Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 2

[228] from the roll of the Convention, because women were to be allowed to participate in the proceedings! They were gratified in their request.¹

In the afternoon, bro. Wright opened the discussion, by² offering a resolution declaring that no man, no government,³ has a right to take the life of man, on any pretext, according to the gospel of Christ. He made a very able argument, and was replied to by a Rev. Mr. Powers, of Scituate, but in a feeble manner. In the evening, Dr. Follen made a long and⁴ ingenious speech against the resolution, and contended that a man had a right to defend himself by violence. Bro. Wright spoke in reply, and was catechised, while upon the stand, pretty freely. He answered all objections very readily. Several others also addressed the meeting, very briefly, which was then adjourned.

The discussion was continued with great animation the⁵ next forenoon. Rev. Mr. Gannett made a speech against the resolution, and moved its indefinite postponement. I replied to him in a manner that grieved him sorely. The resolution was adopted by a large majority. In the afternoon, a committee of nine was appointed to draw up a Constitution and a Declaration of Sentiments, of which I was chairman.⁶ I first wrote the Constitution, radical in all things, and presented⁷ it without delay. It created much discussion, which lasted during the evening, but was adopted by a decisive majority.⁸

Yesterday forenoon was occupied in the consideration and⁹ adoption of sundry important resolutions;¹⁰ but I absented myself to write the Declaration. In the afternoon, it was reported to the Convention, and never was a more “fanatical” ¹¹ or “disorganizing” instrument penned by man. It swept the whole surface of society, and upturned almost every existing institution on earth. Of course it produced a deep and lively sensation, and a very long and critical debate; and, to my astonishment, was adopted by those present by a vote of more than five to one.¹² It was ordered to be engrossed upon parchment,