, and not more than three for it. The vote against the resolution would have been much larger, had not many abolitionists left before it presentation. Is not this a palpable mis-statement?
These are some of the misrepresentations & mis-statements of the said handbill. Who can believe a man that will thus unblushingly deviate from the truth and veracity, even with the endorsement of TEN ANTI-ABOLITIONISTS? Abolitionists will not; and they will demonstrate it at the POLLS.
Abolitionists of Cazenovia! Don't be misled and duped by crafty and unprincipled demagogues. This is a time when the adherents of the party will resort to every measure, however low and despicable to compass their ends. Beware of such! Adhere to your glorious principles. Come to the Polls as men, as Christians, and as philanthropists. Be firm, decided, inflexible; and an approving conscience and the blessings of those ready to perish, will be yours.
RESOLUTIONS.
Whereas civil government is an ordinance of God; and whereas in this land, the nature of such government is determined by the people; and whereas it is essential to the attainment of the ends of government that all entrusted with this high charge, should be men of exalted principle, stern integrity, and impartial justice; therefore,
Resolved - That the Elective Franchise is an important talent with which our Maker has entrusted us; and for a right use of which, He holds us responsible.
Resolved - That to use this talent in such a way as to elevate those to office who are destitute of sound moral principle, unflinching integrity, and equal justice, is grossly to pervert it , and incur the displeasure of Him who gave it.
Resolved - That if be a great and cruel wrong to "frame mischief by laws," and decree unrighteous decrees," it is equally wrong to elect men who will perpetuate the same.
Resolved - That no motives of partizan interest, or personal friendship, or any other consideration, will influence us to vote for men who have not principle and independence enough, to avow themselves firm adherents to the principles of impartial liberty, when publicly interrogated on the subject.
Resolved - That we will vote for Luther Bradish for Lieutenant Governor, and Thomas Dibble for Assembly, AND FOR THESE ONLY, and in doing so we deem it important to go to the polls at an early hour, and exert ourselves to influence other friends of the cause to do the same.
Resolved - That the above resolutions be signed by all the abolitionists present, and be published.
[col. 1]
SIDNEY ROBERTS,
NICHOLAS WELCH,
O.W. LOOMIS,
HENRY VAN DRIEZEN,
JOHN KINGSBURY,
FORDYCE RICE.
[col. 2]
JON'. WOODWARD,
JOHN W. HUNT,
I. N. SOUL,
JOHN F. HICKS,
H. DE CLERQ,
A. A. CARTER.
[col. 3]
CALVIN MEAD,
T. S. MYRICK,
E. TYRREL,
J. SPRINGSTEAD,
B. M. BORDEN.
[col. 4]
PETER DE CLERQ,
HALSEY RICE,
JOSEPH GASKELL,
WALTER PARSONS, Jr.,
HENRY ROBERTS.
[col. 5]
PHILO FERRIS,
J. A. BURR,
SILA HAWLEY,
E. L. PARSONS,
FRANCIS ORR.
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URL: http://libwww.syr.edu/digital/collections/g/GerritSmith/705.htm Last modified: January 21, 2003 11:19 AM |
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