The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-09-09


ity There was an artice-nOt the record OF
Mr. Pierce-in which we urged the nomlna-
ton of Presidential candidate who, while
commanding a large vote for freedom, would
draw largely from the Democratic ranks,
which Mr.. Giddings and another esteemed
friend did not concur with That was the one
they regretted but we have never regretted 1t.
We but plainly expressed what thousands OF
honest men felt The Pittsburgh Convention
did not adopt our policy, and we did not ex-
pect il would for what we advised was thing
to lie suggested, not discussed IL is not the first
time good advice has been disregarded 50 we
are neither disappointed nor mortified. Far
from it. Mr. Hale its nominee, and ourselves
have agreed precisely in sentiment, ever since
the question of a nomination has been agitated.
He has been overruled, and gracefully sub
mits-we have been oyerruled and shall sub
nit just as gracefully and good deal more
cheerfuly.
In principle and feeling, we are Demo-
cratic but we shall not act with the Demo-
cratic Party while it forswears its fundamcn-
tai principles at the mandate Of the Slave
Power.
| We cannot sustain Mr. Pierce or General
Scott, for reasons often enough stated in the
Era Nobody who knows us, ever supposed
that we would.
We shall support Mr. Hale, and take great
pleasure in doing so, because we like both the
man and his principles In supporting him,
friendship and political consistency harmonic.
We shall support him in our own way striv-
ing to tell the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth, avoiding misrepresenta-
ton, exaggeration, false appeals.
If some think it necessary to say that both the
Wing and Democratic platforms are precisely
alike, the two sets of candidates equally stepped
in seryility to Slavery and that Freedom has
no more to fear from the election of one set
than from that of the other and can say so in
good conscience, let them do it,
Our support Of the Independent Democratic
Organization and its candidates, is founded on
other considerations. On questions affecting
the Cause of Human Freedom, the Wing and
Democratic Parties, by their platforms and the
declarations of their candidates occupy ground
in direct antagonism to our convictions. We
cannot support them without proving false to
ourselves and the cause we advocate. As be-
tween the two, view of Interior consequences
may lead us to apprehend more evil from the
success of one than of the other and to desire,
therefore its defeat But after all this view
may prove false and our apprehension ground
less One unlooked-for event, the caprice or
decision of II single mind, may disappoint all
our calculations Something more than an
uncertain speculation concerning complex pos
sibilites is required to Justify the Anti Slavery
voter in attempting to place power in the
hands of man pledged to use it against Anti
Slavery movements.
The path of consistency is at least safe and
honorable. Vote for u capable candidate, who
represents faithfully your views, and you dem
onstrate at once your own sincerity, and the
paramount Importance you attach to your
principles. The sound logic and complete con-
sstency Of your action command respect for
your cause and secure you moral influence
of more avail to its final success than any tenn
porary gain to be purchased by the aban-
donment of principle.
Look at the matter in still more practical
light Free Soil Democrats claim that their
Ia =, Al
Question than General Scott that his election
will do no more for Slavery, but that it will do
more to remedy prohgacy and corruption in
the General Government Free Soil Wings
insist that, while their candidate did use all his
influence for the success of the miserable Com
promise measures and has accepted the plat
form which denounces any attempt to repeal,
modify, or agitate them or the Fugitive Law,
stir he would not be so ready to favor fur
ther aggressive measures by Slavery as Gen.
Pierce, and his election would on the whole be
Il gain to Wing principles generally Now,
suppose American voters, according to their
general political afinities, should be convinced
by these arguments. They all vote either for
General Pierce or General Scott. What would
such vote mean! That the Question of Sa-
very was entirely subordinate in American
politics; that the Fugitive Law was not par
ticularly repugnant to the feelings of the
American People that the Slave Power might
make whatever exactons, and be as proscript-
i've as it pleased, and its will would be sub
United TO- Should the Democratic candidate
succeed. it's influence over his Administration
would be absolute, without countcraction or
check from any quarter or were the Wing to
succeed, the same Power which forced upon
him nomination with conditions, would COM
pei their fultilment, and what antagonist Politi-
cal Element would there be to sustain him in
resistance to its mandate? In either event,
Slavery would reign supreme in our National
Councils and the man known as its enemy,
whatever his services or capacities, would be
the victim of deadly prescription
Thank God the arguments of the Free Soil
adherents of the old parties have failed to con-
vince Il large number OF enlightened voters.
These men, whatever may be their preferences
as between the Wing and Democratic candi-
dates or their views Of probable results from
the success or defeat Of either are united in
the settled belief that large vote, given out
right and independently against Slavery, can.
not fail to do good whatever may be the re-
suit of the Presidential contest 1t will impose
IA check upon any Administration, Democratic
or Wing and a restraint upon the aggressive
ness of the Slave Power 1t will give counte-
nance and aid to those Anti-Slavery men who
may still continue with their old parties saving
them from utter prescription, And it will be
n nucleus around which, should the Slave