on which Mr.
Mifflin made to Congress in November, 1792, for the abolition of
slavery, was, by vote of the House, returned to him by the clerk.
Annals of Congress, iii, p. 71. On March 23, 1790, the following
resolution on the subject of emancipation, after discussion in
committee of the whole House, was adopted: "That Congress have no
authority to interfere in the emancipation of slaves, or in the
treatment of them in any of the states, it remaining with the several
States alone to provide any regulations therein which humanity and
true policy may require." Annals, i. p. 1523.

[21] _Constitution of the Maryland Society for promoting the Abolition
of Slavery, and the Relief of Free Negroes and others unlawfully held
in Bondage._

The present attention of Europe and America to slavery, seems to
constitute that crisis in the minds of men when the united endeavors
of a few may greatly influence the public opinion, and produce, from
the transient sentiment of the times, effects, extensive, lasting, and
useful.

The common Father of mankind created all men free and equal; and his
great command is, that we love our neighbor as ourselves--doing unto
all men as we would they should do unto us. The human race, however
varied in color or intellects, are all justly entitled to liberty; and
it is the duty and the interest of nations and individuals, enjoying
every blessing of freedoms to remove this dishonor of the Christian
character from amongst them. From the fullest impression of the truth
of these principles; from an earnest wish to bear our testimony
against slavery in all its forms, to spread it abroad as far as the
sphere of our influence may extend, and to afford our friendly
assistance to those who may be engaged in the same undertaking; and in
the humblest hope of support from that Being, who takes, as an
offering to himself, what we do for each other--

We, the subscribers, have formed ourselves into the "MARYLAND SOCIETY
for promoting the ABOLITION OF SLAVERY, and the RELIEF OF FREE NEGROES
and OTHERS unlawfully held in bondage."

THE CONSTITUTION.

I. The officers of the Society are a president, vice-president,
secretary, treasurer, four counselors, an electing-committee of
twelve, an acting-committee of six members. All these, except the
acting-committee, shall be chosen annually by ballot, on the first
seventh-day called Saturday, in the month called January.

II. The president, and in his absence the vic