1839-10-04-Christian Register-Meeting at New York in Behalf of the Mormons
Meeting at New York in Behalf of the Mormons.
Christian Register and Boston Observer, v18 n40, 5 October 1839, p. 0_1
On Monday, pursuant to public notice, a large meeting assembled at National Hall, to listen to the recital of the wrongs and sufferings of the Mormons, and to devise means for the relief of their women and children.
The meeting was organized by placing Mr. Charles King in the Chair, and Mr. Marcus Spring, as Secretary.
The Chairman having briefly stated the object of the meeting, and read the circular letter signed by Gov. Carlin, of Illinois, Senator Young, from that State, and other residents thereof—vouching for the trustworthiness of Mr. Green, who is deputed by his people to make their case known to the country,—the Chairman introduced Mr. Green to the meeting.
Mr. Green proceeded to give a plain, unadorned, and, as is believed, unexaggerated narrative of the settlement of the Mormons in Missouri, of the constant outrages to which they were subjected—and the series of persecutions, which were only ended by their forcible explusion from the State, and the surrender, without compensation, of the lands and houses they had acquired by their own money or built with their own hands. Mr. Green was himsf an actor and witness in many of the scenes he described, and he related them without any attempt at ornament or appeal to passion.
When Mr. Green took his seat, Joseph Blunt, Esq. addressed the meeting with ability and great effect, and offered the resolutions that will be found below. He was eloquently followed and seconded by Hiram Ketchum, Esq. The resolutions were further supported by several speakers, among whom were Dr. D. M. Reese, and W. L. Stone, Esq., when the question was taken on them separately, and they were carried almost without a dissentient voice.
Upon a suggestion from the Chair, that as the wants of the sufferers were urgent, good might arise fromsome immediate contribution, a mechanic, in his working jacket, stood up, saying that having often witnessed the good effect of example on such occasions, he proposed—although, as he added, the sum he could give was humble, if nine others would do likewise, to give five dollars, and immediately walked up to the table and deposited the money. The challenge was accepted by several others, and a sum exceeding fifty dollars was collected on the spot.
The meeting then adjourned, it being understood that the Committee named to receive and distributed contributions, would at once enter upon their duties.
Resolved, That as Americans, we have heard with shame and indignation, the narrative given by Mr. Green of the persecutions, suffering and lawless violence of which a body of American citizens have been the objects and the victims, for no other apparent cause than that, without hindrance to others, or violation of any law of the land, they acted on the right guaranteed to them by the Constitution of the United States of a 'free exercise of religion.'
Resolved, That without meaning to express any opinion whatever as to the religious tenets or practices of the Mormons as a sect, we condemn and desire to bear our testimony against mob-law, Lynch-law, and all other forms of violence and outrage, where an excited populace becomes at once, jury, judge, and executioner.
Resolved, That the Mormons, as wronged, persecuted, exiled, and defrauded Americans, are entitled to the sympathy and support of their countrymen, and that especially in behalf of the women and children driven from their homes at the point of the bayonet, we appeal to the known benevolence of our fellow-citizens at large for pecuniary aid.
Resolved, That the Chairman and Secretary be a Committee, with power to add to their numbers—to obtain subscriptions in aid of the women and children of the Mormons—such subscriptions to be applied, after due investigation by the Committee themselves.
Resolved, That these resolutions be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and published in the newspapers.
- CHARLES KING, Chairman.
- MARCUS SPRING, Secretary.
