The New York Herald

The Great Infidel Anniversary Convention—
Speeches of Robert Owen and Mrs. Rose, on the Re-organization of Society.
It was a lovely Sabbath morning yesterday—the sun shone in all its splendor, and the whole earth seemed to rejoice with great, unbounded gladness, and send forth a hymn of thanksgiving and praise in token of its joy.
There was one spot, however, in this vast metropolis, where an assemblage was congregated for far different purposes. At the Coliseum, in Broadway, we found assembled about 400 persons, from all sections of the country, with the avowed object of upsetting all earth's theological systems—all sanguine of success—all eager to proceed to the business of demolition.
On looking round on the assembly, we were struck by the peculiarly singular appearance of its members. Here were learned and renowned philosophers, celebrated dilettanti and virtuosos—odd looking people in all kinds of habiliments. Here was a meagre, sunburnt, weather-worn individual, with most unquieted expression, evidently anxious to engage in a discussion with somebody. This is the old fashioned, unpolished, rough-hewn Atheist, whose first postulate is the denial of a God, and whose first object is to prove the negation to you by pure logic.
Here was the milder, but, perhaps, more dangerous Deist, who, acknowledging the existence of a supreme ruler, denies the truth of his revelation to man—here, also, was the Transcendentalist, or Pantheist, who, reversing the idea of the Atheist, sinks man and nature in God; and there was the wild-brained, enthusiastic youth, dreaming of the coming regeneration of society from its present miserably dirty and unwashed condition. We noticed not a few of these philanthropists had adopted the Orson S. Murray philosophy, of suffering the hair and beard to grow unmolested; giving a peculiarly "animal-like" appearance to the head and face.
Seated by our side, was the venerable Robert Owen, and the highly accomplished, talented, and intellectually beautiful Mrs. Rose, and peering up from a distant corner, was a piece of red flannel, beneath which reposed the person of the immortal Goward, "professor of 60 different languages, arts and sciences." John A. Collins had left his "new world," on the banks of Skeneateles Lake, to take care of itself—while he came to the Infidel Convention—showing plainly the unity of feeling existing between the Fourierites or Socialists and Infidels.
At 10 o'clock precisely, the meeting was called to order by Wm. C. Bell, Esq., of Kentucky. John W. Hinckley, of Naples, New York, was elected, and took his seat as chairman. Mr. Bell rose and said, "Everything depended on unanimity of feeling—it makes no difference what we do—it is of no consequence—but it behoves us to show a brotherly, sisterly, fatherly regard for each other. I move the chairman nominate a committee of five to report officers for the Convention," which was adopted; the committee appointed and retired. (Long pause.)
Chairman (in a supplicating tone).—Will somebody go round to the Coliseum door, in Broadway, and tell strangers to come to Crosby street entrance? Mr. Vail, (the editor of the Beacon) will you go? I believe you are one of the committee of arrangements.
Mr. Vail (very much excited at the idea of becoming a door-keeper).—No, sir! my office ceased when you were appointed. But I'll send somebody. Will some gentleman who is willing to leave this disagreeable assembly go round?
But as no one seemed disposed to accept the office, Mr. Vail remarked, with the strong nasal twang peculiar to him, "I'll go myself," and started off, apparently in high dudgeon.
Mr. Robert Owen was now called upon, and rose and spoke as follows:
Ladies, Gentlemen, and Friends—I have much pleasure in beholding this meeting. I see here sufficient to put an end in a short period to the general evils of society. All we want is to find the means for unanimity. Now, the question is, gentlemen, whether we are sufficiently advanced to become universalists instead of sectarians; as none but universal ideas can unite us. Can you all agree that we have met to establish universal mental liberty, and charity for the opinions of the whole world? If prepared, I would recommend to you to drop all sectarian notions, and instead of calling yourselves an Infidel Convention, call yourselves the society for introducing universal mental liberty. If you do, you can carry the world—the old world will follow you—it has not a sound leg to stand upon. If you conclude this convention with charity for yourselves and the race, no power on earth can withstand your progress. There are no parties who would not envy you the power you possess, provided you go forward and declare the truth, and falsehood shall fall before you.
Mrs. Rose, a celebrated Polish lady, being loudly called for, here came forward. Mine Friends—It is with unfane pleasure dat I behold so large an assembly from different States, all assembled wid von great object—an object as broad and universal as de globe itself. An object no less dan universal freedom of opinion as unbounded as air and space. As man is obliged to receive his ideas involuntarily, he ought to have perfect liberty to express dem—and any system vich represses dem is slavery of de vorst kind. No mattare how much oders differ from us, dey have de same right to give dere opinions as ve have—freedom of opinion is de only ting dat vill become de salvation of man. As to our name it is noting. Infidel does not belong to us—dey are infidels who believe one ting and profess anoder. De term infidel is generally understood to mean a disbeliever in divine revelation. Dere never vas a sect but vat in dere turn have been called infidels, I glory in de name. so far as it signifies dat I have gone avay from de superstition in fashion called religion. Universal freedom is our object. Let us den take de name Universal Mental Liberty Society; however, as I am much better dan any name dey can apply to me, I vill not shrink. De eyes of all de vorld, not only New Yor-rok, but de whole country are looking at de results of dis convention. Let every one reflect vell on de means of carrying out our object. Mrs. Rose concluded, and sat down amid thunders of applause.
Here Van Dusen, the carman, who often preaches to the highly moral and pious denizens of Wall street, and who had entered since the commencement of the meeting, rose and said—“Brethren, I want to speak a few words.” There seemed, however, to be an objection to his expressing his mind freely, even in this free meeting.
Mr. Vail—I've seen our friend here, several times before, and I beg leave to state to this audience that he is out of his mind—that he is in act non compos mentis.
Van Dusen—(Very pathetically.)—We want free enquiry, don't we, brother Gilbert?
The Committee now entering, prevented brother Gilbert's reply, and the world lost the benefit of Van Dusen's sage remarks.
The Committee now reported the names of the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer.
A discussion here ensued about the necessity of delegates being furnished with certificates or not, and it was finally agreed, that any gentleman or lady present, (whether Christian or Infidel,) by presenting their names, might become members of the Convention.
A scene of disorder commenced, in consequence of a general rush to the table by the members, eager to hand in their names. In the midst of the excitement and confusion, a youth with astonishingly red hair, jumped up apparently in great trepidation, and anxiously enquired, if the names were going to be published.
Mr. ——, a cadaverous, Grahamitish-looking individual, rose and remarked, that he hoped no one would hand in their names who were ashamed to have them published.
Mr. ——, a comical-looking old fellow, with a carroty wig, apparently very much excited, said—I'm from good old Massachusetts. I calkerlate to have a catalogue. want a catalogue of the noble names who dared to stand in opposition to the superstitious. My name is Aaron Baird, from Lunenburg. I've fought sixty years—I've been a skeptic ever since I was a little boy. The minister of the place wanted my father to disown me—chain me to an ox cart, and whip me through the village, if I wouldn't believe. No, for massy's sake, gentlemen, if we have a soldier who's afraid to bare his breast to the enemy, let's disband him. I never saw a man, woman, or child, since I was thirty years of age, but who was ready to kill me (!) for my opinions. But I am ready to defend them at the stake.
After some further discussion, it was decided that any persons handing in their names should be subject to having them published. A motion was made to adjourn to seven o'clock, and the whole city of New York, and the State, were invited to attend "and the Universe," (called out a lady.)
Adjourned to Sunday evening at seven o'clock.