Chicago Tribune (Chicago, Ill.), January 30, 1868
THOMAS PAINE
Public Observance of the Anniversary of His Birth
Proposed Formation of Liberal Association
A meeting was held last evening in Turner’s Hall, on North Clark street, for the purpose of observing the one hundred and thirty-first anniversary of the birthday of Thomas Paine. About seventy-five persons were present.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. C. W. Dean, who explained its object in a few words. He said that the opinions of Thomas Paine had many admirers in this city. They only wanted unity. It had been proposed to observe the anniversary of the great reformer’s birth in a public manner, and a few gentlemen had taken upon themselves the arranging for the meeting. To that meeting those present had come. They would be addressed by a few speakers, the first of whom would be Mr. James Walker.
Mr. Walker was heartily received. He said that in Paine’s lifetime he was reviled and misrepresented. His memory was assailed long after his death. But a change had been taking place in popular opinion. The memory of this great and good man had come to be revered by those who admired his principles and the sentiments to which he had given utterance.
In life he had been one of the purest of men. He had been called a blasphemer—there was no one more pious than he. If they now had many blessings, a large share of them were due to the efforts of Thomas Paine. He was a philanthropist, no less worthy of respect than Jesus Christ. The latter’s memory was respected because he had exposed Phariseeism. Thomas Paine was revered because he overturned fanaticism and swept aside the darkling clouds of ignorance and prejudice.
Mr. Walker spoke further, his remarks being embodied in the spirit of the following, which he presented:
Resolved, That we honor and revere the memory of Thomas Paine as a man who taught his fellow-man to use his reason in forming his belief upon the subject of religion.
The resolution was adopted with applause.
Mr. Emil Bolettster followed, with a brief review of the life of Paine and a eulogy of his memory, which were given in German, and were heartily applauded.
Mr. Edward Schlaeger also spoke in eulogy of the life and tenets of Thomas Paine, to whose labors he attributed much of the liberality and freedom in thought that exist at the present time.
Mr. James Walker followed, speaking in French.
The following platform for an organization was then adopted:
- This association is established for the maintenance of freedom of thought and the diffusion of useful knowledge.
- We will ever endeavor to guard our National and State constitutions from all theological dogmas, and we will strenuously oppose all legislation founded upon the recognition of any creed, or sect, or church organization.
The above agreement was quite numerously signed.
The President then appointed a committee to prepare an address to be presented to the friends of the movement, calling upon them to join the association.
The meeting then adjourned.