The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-02-10
THE NATIONAL ERA WASHINGTON d. c., FEBRUARY TO- 1853

may be exceptions, where local, temporary
strictly-limited coalitions will secure some de-
cided gain for their principles, or add strength
to their position; but a sound discretion will
take care that the exceptions become not the
rule. and such coalitions can hardly fail to
work mischief unless they be sustained with
considerable unanimity. A coalition at the
expense of the principles Of the Party, is indie
fensible coalition which breaks up it, unity,
costs too much.
3 As the Free Democracy proposes TO obtain
the control of the State Governments and the
Federal Government we see not how it can e.
cape the duty of determining and declaring its
position on every Question Of Principle or Poll
cy likely to arise. IL it have fundamental Prin-
cples, it is bound not to hold them as abstrac-
tons but to follow them out in all their legiti-
mate applications. 1t has no right to claim tie
confidence and support Of the masses, while it
shall maintain non. committal position on
any Question which they regard as practical
The Democratic Party, so called. has been true
to the Democratic Principle in some respects,
and false TO it in others. 1t has warred against
moneyed monopolies and sought the gradual
removal of restrictions on commerce, but it has
never dared TO take open ground in favor Of
Free Trade or Land Reform, and it has per-
mitted itself to be used for the support of SIa
very, and the oppression Of tho colored man.
Let not the Democratic Party whose distinctive
feature is opposition to every kind OF Slavery
follow this crooked, corrupt policy. Let it be
true to its Principles, and trust the People. Let
it not dodge one application Of its doctrines for
the sake of securing support to another apph-
cation. Let it not abstain from a declaration
of its views in regard to Tariffs Free Trade,
and Direct Taxation, lest it should prevent the
accession Of men actuated exclusively by oppo-
sition to Slavery. Calling practical questions
"side issues" will not make them so. No
logical consequence Of our Principles can be a
side issue Let us be honest, and boldly admit
every measure of policy fairly deducible from
our creed. AZ to the objection that such a
COuIsc may uiNioipic, HO SuSi OoiioiuCi-
alton should weigh with men who have made
up their minds to ascertain, declare and apply
the Truth the whole Truth and nothing but
the Truth Frank dealing will ALLEVIATE or re-
pei none whose support is worth having. Sup
pose the old Democratic Party should make an
open declaration of sound opinions on the Sla-
very Question, and should thereby ALLEVIATE
some of its supporters-would not the fair in
ference be, that these men were more devoted
to Slavery than to any principle or aim of De-
mocracyl The alliance of such men would be
an obstruction to the Party Suppose the frank
declaration made by the Free Democratic Con-
venton of Ohio in favor of the general policy
of Free Trade, should ALLEVIATE some who have
hitherto acted with the Party, ought we not to
tain doctrines of political economy than to the
rights of man-that they are more hostile to
Free Trade than Slavery
So long ~ the Conventions of the party shall
demonstrate that in their opinion the Question
of Slavery is paramount and 80 long rs while
claiming the right to declare the views of
majority Of the party on all other questions,
honestly and boldly, they recognise and pro-
toct the freedom of opinion OF the minority,
there ought to BIO no dIsenSion, there will be
none. Those whom such course alienates OF
repels, can be spared without detriment
A. A proposition was made some months
since, to raise a fund for the purpose Of ena-
bling Mr.. Hale to devote his time to the advo-
cacy of the principles and interests of the
party for the next ionr years; and numerous
letters, warmly responsive, have reached us.
They are credtable to the zeal and liborallty
of the friends of Freedom; but we agree with
Mr.. Hale that there is better way of cx-
pending labor and money Considerations
which will readily suggest themselves, on IL
little reflection, must induce Mr.. Hale to de-
cline the course of action contemplated by the
proposition Let the money which would be
raised for such u purpose, be expended in the
vigorous support of the local Free Press, and
in obtaining regular supplies of documents for
gratuitous circulation. A judicous friend in
Massachusetts, remarks, that speeches doubt
less have their effect, but the constant reading
of sound, able Anti Slavery paper is the great
thing needed. Another friend in Baltimore
writes-the influence Of Anti-Slayery speeches
is good to a certain extent but even that to
great degree IL cvanesccnt. The influence OF
well-conducted paper, though less noisy, Is
surer and more permanent. 1t ~ tho con
slant dropping that wears away stone.
And now, friends, if you intend really to
elect your President in 1885, you must 20 to
work-organigs, hold meetings vote, speak,
print circulate the dooumonts-work system
atcally, thoroughly, steadily, resolutcly-snd
should not entire success crown your efforts
you will have tho consolation of knowing that
you have done your duty, and deserved success.