The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-01-16
COALITIONS.

All eyes have lately been turned to the Legis-
latures of Ohio and Massachusetts, on which rests
the duty Of electing Senators to FIJI the unexpired
portions Of the terms Of Messrs Corwin and
Webster, and also of electiDg their successors
forsix years.
In both bodies, the Free-Soilers hold the bal
apce of power, so that no election can take place
except with their consent, unlessSne old partles
should unite their forces against them. The
Free-Soiers, determined TO avail themselves of
their position to give practical effect to their prin
ciples, are willing to make equitable arrange
ments by which, without yielding their support
to dishonest and incompetent men, they may Sc
cure fair representation in the United States
Senate, of Free Soil Principles As both the old
parties at the North have warmly professed these
principles, neither need compromise itself by as
| sentng to such arrangements, provided the can
didate selected for Senator concur generally in its
eading principles.
In the Ohio Legislature, if we are not misin-
formed the Free-Soilers have been prepared to
unite, in the election for Senator and State Off
GERS, either with the Wing or Democratic men,
bers on the principles stated above. They can
not in fairness expect all, or even a majority of
the Offices to be filled from their ranks; but,
holding the principles of the Free Soil movement
paramount, and knowing that the old parties have
professed to concur with them in this respect,
they have right to ask that the man sent to rep
resent the State in the United States Senate,
shall be faithful exponent of those principles
In Massachusetts, the Free Soil members are
numerous, and represent perhaps third of the
voters of the State. In the elections for the Lee
gislature, so much odum had attached to the
Wing party from the course Of MIR. Webster,
that the Democrats and Free-Soilers felt impel-
led to unite in many cases upon common eapai-
I forty IN both branches. The arrangement thus
far had not greatly disturbed the Washington
Union and EIunker leaders generally but now
that the Wing ascendency was overthrow, they
became anxious to break up the coalition, and
many solemn lectures were read to the Democracy
on the necessity of holding itself aloof from all
corrupt alliances.
Indeed, the condition of affairs in both Masss-
chusetts and Ohio hasserously alarmed our neigh.
Dor of the UniOn who has continued instant in sea-
son and out Of season, cursing the Abolitionists
and lauding the Roman virtue of his Democratic
brethren AS often happens in his paro1 ysms of
excitement, he has disclosed secrets not exactly
creditable to those concerned. For example, in
his paper of the 9TH, speaking of the alarming
rumors of an approaching coalition between the
Free-Solers and Democrats in the Massachusetts,
Legislature, he says
GLOW much more noble has been the course of
n certain number Of the members Of Congress Of
both political parties, whO hare m1ed IN earnestly
wruiag on 10 The mmbers of he LEGISLATURE of OHIO
IN Their several districts and mgentiy recommending
than 10 enter into no coataioa for tie election ola u S
Free SOIL Senator. Report says thu hall dozen
m0lJeyS Of each party hare come 10 this understand
iRg. We have heard the names Of some of the
Wings; but we trust that all their names and
the character Of the whole movement, will be
published in due season.
We hope so. Let the People Of Ohio know the
names Of those of their representatives who are
80 anxious to prevent a representation of Free
Soil Principles in the United States Senate.
For want of Democratic members of Congress
to take charge of the Legislature of Massa-
chusetts the Washington Union has volunteered
its guardianship, and has no doubt found a will
ing ally in the person Of Caleb Gushing, who
some time since visited Washington.
Here are some specimens of the tender solicit
tude Of our neghbor for the character of his
Democratic friends in Massachusetts,:
"UNHOLY COALITIONS.
ave have heard, though we can scarcely cred
il the fact, that some of the Democratic members
of the Legislature of Massachusetts, have entered
into a coalition with the Abotionists, the object
of which is to secure the election of Democratic
Senator for the unexpired term Of Mr.. Webster,
and an Abolitionist for the succeeding six years.
The details are so far givSn as to aver that MIR.
Rantonl is to be the fragmentary Senator, and
Mr. Sumner his successor. We have heretofore
said, and take pleasure in repeating that there is
no man in the old Bay State whose election to the
Senate we should take greater pleasure in an
nouncing than that of MIR. Rantoul. He is a
man of fine ability, Of much information, of I'M
firing industry, and Of sound political principles
Let him come as an dependent Democrat, and
we, in common with the Democratic party Of the
whole country, would rejoice to welcome him TO
the Senate but if he is TO be elected by a combi-
nation with the Abolition party, and as a part
consideration for the election Of such fsnatical
Abolitonist as Mr.. Commissioner Sumner. TIA
We should lament in sackcloth and ashes the
disgrace il would reflect on a man Of the high
and manly standing Of Mr. Rantoul and We con-
jure him, by every feeling Of selfrespect, and Of
regard for the party of which he is so bright an
ornament to disavow this base and pestilential
alliance, and TO thrust from him an arrangement
by which his name must be defiled"- Union, jan
Hdry OH
" EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPT GOOD
MANNERS.
awe are again admonished to-day that coali-
ton between the Democrats and Abolitionists OF
the Massachusetts Legislature has been CON-
pleted, and that part Of the conditions of its
stipulation is to elect Mr. Rantoul TO the Senate
for the fragment of Mr.. Webster's term We
confess that we have many misgivings as to the
truth Of this statement, and we still hope that it
is utterly uufounded. Surely Mr.. Rantoul is
gentleman of talents of too high an order, Of rep
utation too brilliant and extensive, Of integrity
OF too exalted a rank, not to know and TO feel
how deadly such coalition as is charged, il he
accede toit would operate on his character and his
Such coalitions are always fatal to the
party who has the least semblance of character
and honor TO lose Mr.. Rantoul does not need to
be reminded by US that Charles j For, in the
,.c;th ~ h;s intsllect his natriotisp his glorv |