The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-05-30
May 80, 1874.


And it is because some few, at least, Cir
not many) who belong to this class seem to
be seeking for themselves an unenvied noto>
riety by protesting aboitionism and then
openly and publicly identifying themselves
with one, or the other, of the existing pros
slavery parties whose leader is, either
STAKEHOLDER or, pledged to the support Of
slavery that we are induced, on the present
occasion, to submit few reflections. We
sincerely desire that every one who is en-
deavoring to find some plausible pretext TO
satisfy his conscience in voting for slave
holders will make personal application of
these reflections. But while remaining in
this situation we hold up all such not 'as
pattern to initiate but as an example to de-
ter
These men frequently call themselves
sAbolitionists' while the same sentence is
filled with sickening and (ulsome adulaton
Of Henry Clay STAKEHOLDER for President!
At the same time they deprecate political
abolition and declare it will prove like
mountains of lead to sink the cause in the
abyss
The most appropriate answer 10 these
nonstrous Inconsistencies is contained in
the following extract of letter from Gerrit
Smith to Mr. Clay, dated March 21st, 1889,
soon after Mr. Clay had declared in the Sen
ate, that the abolitionists 'had made their
cause polilical.' This letter was published
and approved by the American Anti-Slave
sy Society. Mr. Smith says in reply to Mr.
Clay
'And you would owe me one Of your
heartiest laughs were | to tell you, that
ists--yes, actual members Gf the Anti. |
delusion of helping the slave by helping |
3heir party say that they would VOTE
EVEN FOR A STAKEHOLDER, if their party |
should nominate him. Let me remark, |
however. that am happy to be able to in |
form you, that this delttsion is FIST passing |
dlcap; and that thousands of the abolition
lists, who in voting last autumn for Gov.
Marcy or Gov. Seward. took The first step
In the way, that leads TO voting for the
Shareholder himself are now not only re-
fusing TO take another step iii that incon-
sistent and wicked way, but are repentlng
deeply Of that, which they have already |
taken ia it,
This class Of abolitionists, together with
others somewhat inclined to occupy the
same position, were, for many years. active
members of the Vermont Anti-Slavery So,
eiety auxiliary TO the American Anli.Slave-
ry Society and, as such, participated in
most of their dongs, adopted their senti-
neuts and strenuous3y advocated their prD-
ciples. Did those principles allow of any
countonance 10 slavery or shareholders either
directly or INDIRECTLY, either by VOTING or
acting2 Let US see.
We turn to the 4th Annual Report of the
Vermont Anti Slavery Society page Sd and
read, 'OFFlcERs'- For President, Rev. Fl.
#. LEAvlrr.' For Vice Presidents, JOHN
CONANT, D. M. Camp, r. I. Robinson
and others. Executive Committee, ]. A.
ALLEN, E. D. BARBER, J.. w. Hale and
Others. Among the resolutions, on the 7th
page. was the following which was adopted
unanimously.
Resolved, That those who profess to
dbhor sldveTy and at the same time RLFUsE
TO ACT in accordance with the principles
laid down in the Constitution Of the Amerl-
can Anli-SIavery Society, do not stand on
neutral ground, but on the contrary, LEND
THEIR AID IN SUSTAINING SLAVERY.
What are the principles Of the American
Aaii-Slavery Society2 The following is
the broad platform on which tha. Society
always stood, from its first comhiencement,
10 1894, contained in the declaration of the
Convention which framed the Constitution.
we also maintain that there are, at the
present time, The highest Obligations resting
upon the people Of the free States to remove
slavery BY MORAL AND POLITICAL
ACTION
The preamble 10 that Constitution de-
slares-
and whereas, we believe we owe i, to
the oppressed, to our fellow citizens who
hold slaves, to our whole country, TO poster
ity, and to God, TO DO ALL THAT Is LAWFUL
LIZ IN OUR POW Err to bring about the exinc-
aion OF slavery
The Liberty Party seek only to carry out
ahese principles Of moral and political ac~
aiop.' by UNITING their strength and doing
.hat which rs Lawfully in their potceF 10
do,' by casting their votes against slavery at
the bsllol-box. Must not those who be-
ionged to the old Anti-Slavery organza-
1ious, to be consistent, agree and unite with
us2
We turn again to the 4th Annual Report
of the Vermont Anti Slavery Society, Feb.
1893. This Report, page 18th, cautions alb