The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-09-11
OHIO POLITICS.

very pOlitlcS IN On&X nhu nuch Nalueu, lonR
trusted friends, in Sc integrity We have equal
confidence, arrayed in opposition TO each other,
pledged to different modes of action.
Lately, on our return home, after an examina-
ton of the proceedings of the Democratic State
Convention Of Ohio, we came TO the conclusion
that it was in advance Of the policy of the De-
mocracy of other States, and virtually pledged
the party of that State to an Anti-Slavery posi-
ton, although it left every member at liberty to
oppose any specific Anti-Slavery measure, with
out mourning the charge of inconsistency. Our
views were embodied aud in print before we heard
of the action of the Free Soil party in Ohio, or
| its determination to maintain separate organi-
zation, and must not therefore be construed into
an impeachment of the wisdom of its policy The
article was intended in fact, simply to present to
our readers a general view of the relative posi-
ton Of parties on the Slavery Question without
any suggestion as to the duties of Ant-Slavery
voters in the premises Since it was written the
Free Democratic party Of Ohio has met in State
Convention at Columbus, Ohio, issued its resolu-
tons and nominated its candidates We pub
lished an abstract Of it's proceedings az it ap-
peared in the NeaD York 7iBioae just as our paper
was going to press. The Convention, according
to the accounts, was large, highly respectable,
and most enthusiastic one, No doubt seemed TO
! be entertained of the duty and policy Of nomi-
pssins neifrirsgii" dsSsadsnt Of the other par
gave this policy the weight of their influence and
| advocacy.
Mr.. Chase did not take part in the proceeding,
Of the Convention, or coincide with its policy
lie, with some others, considering that the Demo
Gratis had responded with some lberalty to tn,
demands of Free-Soilers- refusing to endorse tn,
Compromise or the Fugitive Slave Law, though
earnestly pressed to do so, refusing to be silent
OH the subject of Slavery, or to recommend any
bunker for the Presidency, but reafirming the
resolutions of 1913, which under the changed
circumstances have more decided Anti-Slavery
signifcance-have come to the conclusion to sup.
port the Democratic State ticket
Mr.. Chase believes that he can accomplish more
for the cause of Freedom by action with the Dem.
ocratic party, whenever it involves no sacrifice OF
his principles than through an independent or
third organization.
Mr.. Root does not believe that the Democratic
party has any sOundness in it, and that whatever
Anti-Slavery opinion it may profess, will be vio-
lated whenever Ordinary party considerations de-
msnd.
Mr. Lewis thinks both the Wing and Demo-
cratic parties radically and incurably diseased,
and that no good can be wrought by the con-
tinuance of Anti-Slavery men with either, which
could not be more effectually, promptly, and con-
sistently done, independently of them.
Mr.. Giddings appears to think that they are
not beyond reformation, as he says in his letter
to Mr., Donaldson, that both parties are progress
ing, Notwithstanding their efforts to prevent the
progress Of truth p he must therefore regard the
action Of third party as temporary, necessary
to meet pressing exigency, calculated to exert
a reformatory influence on the other parties, or
to compel concessions from them to the demands
Of Liberty. His concurrence with the proceed
ings of the Free Soil party at Columbus is proof
that he does not think the time arrived when that
organization can be dispensed with in Ohio.
We have tried to represent fairly the opinions
of these distinguished supporters of the cause Of
Freedom The conduct of Mr. Chase is clearly
in accordance with his principles He is con.
Sistent with himself, and, taking into considera-
ton his circumstances, we are not prepared to
say that he has not acted wisely OF his integ.
rity and honor there can be no question. The
policy of the other gentlemen is just as consist
ent as his Their measures are the logical result
of their views Of the nature Of the two old par.
a,1 ka .nta nf tkA D..
concur in the opinion we have attributed to Mr..
Giddings The time, In our Judgment has not
yet come for dispensing with an independent Free
Soil organization in Ohio. Ii is quite possible,
nay, we think it probable, that MIR. Chase will
exert more influence in favor Of our principles
by the course he has taken than IL he had refused
to meet the Democracy Of Ohio on the platform
1t proposed but his profound sympathy with the
Democracy, the high estimation in which he is
held by large portion Of it, and the probability Of
his being able to exert most beneficial influence
In its ranks, makes his case exceptional
Messrs. Lewis, Root, and Giddiugs, with the
large body Of voters they represent will exert
far more influence over parties in Ohio, by main
tanning their independent position than by
merging themselves in the parties TO which re-
speotvely they sustain aiiinities. We hope, then,
to see MIR Lewis nobly sustained. Ohio could
not have better, more capable, more energetic,
Governor or one more entirely Trustworthy,
wherever human rights are concerned. And
we hope that the Free Soil organization may
this year cast such q vote as shall convince the
Democracy Of Ohio that at their next Convention
IL will be sound policy, not only to announce
wholesome, abstract truths, but to give them some
soacI IA annlioationa