The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-04-10
THE DUTY OF THE FREE DEMOCRACY.
Etom he Toledo lOl RepuLIican

From The Toledo (O) Republican,
| The last number Of the National Era makes
some very pertinent and sensible suggestions on
this point, pointing to thorough and energetic
regeneration aud reorganization Of the Demo-
cratic party. Every man, at all acquainted with
the political movements in this country during
the past few years, must be aware that horde
of souless political traders have attached them
selves to the skirts of the Democracy, without
having principle In common with that party,
but simply with the hope Of reaping personal ad-
vantage from their connection with it; and it is
equally certain that no party can hold any COM
munication with such men, without being moro
or less besmeared with their filth. To do his
share Ia Kidding the Democratic party Of such
concentrating elements--in cleansing its gar
ments from the stains OF such assocstoDs-is
duty that every Democrat owes to himself; and
that duty cannot be too soon performed. The
course proper to be pursued, at this time, in re-
storing the purity Of our party, and in giving it's
true principles their just prominence before the
public, is a question Of much Importance. The
Era makes the following proposition
"Let the friends Of freedom In Ohio call a
State Convention, TO organize q party Of true
Democracy, on the basis Of Land Reform, River
and Harbor improvements where the works are
of national interest and require national enter
prise, Elections of all Officers by the People,
Free Trade, Opposition to Glass Legislation, Di-
vorce of the Federal Government from all sup
port of Slavery, and Opposition to that evil with
in constitutional lmitsD
This is q broad and comprehensive platform,
and would, we doubt not, II fairly presented com
mand the support Of large majority Of the peo-
pie of Ohio. The Era further proposes that this
State Convention shall, after issuing q declara-
tion embodyipg these MS the principles Of the
Democratic party, invite similar organizations in
the other States and call National Democratic
Convention, embracing all who are willing TO
adopt such principles, to meet say at Buffalo,
Cleveland, or Pittsburgh, next September or Oc-
tober that Convention TO adopt "a complete
platform Of Democratic principles, In their legiti
mate application to all practical political ques-
tions, including that OF slavery and to call
National Convention TO meet the following May
or June to take into consideration the nomination
of q Presidential candidate.
The rotten remnants Of Federalism, and the
Cotton, Bank, and Slave Interests, are extending
their organizations, and endeavoring to CONSOLE
date their strength This, with them, is O work
Of necessity they are driven to 1t by the instinct
Of selfpreservstion they see the sceptrs Of pow
err, which they have so long swayed for their own
sggrandizement, about to be wrested from their
grasp and they know that their only hope Of
retaining their influence IL ny perfect union
among themselves, and BY magnifying minor diff
ferenoes among the popular party which Is OPP
posed to them.
We have frequently and earnestly urged the
necessity Of counter organizations among the peo
pie, to resist the dangerous sggressions Of these
msrcenary interests, and to divorce our National
Government from Its unholy misslliance with
them. Such organization, In this State and
throughout the country, 10 now Of the highest
importance TO the triumph OF Democratic prin-
ciples.
The Legislature Of DsLAwARg has passed law
to prevent free negroes from coming into that
State hereafter 10 reside, under penalty Of $50.
The offender In case he be unable to pay the 6ne,
Is to be sold beyond the limits Of the State for
sum sufficient 70 pay the hne and al costs. The
law IL not TO affect sesfsring men, servants, or
persons entering the State Temporarily for the
purpose Of trade. Any captain Of vessel TAX
Ing free negro into the State to attend camp
or other meeting Is subject under this law TO