The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-01-27
OUR PROSPECTS AND OUR DUTIES.

contest we have now an opportunity TO ascer-
tain our condition and resources and to con-
slider our prospects for the future
Ii cannot be denied that tho Free Democracy
went into the late struggle under circumstan-
Ger by no means encouraging. In the very
outset, we had the modification to zoe the great
body of the Wilmot Proviso, or rather anti
Cass Democrats, who constituted more than
half of the voters for Van Buren, and Adams
in lS4S, wheel out of our line, and go over to
the National Democracy 1t was no pleasant
spectacle to witness men in whose professions
of regard for Freedom We had reposed good
deal of confidence. under the pressure OF the
Compromise, initiating the pliable self-seeking
Christians of the times of Decius TraJan, sacrl-
fcing to the false gods of the Baltimore Plat
form, and even burning incense to Moloch in
the shape of the Fugitive Slave Law. As
still sorer trial of our faith and patience, one
at least of the earliest ablest, and most elo-
auent advocates of the old Liberty Party, was
seen foremost among the stump orators and
drillsergeants of party pledged to deadly
hostility to every form of Anti-Slayery agita-
ton. and to the maintenance and vigorous exc
cution of the Fugitive Slave Law. Sadder still,
the miyhtiest intellect of the North had been
brought over to the service of Slavery, carrying
with him, to u very great extent the conserva-
tives of both political parties, and sweeping IN
the mighty wake of his detection, pulpit and
press, as the dragon of the Apocalyps did the
stars of Heaven Last of all, the only man
who, to human comprehension, seemed capable
of arresting and rolling back the tide of this
apostacy, and of uniting the friends of Free
dom to resist upon constitutional grounds, the
encroachments of Slavery, was suddenly and
Unexpectedly called away from the post of duty,
just as he had begun to consecrate his great
talents and profound learning to the cause of
pure and free Democracy. The turf, which was
hardly green over the graves of Silas Wright
and John Quincy Adams, was broken anew for
him upon whom their mantles had fallen. The
death of Robert Rantoul left the North with
out leader.
Yet it now appears that, in despite of these
unpropitious circumstances, more than 10000
votes were polled at the late election for Hale
and Julian-a far better result for the cause OF
Freedom than could have been anticipated, in
view of the facts in the case 1t should in
truth DO regarded as triumphant testimony
to. the vitality and power of the principle
which underles our movement We have
come out of the contest not only strong in
numbers but with thorough organization,
and entire unity of feeling and purpose.
Such is our present condition What are the
promises of the Future
The Wing Party is virtually annihilated. 1t
died with its great and brilliant leader, Henry
Clay The Hunker portion of il, not already
amalgamated with the National Democracy
will naturally fasten themselves upon the new
Administration, and, in spite of the jealous
vigilance Of its supporters of the Young
America school, will most assuredly, to some
extent, color and influence it. Progressive and
liberal Democrats are thus in fair way OF
being disappointed; and, before the next cleo
ton comes round, they may have no other
alternative than to forego their cherished Prin-
ciples, or stand shoulder to shoulder with Lib
eral Wings and Free Democrats, in the contest
of 1856, wherein, Judging from present appear
ances, the only issue will be between Freedom
and Slavery.
In this view of things, our position iS one OF
the first Importance. We constitute the nucleus
of the great Free Party of the Future-the
party in which the Democratic and Christian
idea of government is to find its full and per-
feet development 1t becomes us, then, to make
the most of our resources, and to grid ourselves
up for a brave and earnest effort which shall
at least deserve success.
We have $50 900 voters who can be depend
ed upon Each man of these should regard
himself as missionary of Freedom in his
neighborhood, and See to it that the cause in
addition to his vote, has also his word in sea-
SON."
There are ffty-four Free Democratic papers
published in the country, beside several which
are more especially devoted to the moral bear
ings of the great question. The circulation of
these papers should be extended as widely AZ
possible. With scarcely an exception, they are
conducted with ability and discretion, and not
one of them could be spared. Let them all be
literally sustained, as one Of the most certain
and effectual means of keeping alive the inter
est and zeal of old friends, and making new
ones.
The unprecedented sale of Uncle Toms
Cabin, making all allowance for the extraordi-
nary ability of the work itself is striking evi-
dence of popular interest in the subject. The
public ear is open. Whatever politicians may
resolve, or clerical conservatives preach, the
heart and conscience of the nation are with us.
1t is our business to give direction and practi-
cal efficiency to this popular sympathy, and
point out legal and constitutional channels
wherein it may act upon the politics Of the
country.
We have many able and popular speakers
and orators, who thoroughly understand the
moral, legal, and political bearings of the ques-
tons ut issue between ms and the adherents of
the Baltimore Platforms Such men rs John
p. Hale, of New Hampshire; ]. G. Palfrey, s.
c. Phillips Arson Burlingame, Erastus Hop
kins, and Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts
William Elder, of Pennsylvania; Gerrit Smith
and Frederic Douglass Of New York; Durkee,
Julian, Clay, Root, Vaughn, Lewis, and Gid
dngs, of the West, would command attention
at all times and in all places These, with
many others whose names will readily occur to
our readers in their respective localities, should
not be suffered to remain silent. Whatever is
needed to secure their services, whenever and
wherever they can be employed with effect
should not be wanting on the part OF the Free
Dcn,ocrats of tho Union