The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-09-14
FREE DEMOCRACY IN PENNsYLvANIA-C0
OPERATION WITH WINGS.

Some time since, the Wing Central Commit
tee of Pennsylvania issued an address, in which
they announced the question of Slavery as con-
nected with tho Nebraska Bill, to be the one,
great issue before the People-on that they
avowed principles in harmony with the doc
trines of the Free Democracy, and in virtue Of
those principles invited the cooperation of the
freemen of the State in support of Judge Pol
lock, as candidate for Governor. The position
taken was sensible and liberal, and put it in the
power of the Free Democracy, without incon-
sistency, to concentrate their SURFACES on Judge
Pollock, not as Wing, bat as fair represent
ative of the AntiSlavery and Temperance Sem
timent Of the State. They accordingly met in
State Convention at Harrisburgb, on the 3Oth
August Their candidate, David Potts, with
characteristic devotion to the Cause of Free
dom, had previously authorized the withdnGTal
Of his name, whenever the State CommihS5s, or
Convention called by the Committee, should
deem that step expedient.
The Convention, after resolving that the only
questions now before the People of Pennsylva-
MIA are those of Slavery and Intemperance, pro-
Deeds as follows:
as. Resolved, That, without expressing, upon
this occasion, any opinion as to the old issues
which have heretofore divided the Wing and
Democratic parties, or as to any collateral or
secondary questions which may exist between
them, we cannot fail to recognise the issues as
being fairly made upon the two great questions
above named, and that the Hon. James Pollock
stands before the people of the State as the
representative of the sentiments of Liberty and
Temperance, and should therefore receive the
support of the Free Democracy of the State
&c. Resolved, That we accept the PROPOSE
ton to withdraw, rendered by our worthy can
didates for the several State Offices, in order
that an undivided front may be presented in
opposition to the State and National Admins
trations at the ensuing election.
81. Resolved That notwithstanding the
withdrawal of our State ticket, we deem it our
duty to maintain our distinctive organization as
Free Democratic party. We, nevertheless
express willingness to unite with our fellow
citizens of other parties, at any time, in form
ing a new party of the people, to maintain the
rights of freedom, and resist the encroaohments
of slavery, whenever an effort to that end shall
be made"
After directing the Chairman of the State
Committee to publish the following correspond
ence, the Convention adjourned.
Letter to Judge Pollock.
PHILADELPHIA, August 5, 1854.
DEAR SIR: The Wing State Committee, in
their recent address, appeal to the people of
Pennsylvania, " On the ground Of resolute oppo-
sition to the further extension of the institution
of domestic slavery in the territorial domain
of the nation" and they solemnly pledge the
Wing party of Pennsylvania and its candidates
to the doctrines of the act of 1882 "to the
great Ordinance of 1887, in its full scope and oil
it's benefcent principles, to rcsolute determi-
nation to effect the absolute and entire repeal
of the aggressive portions of the Nebraska bill,
TO the protection Of the personal rights of every
human being under the Constitution Of Penn
sylyania and the Constitution of the United
States, by maintaining inviolatc the trial by
jury and writ of habedS corpus"
Desiring to unite, if possible, with our fellow
republicans of every party and name, in oppo-
sition to en- Administration which has reck-
lessly and wantonly violated the plighted hon.
or of our fathers we respectfully ask an express
sion of your sentiments on the following points:
First. What are your views concerning the
provisions of the Nebrasks Kansas bill which
repealed the Missouri Compromise, and of the
d0ties imposed by that measure upon the friends
of freedom?
Secondly. Do you hold that the policy en-
bodied in the sixth article Of compact in the
Ordinance Of 1897 is wise and
benefcent policy, and ought to be applied to
all territory now belonging to tho United States,
IT that may hereafter be acquired by them
Thirdly. Do you hold that the constitutional
rights of habeas corpus and trial by jury should
be preserved inviolate to every person arrested
on or by virtue of the process of the Federal
Judiciary?
On behalf of the Free Democratic State
Committee. WM. B. THOMAS, Chairman.
Hon. James Pollock.