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S[tephen] Smith to Frederick Douglass, June 1, 1853

D6498

PHILADELPHIA, June 1st, 1853.

Mr. FREDERICK DOUGLASS:—The meet-
ing of the colored citizens of the city and
county of Philadelphia, at the Hurst Street
Wesleyan Church, convened to take into con-
sideration the call for a National Convetion
to be held at Rochester, N. Y., on the 6th
of July next. The meeting was organized
by calling Rev. Stephen Smith to the chair;
Prof. Charles L. Reason, Secretary; Jacob
Willis Glasgow, Assistant. On motion of
Dr. Bias, a Committee of three were ap-
pointed to draft resolutions; presented to
the meeting by the Committee, John C. Bow-
wers, Ebenezer Black, and C. L. Reason.—The Committee reported the following reso-
lutions:

Whereas, while the contest is being
waged in the United States between Free-
dom and slavery, it is essential that the Free
Colored People should settle on the best pol-
icy to be pursued in the aid of the former, and
to the overthrow, not only of the latter, but
the spirit of caste, which hinders us edu-
cationally, politically, and in our industrial
pursuits; and, whereas, while there is want-
ing amongst us a union of purpose, active
means are resorted to, though the channels
of the Colonization Society, the Fugitive
Slave Bill, pro-slavery presses and churches,
and proscriptive institutions of all kinds to
oppress us, to keep us ignorant and poor,
and even to force us from our country;
therefore,

Resolved, That we approve of the call for
a National Convention to be held at Roches-
ter, New York, on the 6th of July, because
it proposes to define, as far as in its wisdom
it may, some enlightened and systematized
plan for the people's adoption, and will send
delegates thereto.

Resolved, That all delegates appointed by
this meeting be instructed to urge upon the
Convention,

1st, An opposition to the principles and
policy of the American Colonization Society.

2nd, To protest solemnly against the un-
christian and unconstitutional character of
the Fugitive Slave Bill.

3d, The impossibility of complete eleva-
tion, without the franchise right, and the
duty to secure it, if possible, in those States
where it is withheld.

4th, The adoption of some plan by which
our youth, generally, may obtain a knowl-
edge of the mechanical branches.

5th, to insist on the necessity of preserv-
ing a high, moral character as a people—of
practicing temperance, and of availing our-
selves of the facilities of education, particu-
larly at those institutions of learning which
combine labor with study.

The adoption of the resolutions was moved
by J. Glasgow, but was laid over until the
next meeting; the further proceeding, was
then suspended, to allow A. M. Sumner to
offer a resolution.

Resolved, That we approve of the sugges-
tion of the gentlemen whose names are
signed to the call, recommending the ap-
pointment of delegates by churches and other
societies, as we are of opinion this mode of
representation will ensure a powerful delega-
tion from our city.

On motion of C. L. Reason, a Committee
of three were appointed to nominate candi-
dates for delegates to the Convention. Com-
mittee, F. Turner, Nickless, and B. Moore.

After making arrangements for another
meeting, adjourned.

REV. S. SMITH, President.

PROF. C. L. REESON, } Secretaries.
S. W. GLASGOW,

Creator

Smith, Stephen

Date

1853-06-01

Description

S[tephen] Smith to Frederick Douglass. PLSr: Frederick DouglassP, 1 July 1853. Conveys details of a Philadelphia meeting convened to consider the nomination of convention delegates and to decide upon points of discussion.

Publisher

This document was calendared in the published volume and has not been published in full before.

Collection

Frederick Douglass' Paper

Type

Letters

Publication Status

Unpublished

Source

Frederick Douglass' Paper