: Tue delegates appointed to revise and amend tlie
constitution of the society of North-Carolina for the
gradual abolition of slavery, are of opinion, that at
this eventful era, when the attention of Enrope and
America is excitéd by the sufferings of the African
race, it is incumbent on us to consider whether we
are acting up to the principles we profess. We take
the liberty briefly to observe, that we adhere to the
declaration of 1776, viz. thatall men are endowed by
the great Creator Ate certain’ unalicnable rights;
that among th se are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness. We think ‘that declaration holds good,
without respect to colour, and that it is the duty of
nations and states, as well as individuals, and more
especially those who profess to be actuated by the re-
publican principle, to suppress involuntary slavery
among them, and endeavor to remove this dishonor of
the christian character from a free people. In accor-
dance with these principles, we have adopted the fol-
lowing articles as a constitution.

Article 1. This society shall be known by the title
of Tue Manvumission Socrery or Norru-Carots-
NA, for promoting the gradual abolition of Slavery.
 

3

and for jello aS. the condition of the African race
‘amongus. — ee et Peas <

‘ Art. 2. This society shall convene once in each
: year, or oftener if necessary, which meeting shall be

denotninated the General Association.

Art. 3. This society shall consist of Sock branch
meetings as shall adopt: this constitution, and bé@ re-
prese@ited in the general association.

Art. 4. The general association shall elect a pre-
sident, secretary and treasurer, by ballot, for the term
of two years. Twelve members shall constitute a quo-
rum, but a smaller number may adjourn from time to
time, until’a quorum are convened.

Art. 5. It shall be the duty of the association when
met, to transact the business of the society, and en-
deavour to promote the objects of this institution. The
money for the use of the society is to be raised by free
donation of the branches, and by voluntary contribu-
tion of individuals who may wish to promote the views
of this society. fe eee

Art. 6. Each branch aeleds whe may adept this
‘constitution, shall be entitled to two representatives
in the general association, but may send one delegate
for every ten members. Each branch may choose
their own officers, and make their own bye laws, con-
sistent with the stipulations of this constitution. Each
branch meeting shall convene once in six months, or
ofterer if they think proper. ;

Art. 7. The reception of members ghall take place
at the respective branch meetings; each branch shall
keep a record of their members, and report the num

ber annually to the association.

and decorum, and give such info

3

Art. 8. The general association may choose a
board of managers, if they think proper, to transact

the business of the society in the recess of its sittings. »

With regard to the emigration of free coloured per
sons who may be disposed ‘to remove, the society
reserve to themselves the privilege - to act as circum-
stances may justify, to promote emigration to any
place which in their judgment may be most likely to
produce the desired effect. - =

Art. 9. It shall be the ‘duty of the president to
preside at each meeting of the,association, keep order.
ation to the meet-
ing as he may be in possession of relative to the af-
fairs of the society, and recommend such measures as
in his opinion may have a tendency to promote the
views o this institution; shall have power to adjourn
as occasion may require, and may calla special meef-
ing of the association at the request of two (or more)
of the branches. In case of absence of the president,
the meeting shall appoint one pro tempore.

Art. 10. It shall be the duty of the secretary to
keep fair records of the proceedings of each associa-
tion, so as to form a regular journal of the transac-
tions of the society. In case of absence of the secre-
tary, the meeting shall appoint a secretary pro tem~-
pore. ©

Art. 11. It shall. be the duty of the ecisueor te
receive the money collected for the use of the society;
he shall make regular entries of all money received
or paid out, but shall not pay out any money without
an order from the president, or the chairman of the

 

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