The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-02-21
CONNECTICUT FREE SOIL CONVENTIMN.
LETTER FROM JOHN VAN buren,.

This seems to have been spirited gathering of
the Free Democracy of the State Daniel G. Plat,
ofWashington county presided assisted by large
number Of Vice Presidents, from different parts
of the -State.--Jo John M. Miles, formerly -united
States Senator, reported the resolutions, which
were decided, strong, and unequivocal Mr.. Niles
also made speech in the evening. John Van Blu
rem was expected to speak, but not being able to
do So sent the following letter to the Chairman Of
the State Central Committee
New York, January 30, 1850.
My DEAR Sir: have purposely delayed an
swering your note Of the 81 instant till could say
with certainty, whether | could be with you or
not, and now regret to reply that my engagements
here tomorrow will not allow Of my absence from
the city
There never was time when those who desire
to De slavey prohibited in the Territories of the
United States, and abolished by the General Gov
eminent wherever it has the power, were more
urgently called upon to speak and act with energy
and decision. The recent message of the Presi-
dent in favor Of the non-ntervention policy
ought think, to satisfy his supporters in the non
slaveholiing States that no assistance is 20 be
pected from him In resisting the spread Of slavery
and that whatever their hopes in this respect may
have been, they are destined to Disappointment
The course of General Cass, at the same time
while it Is in conformity with his declarations
during the late canvass leaves US nothing to hope
from him, or those who now sustain him. Seeing,
as we thus do, an extraordinary conjunction Of
men determined to arrest the action Of the Gov
eminent on this subject, whilst slavery steadily
advances upon Free Soil, recent events indicate
that neither of the two old national parties can
compel an adherence by their members to their
respective organizations. Mr. Winthrop, the
regular Taylor nominee for speaker, was defeat
ed by the detection Of Southern Taylor men MIR
Forney, the Democratic nominee for clerk, was
defeated by the detection of Southern Democrats
In each instance Southern candidates were elected
by the secession Of members from the organization
to which they belonged, aud under which they
were elected The slave power is ever active,
united and faithful to itself lnsction by those
who have the power to determine this question on
the side of freedom, is, in truth, surrender Of
our Territories to slavery, and the official power
Of the Government to its advocates.
Under such circumstances, deep responsible
ity devoives upon the opponents of slavery They
should first of all be true to their principles,
their organization, and their candidates. They
should hold their representatives to a rigid re-
sponsibilty, and dismiss them il they falter or
betray their trusts. They should meet and ex-
pose the systematic efforts making to alarm the
business interests of the country, by threats Of
dissolving the Union--threats which the patriot
ism of the nation will rebuke and defy. They
should scout the compromise with slavery, which
this violence is intended to secure, and hold up TO
the just indignation of Lis constituents any rep.
resentative who directly or indirectly assents TO
it. These are great duties, worthy Of the chsrac-
ter Of free people. They require nothing but
calmness and courage, and these are qualities
which our citizens signally manifest when occa-
sion requires. Humanity, reason, civilization,
right and justice, are with us. The example of
other nations cheers, while it chides US.
The entire population of the non-slaveholding
States, at the last Presidential canvass made
profession of the faith of freedom, and the only
rivalry between parties was rs to the depth of
each others sincerity. That faith is now to be
manifested by works, and just and enlight-
encd people will review the execution. 1t is rep
resented Mt Washington by men of transcendent
ability and courage. Allen, King, Wimot, and
Giddings, with several others W HON might name
from their nerve, intellect, irreproachsble public
and private characters, are singularly adapted TO
the present work. They may count on the sup
port of a free and firm people, and take fresh
courage in defending the precious trust confded
to them. But ! must stop. ] am running forward
to anticipate the triumph Of truth, which | feel
to be certain, when my object was only to eX-
cuse myself for not attending your Convention,
aud to glance at some considerations which make
activity and energy, on our part, now an impera-
tive duty, Again expressing my regret at being
unable to join you, and my fervent wishes for the
success Of the cause you advocate,
am truly yours,
J. Van BuRES
To C. W. Phlleo, Esq,
Chairman SAFE Cs,aral COMMITTEE