The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-12-28
THIRD PARTY QUESTION.


at the bollot box but the question of a distinct
organization was not seriously urged, until abou,
the time of the Albany Convention, last summer.
At that time the subject underwent thorough
discussion, and the result was, reference of the
whole matter to the abolitonsts of the country.
leaving the friends of the cause in the different
states to adopt such course as the exigencies of
enterprise might seem to demand The opin-
ion seemed to be prevalent in that body, that the
influence of abolitonists might be most beneficial.
y exerted, by voting irrespective OF party for such
candidates only as were known and open
friends of universal freedom-at all events, that
the interests of the cause would not be best SUBJ
served, at the present, be hanging out the banner
OF a third party. More recently, as our readers
are aware, number of anti-savery editors and
others, in various states, have opened the discus
sion of this topic through the press. Viewing
the question as deeply interesting to the cause, we
have transferred to our columns some able and
well-writen arguments on both sides 1t is very
gratifying to notice, that thus far, the discussion
has been generally conducted in a spirit of can
dor and forbearance, not always conspicuous in
newspaper debates, especially where the views Of
the writers are so conflicting as in this instance.
For ourselves we have no fear that the discussion
of this, or any other question properly connected
with the great cause, will, if pursued in the right
temper, be of evil tendency. Indeed, discussion
is the only method by which differences of opin-
ion are likely 10 be harmonized. Adherng, with
our present lights, to the opinion that separate
party organization is inexpedient, if not unneces-
sary, but anxious to accomplish the great object
by the wiscst means, we shall endeavor to keep
our readers advised of the progress of the discus
sion. We shall of course be happy to be the
medium of communication TO such of our friends
as may wish to offer their views.
We published, last week. correspondence on
the third party question: between Lewis Tappan
and james G. Birney. Mr.. Garrison, of the
Lioerator, is strongly opposed to third political
party, as the following editorial article from his
last number, will show:
CORRESPONDENCE ON POLITICAL
ACTION.
In the last number of the Emancipator is a let
ter from Lewis Tappan, addressed to James G.
Birney, on the ubjec of third PARTY in politics,
with MIR Birney's reply. Mr. Tappan argues that
the formation of such party by abotionsts
would contravene the Constitution of the Ameri-
can Anti-Savery Society, and the Declaration Of
Sentiments adopted at Philadelphia in 1888
In reply to this reasoning, Mr. Brnev remarks,
that the objection to third party on the ground
of its unconstitutionality' is altogether ncw-and
evidently iavors the formation of such party
Having had something TO do with the drafting
and adoption of the Declaration of Sentiments and
the Constitution of the Parent Society, we feel
Tree to express our views respecting those instru-
ments, though in very brief terms.
"hlle we are not prepared to say with Mr.
Tappan, that is unconstitutional for abolitioniss
to organize themselves into distinct political
party, we perfectly agree with him in sentiment,
that any attempt to rally such a party would
prove highly detrimental to the anti-savery en-
terprlse. So confident are we of this, that if, at
any time, majority of the friends of that enter
prise shall be so infatuated as in this array to take
the field, we shall then believe that the time has
come to write lcHABoD' upon the anti-slayery
banner. Hence, while we are not disposed to i'm
peach the motives of those who are urging upon
a"oh'ionln's Tue Necessity ol SlarunS an lndepen-
dent political party, we regard them as bad coun-.
sellors-as perilling the integrity of our sacred
,ause-and shall oppose them with zeal and en-
ergy.
1t is possible to take great deal Of liberty with
almost any instrument. Language is, or can be
made, exceedingly ductile. The scriptures are
ortured into support of thousand wrangling
'ects in religion; and many conflicting interpre-
atoms are given to the constitution Of the United
States. Men who have hobby to ride, or per-
'onalIs pmbiton to crafty, find no difficulty in
making particular instrument adapt itself to
heir purposes. 1t ought to excite no marvel,
therefore,, that some persons have recently made
he discovery, that, by the Constitution of the
American A, S. Society,it is clear that individu-
lis embracing the doctrines of non-resistance are
disqualified for membership in that society; and
hat, by the same instrument, abolitionists are vr-
ually pledged to organize themselves into no,
itica party What other constructions remain
o be put upon the language of the Constitution,
ime must determine; but in the present rage to
establish new and proscriptive tests among aboli,
ionlsts there is reason to expect many others,
qually absurd and hurtful. Those who walk
y the letter. and are ignorant of the spirit of
bolitionism, will ever be running tilt against
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