Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-08-23
Electoral Ticket,


Free Soil Movclment.-Marr of
Van Burenism " it'll Federalism
..Prcsidential Prospects.
With truth may it be said that we have
fallen upon strange times, when-with the
impressive warning voice Of the venerated
Father Of his country still sounding in his
ears, admonishing him against the forma-
ton Of parties founded upon geographical
: sssues--one Of his most prominent success
sors in the Presidential chair, associated
with and seconded by the son Of another,
have gravely, maturely and deliberately
entered the political arena as aspiants for
the Presidency and Vice Presidency, OPEN
ly and alone upon that very geographical
issue which, if successfully carried out in
the spirit in which it has been begun and
projected, must result in geographical
dissolution of this glorious American Con-
federacy. In view of these facts it be-
hooves us to endeavor to ascertain wheth-
err this strange new move upon the politi-
cal chess board is called forth by the ca
price of party leaders, or by public senti-
ment among the masses-whether, in short,
there really does exist in the minds of any
considerable portion of the thinking peo-
pie within the limits Of this Union, that
laxity Of moral desire for its perpetuity
which this newly attempted re-modeling
of parties would seem to indicate. And
in pursuing this inquiry we will attempt
to Go SO regardless of prejudices relating
the two great political parties of the day,
concluding with an expression of opinion
as to the effect which this new organiza-
ton is calculated to produce upon them,
for which we can scarcely hope to receive
that same credit for impartialty by those
with whose opinions or interests our views
may happen to clash.
First, then, we would start out by ex-
pressing the opinion that this new move
has its origin only with disappointed, land
consequently disaffected portion of the am
bilious and restless would. be leaders of
both Of the leading political parties. For,
the assertion at these over nice fanatics to
the contrary, notwithstanding, the two diff
ferent moderate and radical organizations
of political abolitionists already furnished
sufficient sewer scope for the drainage of
all that gratuitous enthusiasm, real or af-
tected, for the discharge Of which new and
possibly enlarged sewer has just now been
planned. But Although this new movement
may claim for itself somewhat more of re-
spcctability than its elder twin sister, abb
iitionism, still this claim rests not so much
upon the character of the movement itself,
as upon the previous standing of some Of
those engaged in it. For, independent Of
the fact that leading members of both fac
tions Of political abolitionists show strong
disposition to combine upon this seeming
~ moderate new movement, it must be
evident to all rejecting minds that, though
at present less radical in its views, this
" one idea party is founded solely upon
the same geographical differences of loca-
lily. Therefore, if persevercd in to any
considerable extent, it cannot help result
ing in the formation of a defensive cotn-
political organization in that por-
ton of the Union whose alleged too rapid
extension of power this new organization
is ostensibly designed to counterfeit. We
will be aided in no slight degree in form
lng our estimate of the rash character off
this fanatical, movement, by reflect
ing that as yeth is certainly uncalled for,
and that Legislation, were il to prohibit
slavery in our new territory at one ses-
SION OF Congr ess, would be equally at L.
oerty to legalize its existence at the next.
Or any future session.
Thus far we have spoken Of the move
nent at large. Let us for moment
glance again and more infinitely at its in
'eption, and afterwards speculate upon
Is probable effect upon parties in the pre-
'ent Presidential campaign.
unquestionably this new Babel Puriy
lad its origin in disaflection growing out
u the Presidential nominations OF both the
wo great political parties of the day. But
II so saying we would not be understood
$ expressing an opinion to the effect that
he supposed slavery or anti-slavery views
{ the candidates was the main MOVING
ause which has resulted in the formation
this 50 called Free soil'' party. Quite
lherwise. The movement originated with
peculiar school Of loud pretenders to fa-
zeal Democracy previously, we believe,
ally honest and radical, as far as relates
the masses which composed it) and the /
knowledged radical partizans of the OPP