Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1854-08-07
From the Madison Journal.
Letter from Hon. Orsamus Cole.

i We received a letter from Orsamus Cole
yesterday, and though written as private
letter, the portion relating to the Conven-
ton Of yesterday is SO appropriate, just,and
|well-timed, that we venture to publish it.
Potosi, July 10, 1854.
My Dear SIR
have all along intended and desired to
be at Madison on the 18th inst, for the
purpose of attending the Mass Convention
to meet there on that day; but sickness in
my family renders it impossible for me to
leave home at presant. Isincerely regret
that cannot be with you on that occasion.
However, although necessarily absent, |
assure you that my whole soul is in the
movement-and wish it were possible to
assemble at Madison, on the day of the
passage of the Continental Congress of the
ordinance of 1857, every person in Wiscon-
sin who is heartily opposed to the abroga-
ton of the Missouri compromise line; and
who is ready to pledge himself that he will
make its restoration the paramount object
Of his future political action; in order that
that they might one and all, there and
then; wisely and calmly consider of their
lpolicy and duty, at this important juno
ture Of our national affairs. Certainly
these are questions Of grave moment, if a.
ny relating to the permanency and success
of our government can be, and it would be
well for each one to determine what new
duties are taught by this new occasion.
Of course neither nor any other person
can anticipate the action of that Conven-
ton, but hope and trust it will be wise,
discreet, and prudent. If it shall only
prove itselfequal to the occasion, and frmly&
July meet the issue rendered to us in the
North by recent congressional Legislation,
its action l venture to say, will be most
cordially and heartily approved by thou
sands in this part of the state, who, on ac-
count Of distance or the pressure of business
are not able to be present and participate
in its deliberations. There is disposition
or rather a determination among our people
the free, frank, and Independent men of
the Msnes-or among the great majority
of them-and this determination is becom-
ing more strong and resolute every day
that irrespective Of past party connections
and party associations, they will support
no man for any, Office, nor any party or adj
ministration, that is not openly and avow-
eoy in favor of the repeal Of the Kansas
and Nebraska bills, and the restoration of
the Missouri Compromise line. These, here
as elsewhere,are to be grand rallying points
I'm the coming contest; and be assured RIGHT
as ever, when fairfy presented to the poo-
Iple, will surely be triumphant. Such at
least is my belief Repeal and restoration
are the watchwords of victory.
/ There will undoubtedly be those in the
| Convention who may desire to go beyond
this and make other issues. The ConVen-
ton will need to exercise great caution up
on this point; else in attempting to concen-
trate the opposition to the Nebraska and
Kansas bills upon too many subjects, such
Opposition may be weakened, or disorgan-
zed disastrously to the cause of freedom.
thrust such..will not be the case. AS an indi-
Ividual | am not only prepared to 60 for
the above measures, but also am prepared
to resist, in every constitutional manner,
| the encroachments Of slavery upon the
rights of the North. am opposed to any
acquisition of territory hereafter, unless
first consecrated by the saving grace of the
ordinance Of '87 to freedom and free labor
II am opposed to the admission of any
more slave states, for we have slave repre-
Isentation enough in congress- am in fa-
vor of an essential modification, or repeal
of the fugitive slave act-and should not
be at all embarrassed by being committed
to these vital and just issues. Still know
all anti-Nebraska men don't agree with
me, and l also desire that they should not
be embarrassed. Let Kansas and Nebras-
ka be secured against the curse of slavery
first, and let all who are heartily Id favor
Iof this, act together unitedly, without dis
tracing issues. When that advantage is
) |gained, we can meet and dispose of all
J, |other questions. Don't hazard what is at
Itainable and certain by trying to accom-
lplish too much. This, it seems to me, is
the plain dictate of prudence and wisdom.
! If the Convention pursues this moder-
ate and wise course Of policy, it will be in
strumental Of lasting good. 1t will con-
centrate and organize to some degree the
lanti-N ebraska sentiment of the country and
state. And,if that is once done, and made
to bear effectually and harmoniously upon
our elections, freedom will soon repossess
what she has lost 1t cannot be denied
thas vast majority of the people Of the
I North-with party South, respectable for
talents and infuence-were and are oppo-
sed to these bills. They will not acquiesce
in them either because they are passed
They will insist upon restoration of the
old compact-the faith, once plighted, now
violated, be again restored.
Of course this movement will meet with
formidable opposition national admin
istration, with its vast patronage and influ-
ence, will be arrayed against it-schem-
ing, selfish politicians, whose stakes are the
|, |peace, harmony and prosperity of the coun-
TRY, will be arrayed against it. There will
not be single doughface in its ranks OF
Inear them. Some well meaning men will
, Ioppose it, because it is sectional, land endan-
/ gers the Union, or disturbs old party asso.
: Citations, and wars upon the great principal
E Iof republican government.
: If section party is formed who is res
t ponsible for it? The North or the South
8 Which section Of the Union has been pro