The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-03-27
UNION FOR THE SAKE OF LIBERTY.

for the rights Of the South.
UNION FOR THE SAKE OF LIBERTY.
We have done what we could to promote the
union of the good and true men of all parties for
Liberty. We have exposed the plottings Of Sla-
very men to extend and establish Slavery, and put
down all opposition to it. We have insisted upon
the necessity Of some political organization adapt
ed to meet boldly the issue forced by them upon
us. Without insisting upon any dogmas concern
ing the inherent nature of the Wing and Demo
cratic parties we have spoken plainly of their
pro-slavery deeds, of their servility, their cow
ardice, their subjugation to the Slave Power, tax
ing care however, to give them credit where in
our judgment they deserved it, and to note with
impartial appreciation the words or acts Of indi-
vidual Wings or Democrats, in favor Of Human
Rights. We have assumed neither infallibility
nor leadership. In our judgment Of others, con-
scous imperfection has made US tolerant in our
advice, we have not been dictatorisl, but sug-
gestive.
Thus acting, we bad hoped to escape misrepre.
but such has not been our good fortune Some
denounce us for opposing any organization of the
friends of Liberty. Some charge US with favor
ing the support of Wing or Democratic candi.
dates pledged to sustain the entire policy of their
respective parties. Some style our suggestion for
the organization Of party, taking the Democratic
Principle as its Central Idea, and applying it to
all practical political questions especially the
Slavery Question, selfish, ow-toned, unfit for
the crisis. Some are shocked because we do
that is party that holds Civil Government TO
be Theocracy, and that saints alone should ex.
ercise its functions. Some will have it that we
are devoted to the Democratic party and are plot
ting all the while for its ascendency Thus,
Judge s., an old friend in Indiana, who has
read our paper long enough to know US, if he was
not acquainted with us personally, sends us the
following curious piece of intelligence:
at has at various times been said to me, and
the last time not six months ago, that you would
rather Slavery would continue forever, than that
the Democratic party should go out Of existence.
"That you wished Slavery abolished, if the
Democratic party would do it, but that you never
intended to let the Wing party do it, if you could
help it.
III have always treated such statements as
wholly erroneous, and, if made with evil feelings,
slanderous. But, upon my word, dear Doctor,
begin to have my doubts about the matter"
This is very charitable doubt in regard to a
man who has devoted fifteen of the best years of
his life to the anti-slavery cause, eleven of them
amidst privation and persecution.
Now, what have we done7 Things in the po-
litical world are in chaotic condition. The
Wing and Democratic and Free Soil organiza-
tons are pretty we'll shattered. 1t is impossible
to predict precisely how parties about to shape
themselves-what new combinations may be made,
what new platforms may be adopted As usual,
where old landmarks are swept away, and new
circumstances require new position, there is much
diversity of opinion Many letters reached US
soliciting some expression of opinion in the Era
We replied, modestly we thought, limiting, rather
than asserting his views, suggesting some general
principles rather than defining particular modes
holding ourselves at perfect liberty to sustair
what We thought right action, no matter in what
organization or whether in any organization at all
If our counsel be unsound, everybody will please
to recolect that nobody is bound to respect OF
follow it. We are not tenacious about modes
and forms with us, these are always subordinate
considerations We have always been accustom.
ed to act quite independently of party, and surely
we do not intend to be chief builder of new
one Doubtless the friends of Freedom ought
to be able to meet their adversaries with well
grounded, efficient organization, but what form
this shall take, how far it shall CO. what creed il
shall frame, are questions for them to decide. We
have expressed our own opinions: they may 60
for what they are worth we shall not insist upon
them, probably, not even repeat them. We think
we understand clearly enough our own mission
and intend to perform it, whatever the forms, de-
mands, or vicissitudes of parties.