And his return, what is it to be but the signal for
increased agitation on the slavery question. The conquering hero comes
and his fanatical followers salute him forthwith with a new anti-slavery
society, which means a fresh instrument in his hands to stir up strife
between the North and the South. "Are we tamely to look on, and see this
most dangerous species of fanaticism extending itself through society?"
shrieked on the morning of Mr. Garrison's arrival in New York Harbor,
the malignant editor of the _Courier and Enquirer_.
The pro-slavery and lawless elements of the city were not slow to take
the cue given by metropolitan papers, and to do the duty of patriots
upon their country's enemies. Arthur Tappen and his anti-slavery
associates outwitted these patriotic gentlemen, who attended in a body
at Clinton Hall on the evening of October 2, 1833, to perform the
aforesaid duty of patriots, while the objects of their attention were
convened at Chatham Street Chapel and organizing their new fanaticism.
The mob flew wide of its mark a second time, for when later in the
evening it began a serenade more expressive than musical before the
entrance to the little chapel on Chatham street the members of the
society "folded their tents like the Arabs and as silently stole away."
The Abolitionists accomplished their design and eluded their enemies at
the same time. But the significance of the riotous demonstration went
not unobserved by them and their newly arrived leader.
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