Meeting in Kalamazoo

At a meeting of the Abolitionists of the southern part of the county of Kalamazoo, held at the Baptist meeting house in Schoolcraft, on Thursday, the 8th day of July, B.C. Simmons was called to the chair, and S.B. Thayer appointed Secretary.

The object of the meeting being stated by Dr. Thomas, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to draft resolutions: Dr. N.M. Thomas, Col. A. McKinstry, W. Woodruff, Esq., Delmore Duncan and Wm. Taylor.

In the absence of the Committee, the meeting addressed by Wm. Wheeler of St. Joseph CO., Mr. Barker of Calhoun Co., and numerous other gentlemen upon the propriety of Independent political action.

Upon the return of the committee, the following preamble and resolutions were submitted by them:

Whereas, Slavery, as it exists in the District of Columbia, under the immediate observation of the representatives of the people, is a great national evil which tarnished the national honor, and is at variance with the great doctrine of American Independence, which declares as self evident truths, that all men are born equally free, and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore,

Resolved, That slavery as it exists in the District of Columbia, ought not to continue any longer, and as Congress has the power to abolish it, that power should, therefore, be exerted to effect it.

Resolved, That as the power of Congress is exerted to sustain slavery in numerous instances, for which acts the people are responsible; and as the people possess the power of remedying political grievances, the ballot box being the most potent agent at command that can be used for that purpose, they ought therefore to appeal to it for the removal of these enormous evils.

Resolved, That as independent political action is the best plan of rendering the efforts of abolitionists efficient, it is the duty of the abolitionists of this county to resort to it,

The above resolutions were freely debated and unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That a general meeting of all those in Kalamazoo Co. who are favorable to immediate emancipation, will be held at the Court House in Kalamazoo on the first Saturday in August, at 10 o'clock P.M., for the purpose of more efficient organization. A general attendance of those favorable is solicited.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the President and Secretary and published in the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Delmore Duncan, Isaac Briggs, and Dr. N.M. Thomas were appointed a committee to make the necessary arrangements for the county meeting.

BENJ. C. SIMMONS, Pres't
S.B. THAYER, Sec'y

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Updated 06/12/2007

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