The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-15
LETTER OF MR., CHASE TO THE WORCESTER
CONVENTION.
WASHINGTON, July 2, 1852.

WASHINGTON, July 2, 1852.
DEAR SIR: have received your letter, in
vitng me, in behalf of the Free Democratic
State Committee to attend the Convention of
the Free Democracy of Massachusetts,, to be
held at Worcester, on the 9th inst, and request
ing Of me, in case Of inability to accept the
invitation, some expression of my views upon
political prospects and duties.
Engagements here preclude the possibility
of my attendance at Worcester, and the Free
Democracy of Massachusetts has proved itself
30 clear in its understanding and so devoted
t. the performance of its political duties that
any expression of my views on that subject
seems quite supcrhuous.
Nor is it needful that say word as 10 po-
litical prospects Indeed, do not pretend to
discern. with any clearness, even what lies
nearest in the future OF this only am | GER
tain. Truth and Right must prevail Their
triumph may be postponed, but it must come
Sham and wrong must cease They may en-
dure for while and even seem strong and
permanent, but they will vanish away. Sla-
very, therefore, must perish, and all combina-
tons to uphold it will he broken.
For this result, with the least admixture Of
evil, have looked and still look to the Democ-
racy Of the Union. The principles Of the Do
mocracy, promulgated by Jefferson, and deeply
seated in the convictions Of the people, faith
fully and wisely applied TO those questions Of
slavery, which have now come to be of para
mount importance. and imperatively demand
| a final and constitutional settlement, would
accomplish that great end, securing and estab-
| fishing the rights of men without invading the
rights Of the States
We cannot however, shut our eyes 10 the
| fact that there is power In our country, out
side of the Democracy. and in many respects,
antaeonistc TO the Democracy, the aid Of
which has been thought essential to the sue
cess of its national candidates, and purchased
not unfrequently by marked sacrifices Of Dem
ocratic principles refer, of course, 10 the
slave power, which for years past, has been
suffered 10 dictate the organizations, rules,
| platforms, and nominations, OF our National
| Democratic Conventions. Its adherents de-
| claring in advance their determination TO sup
mort no candidates, whether nominated by the
| Convention or not who should favor any ap-
plication Of Democratic principles which would
endanger its ascendency, and insisting upon
the adoption of a rule which enables them 10
defeat any nomination not entirely satisfactory
u themselves, have hitherto exerted an effect
i've control over these party conventions. This
noyer is essentially aristocratic, and even oil
rnrchic. CONTINUED submission to it 10 incom-
patible with the permanent existence OF earnest
Democracy. =,
The advocates of submission, however will
be numerous and the motives OF submission
powerful. NO long as party success il thought
10 be secured by it, But let there once be
| called into existence a counter-p0wer, which
will demand the faithful application OF Demo
crstis principles to all questions, including the
great question Of slavery, ~ the condition Of
support 10 national nominations 20 that the
sacrifice will prove more dangerous than the
maintenance Of principles, and the advocates