The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-08-03
~ UNS BEER 81.

VIM. Goolell, editor of the Friend of Man. h.
addressed very lengthy letter 10 the Hon ]. G
Adams, reviewing thoroughly the letter of the lat
ter. The following is an extract,
| Political Action
Our mode Of political action would nerbang
cease to excite your surprise, if you should reflect
ing any other political question now before this
nation, as possessing the weight of feather, in
comparison with the great question OF the nations
enslavement or freedom. To rally the people
slowly perhaps, but surely we account better
and more hopeful policy,than to labor to propi-
tate the good of party leaders. You tell us, and
perhaps truly, that Mr.. Van Buren, and his party
are irrevocably pledged against US. We know
very well, that the President is pledged against
abolition in the Districtan your letter shows plain
y that you will not be surprised nor offended that
weconsider the circumstances good reason for
n OF giving him our votes. We remember in
deed the time when, asa member of the New
York legislature, he could vote in favor of reso-
luton of Instructions to our Representatives in
Congress, calling on them to act against the extern
sion of slavery in the new states. But this does
not satisfy us. He will not 90 for abolition in the
District. We are grieved to find John Quincy
Adams taking the same stand and for very SINH
lar reasons. We do not find the party that sup
ports the present chief magistrate to be the only
that dsregards the rights of the slave, & that
stands ready to purchase power by degrading bar
gain with the South. At this moment we see the
opponents of Mr.. Van Buren, at the North, appar-
emily ready to obey the dictates of their southern
companions and bind themselves to the car of the
Kentucky senator who by your own showing, has
violated the constitution, in his eagerness to sac
rifce the interests of the free states and lay them
PROSTATE at the feet of peculiar institutions" and
whose late speech in the senate has convinced Mr
Calhoun of his readiness to do it again. What
then could the petitioners gain by course which
should 'proptiate to them the good will of" eth
er party as such. ? What less can they do, as
honest men, than to vote, irrespective of party
for those only who will vote for abolition? In
what way shall we know who they are without
questioning them? And how does this practice
become questionable in respect to purity of prin,
cip!e? Wherein does it differ except in form,
from the universal practice Of the country? Who
votes for legislator without knowing his views
on the great sub ects he deems of primary import,
ance? Who obtains nomination. unpledged to
the policy approved by his supporters? Nobody!
Without an organized party, abolitionsts arrive at
and communicate the same information by anoth,
er method. Can they do better? Would you
advise them to form new party and make their
own nominations ! think you would not
And why let me ask, should candidates regard
it an annoyance to be asked their opinion respect
ing abolition, any more than in respect to ma
tional bank And how do abolition questions in
terfere with freedom Of elections any more than
bank questions? The great question of nations
enslavcment or freedom, as addressed TO candi-
date, one would have supposed, would not have
been considered question of impairment "annoyr
lnce or of questionable" propriety by states
man who so clearly sees and so wildly exhibits
the present condition of the country as does John
Quincy Adams! Can it be possible sir, that when
you the ship of the nations security about to
be wrecked on the reef of slavery, you can retain
any interest in the paltry chess games, that the
leluded officers are playing with each other in
he cabin! What is it to you, sir or to me- or to
my freeman, who values the liberties God and
nature have given him, whether the barque of
our freedom founders with Martin Van Burcr or
Henry Clay, or John G. Calhoun at the helm IS
it time to avoid carefully the annoyance" of
the fahlcss pilots or to cringe and "propitiate
their good will" What can they do for us p
What will they do Mo- Let US talk and act
like freemen, while we may. And if we must
sink let it be in the erect posture of men, and like
faithful mariners, with our hands glued to the
shrouds, whilst the officers perish, if a must, in
heir brawls and their reves. A timely pull, with
Gods blessing, may paradventure steer the ship
If our Searching questions" can rouse them in
line, to their duty, they will thank us for the San
1oyance," when the fume of their cups shall have
passed from their brains. If not their blood be
lpon their own heads! Our skirts will be clean.