The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-12-21
EgLsIlA VUIgM GE g2Lz L DO1lo
From the Emancipalor.
Correspondence at Home.
New YORK, December 9Th,

Ii4Y JJeET LTteUU,--AS lulS is tllS d'u''Sl0t'l
of the formation of the American Antl-SIaver.
Society, my thoughts are naturally turned to th'
proceedings of the Convention that adopted tht
CONSTITUTIONS and sent forth the Declaration II
1888 and have reflected more, at this time, OIL
those important documents, than heretofore, a.
measures are ia agitation which, In my humble
opinion, are diametricaly opposed to their prlnci
pies. Permit me, then, to state wherein con
ceive the efforts Of those brethren, who are striv
ing TO form an abolition political party, appear &c
contrayene The Constitution of our Society, and
the Declaration OF the Convention, and TO request
that you will, if you deem the matter of sufficient
importance, make scch reply as you think will
present the other, aud may say, your side OF the
question. If wrong, | wish 10 be set right, and
doubt not there are many persons deslrous or be-
Ing established IN the truth on this subject, who,
with me, believe that you will give due weight TO
the arguments Of those who differ with you, and
reply IL manner worthy Of the importance OF
the matter under consideration.
1t has been proposed, as you know, by some
prominent aboIitionistS, that the American Anti
Slavery Society should nominate candidates for
the Offices of President and Vice President of the
United States aud since the Society declined doing
1t at their recent meeting at Cleveland, ONO, a
Convention OF abolitonlsls, IN this State, have
proceeded TO nominate two persons for those high
offices, one Of them being al officer OF the parent
institution, and the other President OF Stale So
cietv. Several members of the Sociely, including
the editors ofleading ant-slavery papers, are siren.
uously advocating the formation of a distinct po-
lilical party, while others, who have not yet un-
furled the banner have too hastily, think. con-
ceded that it is impossible to prevent the adoption
of such measure.
Some members of the Society are urgent that
it should organize a new political party, while
others, doubling the propriety OF such step rec
ommend that aboIitionists throughout the country
organize themselves into distinct or third politi
cal party, not as members Of Autl- Slavery Socle'
tics, bat as abotionists or friends of human
rights At least this may fairly be deduced from
the ESSAYS aud other acts that have been put forth
by the advocates Of distinct abolition political
party. do no. see, | confess, any essential dif-
ference in the principles of these modes OF action,
as thew both seem TO tend to the result, the
one appearing 10 be a palpable violation OF the
Constitution of the American Anti-Slavery Soc-
ety. and the other an evasion of its virtual proh-
billions. Ia this letter will restrict myself TO the
sl1pposed direct violation of the Constitution, es-
peciay as | have ventured recently to publish
some reasons against the direct iniractlon OF that
instrument by the course pursued by many men,
bcrs Of our Society, and the iuexpediency of FORM
ing third political party.
1t is not denied that political as well as moral
action was contemplated at the formation of the
American Anti-savery Society, but | apprehend
that the whole political and moral action intend
ed, is comprehended in the following terms
warning, appeal, petition, remonstrance, argu-
ment, prayer and that all the measures in view
of the trainers of the Constitution are included iii
what has been, from the beginning of this beney
client enterprise termed MORAL SUASION. Il
except, of course, the privilege of voting, right
existing prior TO the formation of our Society.
Abotionists did not disfranchise themselves by
associating to overthrow slavery by moral means,
although they virtually agreed, in their constltu-
ton, 10 act as moral and not political assoca-
ton. All the right that exists 10 use political ac-
ton, as society, is derived from their constitu-
ton. Under the prior right therefore, and the
provisions of their constitution, large portion oil
the members of the Anti-Slavery Society, in adj
dition other measures, have petitioned Congress-
and State Legislatures, and many of them have
been favorable to voting irrespective of party, and
only for those who are in favor of the great prin-
ciple of immediate emancipation. Aboltonists,
generally, have expressed desire 10 do 'all that
is lawfully" in their power, to the language of
the constitution, not inconsistent with the above
terms, or the recognized principles of the charter
of our association. But the political action orig
inally contemplated by the abolitonists, in their
associated capacity, authorized by the constitu-
ton, does not in my view, include or allow dis
tinct political organization as will now attempt
to prove.
In the preamble 10 the constitution is the follow
ing clause ;-"and whereas we believe that it is
practicable, by appeals to the conscience hearts, and
interests Of the people, to awaken a public senti-
ment throughout the nation, land in the con-
stituton itself is this passage" it shall aim to
convince all our fellow-ctizens by arguments aG-
dressed to their understandings and consciences,
&C." In the Declaration put forth by the Con
yention that adopted the constitution, the inten-
tons of the founders thereof expressed in the
following language" We shall organize Anti
Slavery Societes-we shall! send forth agents 10
lift up the voice of remonstrance, Of warning,
of entreaty, and rebuke-we shall circulate anti
slavery tracts and periodcals-we shall enlist
the pulpit and the press-we shall aim at the pu-
rifcation of the churches-we shall encourage
the labor of freemen--we shall spare no exer-
tons nor means to bring the whole nation TO
speedy repentance" And it was solemnly and
emphatically added-"oUR TRUST FOR VICTORY is
SOLELY IN Con"
It would seem that the principles Of the Con-