Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-06-10

it to be ga course which led nowhither." Al
most every body was ready to write letters, be-
fore election, more or less favorableto our cause
but nobody seemed to consider themselves bound
to act afterwards in conformity with their pro-
fessions. The great majority of the Abolitlonists'
even, had so little faith in this sort OF action,
that they voted their old party tickets, without
much reference to their own implied pledge to
support the more favorable respondent, lrrespec-
five of his DoIitical connections Consistency
and seIErespect demanded this state of things
should cease. The Liberty party was a necessi-
tv of the time 1t was the only means left us
for making our right Of suffrage bear efficiently
and consistently against slavery. At the election
of 1910, seven thousand only were prepared to
sever the chains of the old parties, yet their In
fuence was felt throughout the country. They
spoke through the ballot boxes OF every free
State, in a voice which feeble as it was, pierced
through the Babel uproar of the time,
CAS- the Lutte pierceth through the cymbal's clash"
and gave warning to the oppressor that the
day of passive submission to his political mis-
rule had passed forever. We are now least
seventy thousand strong-a tenfold Increase
Those who look only to the actual election of
Liberty candidates, as an evidence of success
may consider even this large increase of pledged
anti-savery voters apoor result ofthe six years
struggle on our part, But is it nothing that we
have, before God and the world, washed our
hands of the abomination that our practice now
comedies with our professions as Abolltionists?
Is it nothing that we have forced upon the public
attention the aggression Of the Slave Power? -
That we have compelled politicians and partisan
editors to make admissions in respect to the
bearings of the Slave system upon the rights and
interests of the free States which have sunk
deep into the minds of thousands, and are slowly
but surely preparing them for decided antl-savery
action! Seven years ago. the territory of the
free States was one great man-park for the slave
hunter no legislation stood between him and
his victim; nay, the officers of the free States
stood ready to aid him in riyeting anew the bro
ken mlnacles. Now, nearly all the Northern and
Middle States have enacted penll laws against
the use of their prisons, or the participation of
the public iunctlonarles in arresting and confin-
ing persons claimed as fugitive slaves. Look at
the late abortive attempts to recapture (ugitves
in Illinois and Michigan; whole communities
rising up against the outrage, as no longer to be
endured upon free soil. Seven years ago, the
Gag Law was regularly enacted at each session
of Congress. Now, it is abolished and consigned
to infamy Seven years ago the discussion of
the slave question was virtually prohibited in
Congress. Last Winter 1t formed the prominent
topic 1t is up before the nation never again to
be laid at rest. In Congress, and out Of Congress,
in State Legislatures and town meetings, in the
court room and the pulpit, in peace or in war,
under Wing Presidents or Democratic, the mighty
question will challenge discussion and decision.
OF this great change the Liberty party has been
the most efficient instrumentality. Its stern, I'M
wearied, unchanging PROTEST, at every election,
has been widely felt 1t has kept prominent be-
fore the people the idea ofthe wrong of Slavery.
And exactly in proportion as its principles have
influenced the action of two great parties
and the legislation of the States in behalf of
Liberty, IT HAS ALREADY TRIUMPHED.
q, Why, then, should we not take courage and
90 calmly forward as we have begun! What
excuse have we for tretful impotence and repin-
ing? For sour-tempered denuncaton and dis
trust of another on the one hand, or for hazardous
experiments of new issues and credulent reliance
upon the professions of the old parties, on the
other? Do we not know that Truth is on one
side! "And who knows not, !" said John Milton,
that the truth is strong, next to the Almighty ?"
The consciousness of rectitude of object and mo-
tive on our part should of itself enable us to
stand up as firmly with the few as with the null
titude-to feel safer and breathe frecr and camer
with Truth and that minority, than with False
hood and the majority. Our safety, our hope,
as the party of Christian Reform depend upon
our calm, unwaverlng PERSEVERANCE ; in the
ability, after having done all "To STAND" alike
unseduced by fattery and hollow promises, and
unterrhed by the array of opposing circumstan-
ceS But let us never forget that charity and
magnanimity are entirely compatible with firm
ness. And while we justly value our party organ
ration as the most important instrumentalty
which Providence has placed in our hands for
the overthrow of slavery, let us not magnify the
means above the end, The rigid drill and espi-
onage of the old parties can never be tolerated
In ours, The very name of our organization is
significant of a characterter wholly unlike that
of any other. The Liberty Party The collars
and gives which once bound us in abject subjec-
to the Wing and Democratic parties are not need
ed among us. Brothers in toll and suffering,
with one hope and one faith, the tie which untes
us is our common sympathy in one ennobling
and unselfsh cause And it is sufficient Away,
then, with all unworthy suspicious and ealousies.
Away with all misgivngs and doubts of success
We have succeeded already. Not a vote has
fallen powerless in the baIlot-box not a prayer
put up in sincerity to the Universal Father, for
his smile upon our endeavors, had been unan-
swered Ours is indeed no holiday enterprise.
1t is one in which our faith must be emphatically
manifested by works. But who has ever felt the
blessed reward of toll and sacrifice in the cause of
humanity without thanksgiving of heart that he
has been counted worthy to labor with God and
the good angels for the benefit of his race!
"Who calls thy service, Freedom, hard?
Who feels it not his own reward?
Whofor its trials deems it less
cause for praise and thankfuness?
On! tcil-worn brothers be of cheer!
Rejoice, oh sisters, cleaning near:
Like fields of Heaven before your eyes
The promise of the future lies"
From the EmancipatOr
Liberty Breakfast