USA > Kentucky > Boyle County > Danville > The Political Club, Danville, Kentucky, 1786-1790. Being an account of an early Kentucky society from the original papers recently found > Part 7
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ORGANIZATION.
The minutes of the first and second meetings show the time and place The Political Club began its exist- ence, and that it was organized under a written consti- tution and rules of order. These minutes are full of interest. On the 27th day of December, 1786, there were assembled at the house of Judge Samuel McDowell six other men, Judge Harry Innes, Thomas Todd, John Brown, Christopher Greenup, John Belli, and Robert Craddock. The position and character of the five first named are historic. The other two are less known, but the fact that they were so associated with the others is evidence that they were leading men, as in fact they were. It is very suggestive that these persons, engaged in the active duties of life and under the circumstances surrounding them, conceived the idea of such a society. Those whom they invited to join with them were men
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like themselves, the thoughtful, influential citizens of the Danville community. On that evening they selected a subject for discussion at the next meeting.
At the second meeting, which was at the house of Thomas Barbee one week after the first, an organization was made under a written constitution and rules of order, and the subject selected at the preceding meeting was discussed. The following are the minutes of these meetings:
DANVILLE, WEDNESDAY, THE 27th DAY OF DECEMBER, 1786.
Present at the house of Samuel McDowell: Harry Innes, John Brown, Thomas Todd, Robert Craddock, Christopher Greenup, and John Belli.
Resolved, that the persons now present do form themselves into a society to be hereafter distinguished and known by the style and title of "The Political Club," to be governed by such laws and regu- lations as shall be liereafter agreed on.
Resolved, that the following gentlemen be invited to become members of the club, viz: George Muter, Peyton Short, Stephen Ormsby, William McDowell, Thomas Speed, Gabriel Jones Johnson, Peter Tardeveau, Thomas Allin, James Overton.
Resolved, that Harry Innes, John Brown, Christopher Greenup, and John Belli be a committee to form a constitution for the regular government of the club, and also a set of rules and regulations for proceedings therein, and report the same to the next meeting.
Resolved, that the next meeting of the club be held at the house of Thomas Barbee, in this town, on Saturday evening next, at six o'clock, or at such other place therein as the committee for forming a constitution shall appoint and direct.
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The subject to be debated on Saturday evening next is " Whether the immediate navigation of the Mississippi River will contribute to the interest of this District or not?"
Adjourned until Saturday evening, December the 30th, 1786.
At a meeting of The Political Club at the house of Thomas Barbee, on Saturday evening, the 30th day of December, 1786, pres- ent eleven members. Resolved, that Mr. Thomas Speed be ap- pointed Secretary to this club, pursuant to the constitution. Re- solved, that Harry Innes, Esq., be appointed President for this evening, who took the chair accordingly.
Mr. Brown, from the committee appointed to draw up the form of a constitution and rules for the regular proceedings of the club, presented, according to order, a constitution or form of govern- ment, which he read in his place and then delivered the same in at the clerk's table, where the same was read twice and debated by paragraphs, and several amendments made.
THE CONSTITUTION.
A constitution or form of government agreed on by the mem- bers of The Political Club, as follows :
I. A meeting of the club shall be held on every Saturday even- ing, at such place as shall from time to time be agreed upon, but for good cause shown a majority may appoint any other day at a longer or shorter period. On the appearance of six members they shall proceed to choose a president for that evening only, also such other officers whose places may be vacant.
2. A secretary and treasurer shall be appointed, who shall respectively continue in office during good behavior, and upon the death, resignation, removal, or other disability of either, such vacancy to be supplied in such manner as the clerk may direct. They are to be members of the club and have the same privileges
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of debate and giving their vote on any subject as any other member.
3. The Secretary shall keep exact minutes of the proceedings of the club in a book to be provided for that purpose, and to pre- serve all papers that may be brought in and ordered to be filed, and divulge no secret that may be enjoined.
4. Each member shall, from time to time, advance such sums of money as shall be adjudged necessary for the expenses and other disbursements of the club to the Treasurer, who shall receive the same, and also the moneys arising from fines, and, with the assistance of the Secretary, shall settle all accounts against the club.
5. On the non-attendance of any member from the club at any meeting, he shall be fined in such a sum as from time to time shall be agreed on by a majority of the club, unless at a future meeting it shall be determined that he liad a reasonable excuse for his absence.
6. When any member has subjected himself to a fine, he is not to be re-admitted until he pays the same or is excused.
7. The club shall have power to inquire into any irregularity of its members, and if it shall appear on inquiry that any member has behaved himself beneath the character of a gentleman, or shall misbehave at any meeting, such member shall be expelled by order of a majority then present, or suffer such other punishment as the club may direct.
8. The Treasurer shall, once in every month, lay before the club an account of all moneys by him received, and his disburse- ments thereof, for examination.
9. No new members shall be admitted without the unani- mous consent of all the inembers of the club, to be taken by ballot either given by him or his proxy. Nor shall such election be made until three club nights have elapsed between the time the intended member's name shall be proposed and the day of
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election, nor shall strangers be admitted into the room on any pretense whatsoever.
10. No member shall absent himself from the club-room, after taking his seat therein, for the space of fifteen minutes, until the hour of adjournment, without first obtaining a permission from a majority of the members then present.
II. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and all other appointments, except the appointment of new members, shall be chosen by a majority of the members then present, and when there is an opposition the same shall be chosen by ballot.
12. At the meeting of every club a subject shall be agreed on, and entered on the minutes, to be debated at the next meeting, and two members shall be appointed by rotation to introduce the same, who shall take opposite sides by lot, if not otherwise agreed on; but any other member may also debate thereon after the same shall be so introduced, and the determination shall be entered on the minutes.
13. Power shall be reserved for the club to make such further reform in this constitution as may appear to be reasonable, pro- vided that such alteration shall be approved by at least eight mem- bers then present.
Resolved, N. C. D., that the said constitution or form of gov- ernment be received, held, and deemed as the constitution and form of government for the club, and that the same be subscribed by the members now present, and also by such others as may be admitted members of this club.
Resolved, that Mr. Thomas Allin be appointed Treasurer, pur- suant to the constitution.
Mr. Brown, from the committee appointed to draw up the form of a constitution and rules for the regular proceedings of the club, reported, according to order, certain rules and orders, which he
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read in his place and then delivered the same in at the clerk's table, where the same were again twice read and amended, as fol- lows:
THE RULES.
Rules and orders adopted by The Political Club:
That no member absent himself from the service of the club unless he have leave or be sick and unable to attend.
That each member attend punctually at the house appointed for meeting, and, unless for good cause shown, on failing to attend within half an hour thereafter, he shall be subject to a fine of one shilling and sixpence, or on failing to attend at any meeting he shall be subject to a fine of three shillings; or if any member shall, without leave, absent himself from the club- before the hour of eleven o'clock he shall be subject to a fine of one shilling and sixpence.
That at each meeting of the club, before they proceed to any business, the Secretary do read over the orders for taking any matters into consideration at that meeting.
That when any member is about to speak in debate, or to deliver any matter to the club, he shall arise from his seat, and without advancement from thence, except to a table appointed for that purpose, shall, with due respect, address himself to Mr. Presi- dent, confining himself strictly to the point in debate, and avoid- ing all indecent and disrespectful language.
That when any member shall be speaking in address to the President no member shall pass between the person speaking and the chair, nor otherwise interrupt him unless by requesting the Presideut to call to order, which any member may do when he shall think necessary, nor shall any member name another in debate.
That no member speak more than twice in the same debate without leave of the club.
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That while the President is putting any question no member shall entertain private discourse, stand np, walk into, out of, or across the room, or read any private book.
That all motions, except such as are of a general nature, shall be reduced to writing before the question be put thereon, and the member who makes a motion may withdraw it before a division is given by the club.
That no motion shall be admitted to consideration which is not seconded; but, when a motion is thus brought regularly before the club, the debate and division thereof shall not be interrupted by the admission of any other motion, except it be for the previous question, or for amending or postponing the original motion.
That the sense of the club shall be taken by the members saying yea and nay, and by standing up or going forth, if occasion requires, and the ayes and noes shall be taken if required by any two members, and the members shall possess a right to enter pro- test.
Resolved, N. C. D., that the said rules and orders be adopted and observed by the club in all their proceedings.
Messrs. William Kennedy, Benj. Grayson, and Maurice Nagle were nominated to this club in order to be admitted members of this club. Ordered that their names do lie on the table, pursuant to the constitution.
The question proposed on Wednesday last, as follows: "Whether the immediate navigation of the Mississippi River will contribute to the interest of this District or not?" was read, and, after solemn debate,
Resolved, that the immediate navigation of the Mississippi River will not contribute to the interest of the District.
The question proposed to be debated next meeting shall be, "Whether it will be to the advantage of this District immediately to separate from the government of Virginia and become an inde-
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pendent State or not?" and that Mr. Innes and Mr. Brown do . introduce the same.
Resolved, that each member present pay into the hands of the Treasurer the sum of six shillings, to defray the expenses of the club.
Ordered that the club be adjourned.
The seriousness and business-like gravity of the club, and the practical character of the whole movement, are seen in the first questions taken up for consideration. They were the all-absorbing topics of the day. At no time in the subsequent history of Kentucky have the people been more profoundly stirred than they were by the questions of 1786. There was urgent need for calm and dispassionate interchange of thought among the recognized leaders of the people. The benefit of the club in affording opportunity for consultation among these leaders can not be overestimated. The conchisions reached, when closely scrutinized in the light of history, disclose intelligent thinking and sound judgment.
The first question discussed by the club was one of pressing importance to the people of Kentucky: "Whether the immediate navigation of the Mississippi River will contribute to the interest of this District or not?"
After "solemn" debate the club decided this question in the negative. A decision in the affirmative would seem more natural. Why they decided as they did is a
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. puzzle difficult of satisfactory solution. The minutes do not disclose any reasons or arguments, and we are left to find them, if we can, from the situation of affairs with reference to the Mississippi River at that time. The navigation of this stream had been forbidden by Spain, which power then controlled its lower waters. The only hope for Kentucky to have any market for supplies produced was the river. If flat-boats could carry what the people had to sell down the Ohio and the Mississippi to the sea there was a prospect for trade and wealth, but if not there was none whatever. A singular statement is found in McMaster's History, Volume I, page 149. Speaking of the condition of Kentucky in 1784, he says: "Wheat fields and corn fields and orchards began to spring up in every direction, and already the wagons that brought out merchandise from Philadelphia went back laden with grain."
If he had said the grain was transported by railway cars in 1784 he could not have made a greater mistake. At that time there was no wagon road to Kentucky. All luggage that came over the Wilderness Road was carried on pack animals. That which came down the river could not be carried back the same way. There was no way for produce to go east. Flat-boats could not be carried up stream, and wagons could not cross
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the mountains. The river way, down to the sea, was absolutely essential to the future prosperity of Kentucky. It was the only outlet. Yet the question before the club was decided in the negative.
Perhaps the word "immediate " in the question affords an explanation. It might have been considered that there was no immediate necessity for descending the river, and that the people could for a while employ their time to the best advantage in clearing and build- ing and fencing, thus laying the foundation for future rather than "immediate" convenience. But the history of that period does not make it certain that this expla- nation is correct. In the same year this debate was had, 1786, a proposition was submitted to the Congress of the States, by Mr. John Jay, which was reported to the people of Kentucky as a proposition to cede to Spain the control of the Mississippi for twenty-five or thirty years. They were greatly excited. The suggestion of being deprived of their only outlet was alarming. A convention was called to meet at Danville in May, 1787, to consider the subject. Much excitement in favor of the navigation of the Mississippi was expected. But the result of the meeting was as singular as the decision of the club. The historian, Marshall, says: "At the time and place recommended, they assembled, assumed the de-
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liberative form, and, after conferring, adjourned without day." Butler says: "The convention quietly adjourned without any definite action on the subject;" "a circum- stance," says he, "not a little remarkable, considering the subject and the temper of those who composed the meeting. Kentuckians have not often assembled together and dispersed so quietly; a fire of resolutions might at least have been expected." It is possible that the Ken- tuckians apprehended that the demand for immediate navigation would lead to war with the Spaniards, and they did not feel prepared for it.
Whatever it was that influenced both the club and the convention, the decision showed the conservative character of the members of the club, which also dis- played itself on other occasions. There was, as we now know, an unnecessary excitement upon the subject. The times required the counsels of thoughtful men. Certain restless spirits were suggesting separation from the States and an alliance with Spain. The decision of the club indicates no sympathy with that movement, and, as the members were the principal men in the convention of May following, it is but reasonable to conclude that they counseled and effected a moderation of views in the convention, and calmed the general feeling of apprehension.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1787.
Present, ten members. Resolved, that Christopher Greenup, Esq., be appointed President for this evening, who accordingly took the chair.
The question proposed on Saturday last, viz., "Whether an immediate separation of this District from the State of Virginia will tend to its benefit?" was read, and, after solemn debate, Re- solved, as the opinion of this club, that an immediate separation of this District from the State of Virginia will tend to its benefit.
The question proposed to be debated next meeting is, "The pro- priety of separating this District from the State of Virginia upon the act entitled 'An Act concerning the erection of Kentucky into an independent State.'" Ordered that the club be adjourned.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1787.
The habit of the club to discriminate clearly and intelligently is shown in the selection of subjects. The general question of separation having been discussed and decided affirmatively, the next question was the propriety of separating according to the terms of the Act of the Virginia Legislature. In the year 1785 the people of Kentucky had memorialized the Legislature of Virginia upon the subject, and in January, 1786, an act was passed providing for the erection of Kentucky into a State. The act contained many clauses and vari- ous provisions touching many subjects. Whether these provisions would be acceptable and advantageous was a
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serious question to the people to be affected. It is easy to see that so important a measure demanded careful consideration. The minutes do not give any details of the discussion. They show that Honorable John Brown presided, and the question for debate was read and decided in the affirmative. It was five years after this discussion before Kentucky became a State. The delays were many and harassing, but the statesmen of Kentucky were firm in their loyalty, and patiently waited for the consummation of their wishes. .
The minutes are as follows :
Resolved, that Mr. Thomas Allin be appointed Secretary pro tempore. Resolved, that John Brown be appointed President for this evening, who accordingly took the chair.
Resolved, that the constitution of this club be amended as follows, to wit: In page the 3d, line 2d, insert one in the room of three, and in line the 3d night in the room of nights.
The question proposed for this evening's debate, to wit, "The propriety of separating this District from the State of Virginia upon the act entitled 'An act concerning the erection of the District into an independent State,'" was read, and, after being solemnly debated,
Resolved, as the opinion of this club, that an immediate sepa- ration of this District from the State of Virginia would tend to its benefit upon the terms prescribed in the act.
Ordered that each member present do pay into the hands of the Treasurer the sum of six shillings, to defray the expenses of the club.
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Resolved, that the Secretary, at half past six o'clock each club night, call over the roll and note down the member or members absent, who shall, on their first appearance in the club-room, render the cause of their absence to the club, and on failure thereof be subject to the fine in such case provided, and no excuse thereafter be received.
Messrs. Willis Green and John Reed, junior, were nominated to this club in order to become members thereof.
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The subject to be debated at the next meeting shall be, "Whether representation by counties or by numbers is most eligible, and whether any other election is to be preferred," and that Mr. Johnston and Mr. Ormsby do introduce the same.
Ordered that the club be adjourned until the next meeting in course.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 1787.
Present, all the members. Resolved, that Mr. Tardeveau be appointed President for the evening. Resolved, that Mr. R. Crad- dock be excused from his fine incurred by his absence for two club nights.
The club not having time fully to investigate the subject of representation, Resolved, that it be postponed until the next club night. Resolved also, that the subject of election be postponed till the next club night. Resolved, that William Kennedy, Esq., be admitted a member of this club by unanimous consent. Resolved, that Mr. Benjamin Grayson be rejected as a member of this club, he not having a unanimous vote. Resolved, that Mr. Maurice Nagle be rejected, not having a unanimous vote. Mr. James Speed was nominated to become a member of this club.
Resolved, that Mr. Brown, Mr. Greenup, and M -. Belli be ap- pointed a committee to examine the accounts of the Treasurer and to make report the next club night.
Ordered that the club be adjourned until Saturday next.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 1787.
Present, Innes, Brown, Greenup, Belli, Craddock, Johnston, Ormsby, Allin, Todd, Speed, Tardeveau. Resolved, that Mr. Belli be appointed President for this evening.
The question for this evening's debate, to wit, "Whether repre- sentation by numbers or by counties is to be preferred," was read, and, after being debated, Resolved, that representation by numbers ought to be preferred. On motion of Mr. Craddock, seconded by Mr. Johnston, ordered that the ayes and noes on this question be taken and inserted in the journal. The names of those who voted in favor of representation by numbers are Innes, Greenup, Belli, Ormsby, Allin, Speed, Tardeveau. Those who favored representa- tion by counties were Brown, Craddock, Johnston, Todd.
At that time representation in Virginia was by coun- ties, without regard to population. The Kentucky con- vention of May, 1785, which petitioned the mother State for separation, called another convention to meet in the following August, and recommended that the delegates be elected on principles of equal representation, which meant by numbers rather than by counties. The his- torian, Butler, says: "This early and unanimous indi- cation of the democratic or popular spirit in one of the earliest assemblies of Kentucky is a faithful key to her political complexion."
The club not having time to enter upon the discussion of the second subject for this evening's debate, to wit, "Whether annual or other elections are to be preferred," Resolved, that it be postponed
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until the next meeting, and that Mr. Craddock and Mr. Allin do introduce the same.
The club, according to order, proceeded to ballot for those gen- tlemen who had been nominated to become members of this club, and had lain upon the table pursuant to constitution. The com- mittee appointed to examine the ballots taken for the election of Mr. Willis Green reported that they found in favor of Mr. Green's admission nine ballots, and against it two. Resolved, therefore, that Mr. Green be rejected as a member of this club .*
The committee appointed to examine the ballots for the admis- sion of Mr. John Reed. junior, reported that they found in favor of his election seven ballots, against it four. Resolved, that Mr. Reed be rejected as a member.
On motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Belli, Resolved, that the Secretary be excused from his part of the ex- penses of this club.
Resolved, that the committee appointed to examine the Treas- urer's accounts do make report thereof at the next meeting.
Ordered that the club be adjourned.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1787.
Resolved, that Mr. Johnston be appointed President for this evening.
The question for this evening's discussion, to wit, "Whether annual or other elections are to be preferred," was read, and, after being debated, Resolved, that other than annual elections ought to be preferred.
The logical sequence shown in the selection of sub- jects for discussion is here illustrated. Having deter- mined that representation should be by numbers, and * Mr. Green was afterward elected at another meeting.
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that other than annual elections were to be preferred, the next question in order was, "What period of elec- tion is most agreeable to the spirit of a free govern- ment? and that Mr. Todd and Mr. Speed introduce the same."
The intensely practical character of the club is not more apparent in the subjects discussed than in the spirit of independence displayed in the selection of members. Not only were well-known persons rejected, but those who were admitted were expected to show appreciation of the fact.
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