The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-10-31
Letter from James G. Birney,
HAMDEN, Conn, Oct. 10, l84

To The Editor of the Tribune
have just now seen in the Tribune OF
Io,day an article headed "Coalition of
james G. Birney with the Polk party"
The charge OF coalition rests on the fact,
that have been nominated for the Legis-
ature of Michigan by Democratic Com
ventiou, and that assenled 10 its being
done.
The following is all, of substance, that
is necessary to explain the transaction
During nv absence from home, last
wear, in New-Eng LAND it was proposed IN
the WING Convention of the County in
which | reside. to nominate me for the
Legislature. The nomination, however,
was not made, on the ground, as was in
formed, that | might not be willing to
serve if elected, and that the County, In
that event, would be put to the trouble aud
expense of holding another election. BE,
ing asked, on my return, whether l would
have served had been elected, replied
that would that as every voter in the
County knew that l was an Aboitionlst-
member of the Liberty party, and oppos-
ed to both the other parties-for had US.
ed every proper occasion, publicly and
privately, to expose their untaithfulness-
| I would regard my election as coming
from the people, irrespective OF party.
Last Spring and Summer, complaints OF
mismaua cement on the part of the County
authorities were made by the people OF
the County. thought the complaints
were lust. The persons most implicated
were of both the Wbig and Democratic
parties. Apublic meeting was held TO take
into consideration the charges. presen.
ted the facts of the case to the meeting, and
supported a set of resolves embodying the
sentiments of the meeting in relation to
them. The course | took met with the
appreciation of those who were present
and of those who were not-exceplIngt
very likely, the parties implicated and lhell
near friends.
The same evening reviewed before a
large assembly embracing nearly all who
had been in the County meeting just men
toned, the course of the Democratic ant
Whig parties, as connected with the cause
of human liberty, with the just claims o
the North, and the integrity of the Consli
tuuon. This review could, of course, bt
nothing else than severe: yet, no one
save it might be the party managers, fount
fault with it; and this, because the facts
were true-the treatment candid and i'm
partial.
It was after this that the wish was ex
pressed by persons OF both parties mat
should represent the County IN the Leg
isiature, was applied to, 10 say that
would serve if elected. My uniform an
v swer-from whatever quarter the appl
cation came-was, that Il the people
4 the County, with the full knowledge whic
.Ithey possessed of my opinions, wished m
to serve them, l would do it. | told ther
moreover, that should regard my cleo
J. ton as proof that the people intended
e put an end to the pe-nicious party contests
by which their own peace and tn
il Interests Of the County had been so Ion
f marred.
Although | have been nominated b
nv Democrats nei2h5ors, no one in tn
}. County would have spoken of me as
IS that party had not the cue been given b
the wire workers Of the Wing rarty-e'
pecialy by the originator Of the coalIiio
q story, The Detroit Advertiser, print III