The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-11-30
TITLE WGIDA GT TLDNE D0EIo
From the Emancipator.
A Third Political Party.


that the editor of the Emancpator is decidedly in
favor of distinct political party, and many oil
them believe, that the paper is the organ OF the
Executive Committee, they or Majority al least
coincide with you. 1t is true you have explained
the matter and assured the readers OF the Eman-
cipator that you have expressed only your own
views on the subject Still, Notwithstanding the
Executive Committee have, as yet taken no ac-
lion On the subject, will be generally understood
that the Enancipator speaks the sentiments Of
the committee Permit me, therefore, as men,
Der of that committee, to say that it appears to
me highly Objectionable to form distinct politi-
cal pary-not as our friend Alvan Stewart init
mates, because those who thus express themselves
are not weaned from old party attachments but
for the following, among other reasons:
l. 1t was not contemplated at the formation Of
the American Anti-Slavery Society.
9. The society have disclaimed, from the be-
Ginning any such intention.
3. We should lose our hold upon the public
conscience as moral reformers.
4. 1t would be thought, and in many instances
Justly, that we were not disinterested in advoca-
ting the cause Of the slave and the free people Of
color but were aiming after the distinctions and
emoluments of office,
S. 1t would appear to multudes that we had
lost our confidence in moral suasion and appeals
to the conscences and hearts of men, and our con-
fdence in the God of the oppressed
g. Because we should become less influential
with the great body of voters of both parties, be-
tween which we shall soon hold the balance Of
power-our moral force being greatly superior to
our numerical force.
2. Because assocating with political agitators,
and employing even the best political machinery,
would dilute, so to speak, the quality Of our anti
Il. Ell Cal nd 1ool
g. Because it would be taking hold Of the mat
ter wrong end foremost-as moral relormers may
change the character of political partizans but
political partizans are not wont to effect moral
revolutions.
9. Because it is but part Of our object TO
bring about the emancipation Of the slaves by the
political action of Congress, as it regards the
Districts and by the political action of the States,
within their respective jurisdictions-as aim
to bring shareholders to repentance of the sin of
slaveholding which will be lost sight of in seper
ate political action
TO- Because the constitution Of man is such
that political action, it regards the leaders, es
peciav, is apt TO be an absorbing principle to the
neglect of moral and religious effort.
II. Because the policy already pursued, has,
in many sections of the country, taught politi-
clans that they must set up candidates who will
the free people of color, they will not gain the
votes of aboitionsts, or elect their candidates.
H. Because there is reason to believe that per-
severance in the determination to vote irrespective
of party, will command the respect, excite the
fears, and ultimately bring to terms the leaders in
both of the present great political parties of the
country.
49, Because the attempt TO form distinct politi-
cal party would, instead of purifying the politics
of the country, throw into the front rank of the
ti-slavery cause men who are aspiring TO office,
and enlist the activity of multitudes who lit
tie for the sin of slavery, or the moral and reli-
gious improvement the Shareholder, or the en-
slaved-and thus instead of purifying the politi-
cal atmosphere, and inducing the people to vote
from moral principle there would be dangerlof d.
minishing the moral feelings of the friends of hui
man rights.
a. Because we should lose, to great degree,
the sympathy, prayers, and aid OF abotionsts in
other countries if we descend from our present
position, as experience has taught them that the
anti-slavery cause has prospered when abolition
lists have kept aloof from political partyism.
l5 Because we should necessarily array
against US all the feelings of leading politicians
throughout the country, whereas by not adopting
a seperate organization, numbers of the different
parties can act in concert with us on this subject
retaining their present predictions on other sub
jects
Allow me to add, that, in this city there are
other objections peculiar to this place.
It, Our numerical force is comparatively small
though far from being so small as tine aggre-
gate Of abolition votes thrown, in the estimation
of opponents, ndcates-and will probably con-
;nue to be small until the country is regenerated,
as large cities the theatres of physical but not
of moral revolutions.
H. The annual disclosures of our small nu-
merical force, at the central place of action, ne
cessarily carries the impression that our moral
force is proportlonably weak, whereas small
number of active and unyelding abolitonisls,
with the means entrusted to them, at the centre of
foreign and inland intelligence, may, with the
blessing Of God set in motion the physical, intel.
lectursl and moral energies of hundreds of thou
sands dispersed over the country.
Is Defeat in so large city, is calculated to
dishearten coadjutors in other parts the Union,
and to encourage opponents, more than the defeat
of ten times the numerical strength of abolition
lists elsewhere.
And permit me to say, that have some per-
sonal reasons in addition to the foregoing
fol o1,,t,o cd 1T hal