Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-03-19
AMEspuRY, Feb. %, 1916.



1t is matter of regret to me that cannot
be at the meeting tomorrow. For, there has
never been period when have felt so strong
an obligation to manifest my faith in the men
and confidence in the measures of the Liberty
party, as at the present time. At this dark
season of the triumph Of the slave power in the
acquisition of Texas, | see no other body Of
men girding themselves up for maniul and unre-
mitted battle with that power; nor can see that
any other measures are in train to arrest its fur
the banefu Missouri Compromise is settling down
upon the community, and nothing but the ener-
gy and determined efforts of the Liberty party
seem likely to prevent the coward and mercena-
ry North from quietly yielding to any and every
new aggression which the South may choose to
make upon its interests and rights.
know, and rejoice in common with every
Liberty man to acknowledge the fact, that there
are many good men in both the great parties,
who hate slavery and would gladly have theif
parties take ground against it. A portion Of
them, satisfied of the necessity of independent
political action, will unite with us at tie ensu-
ing election, That they are not all prepared to
do so at this time is matter of regret; but oui
movements cannot be delayed on account o
their still lingering difficulties We Wonlc
gladly welcome them to our SIDE and take coun
sci of their wisdom and experience, but while
they avow their determination for the present al
least, to continue In political fellowship witt
Shareholders, we cannot consent to disband our
forces, and await the possible contingency o
some future reorganization under their auspi
ces. No. The underground which we now
occupy gained by years of toll and sacrifice, has
cost too much to be lightly yielded up. Let oul
seventy thousand voters be scattered and absorb
ed in the old pro-slayery parties, and where anC
how shall such body of men be again collect
ed? Would not the dissolution of the Liberty
through the whole dark Pandemonum of Sla
very!
There is for us then no honorable or justIid
bic retreat or surrender The position which
in Gods Providence we are called to occup,
must be kept at all hazards. Here stand we, ,
as Luther said at Worms, i" We cannot other
wise!'
With settled determination to maintain on
position, we should at the same time, do what
ever lies III cur power 10 remove the prejudice
against US, and to conciate the good will o
our fellow citizens, and secure their respect 70
our sincerity and singleness of purpose. lie
US avoid as unworthy of om cause the common
arts and stratagems Of party and dare to b
open and honest. Especially should we avo
- entanging ourselves with questions apart fror
the single one which rightluIly claims our ateu
ton. That great duty which as American Gil
liens we owe to ourseIves-Hc abolition 0
. lSiaucly-should be the sole end and aim of on
= organization. Let us receive with cordial goo
:, will the taunt of our enemies that we are "me
u of one idea" Nor should've charge of "ana
i cism" disturb US. The reformer is always
:, fanatic until success has crowned his exertion
y and, for one, confess read with no small de
:, gree Of selt-congratulaion the description whic
- one Of our bitterest opponents gave of our La
, Liberty meeting in Boston, when he spoke of il
proceedings as characterized by "the stern f
naticism of the old Covenanters. God graz
that we may continue to deserve this unietentioI
IN al compliment
That the dedication and decisions Of III