Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-01-12

fhe following article, excellent in spirt, and
correct in facts, as far as our knowledge extends,
is from one of the old friends of Freedom in
Vermont, and we commend it accordingly
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
A WORD TO THE WISE.
1t is with feelings of deep concern, that l
have witnessed the discussions that have arisen
between some of those who claim to be leaders
in the Free Soil party in this State; and the
position into which the party is likely to be
thrown by the course they are taking 1t would
seem that their sense of propriety should have
prevented them from bringing their private
quarrels before the public, knowing, from tho
very nature of the case, that such course could
be productive of nothing but injury to the cause
of suffering humanity.
Our only hope of success is in union, for 60 a
house divided against itself cannot stand p" and
unless wisdom direct our counsels and spirit
of Cancellation prevail among us, we must go
down. But hope the clouds which hang so
thickly around us will be soon dispersed, and
we be enabled to go on our way rejoicing, in tho
hope of the final triumph of the principles of
liberty.
1t was not to be expected that the course of
the Free Soil members of the Legislature would
meet the appreciation of all the Free Sellers in
the State. We look at things through differ
ent medium, and consequently see things in
different light. But that it does meet the APP
probation of large majority of the party, |
have good reason to believe. Many of the Free
Soil Representatives were elected by q coalition
of voters at home, by Democratic and Free Soil
votes, and after the result of the State election
was known, it was expected that there must be
some coalition at Montpelier in order to carry
out the ends of government, and that there
would be coalition between the Democrats and
Free Sellers was most certainly expected, both at
home and abroad, these being the minority par
ties, which, where there is any cooperation,
have very generally acted together against the
majority, especially when that majority have
been so long in power.
The people at home hardly know the precise
position in which their Representatives were
placed by the action of the Wings and Demo-
Gratis, and they should be sparing in their terms
Of reproach and condemnation till they fully
understand the difficulties of their situation, and
the relation in which they stood to other parties.
Twas on the spot some portion of the time, and
a Pretty fair opportunity to observe their move
ments; and have more sympathy for them than
some have shown who pretend to understand the
subject. Let us take a look at the history Of
affairs, and see if we cannot throw little light
upon the matter.
One of the first acts of the Free Soil members
of the Legislature, in Caucus assembled, was to
appoint Committee to receive proposals for a
union with either one of the other parties and
there was no one who supposed there was any
thing out of character in this movement The
Democrats, also, at the same time appointed
Committee for the same purpose thus showing
that it was expected there must be, from the
very nature of the case, Il union between the
Democrats and Free Sellers Proposals were
accordingly presented by the Democrats but
as they were such as q majority of the Free
Sellers thought they ought not to accept, they
were returned, and new ones presented. The
Wings chose to stand aloof from any compronl-
Use. and no movement was male by them till
they saw that a union was likely to be effected
with the Democrats; though they were strongly
Urged by some members of the Free Soil party
who wished them to make some proposition
which they might lay before the Free Soil Com
mittee. Just as the Free Soil Caucus were
about adopting the proposition of the Demo-
Gratis, having waited in vain for nearly two
weeks for some proposal from the, Wings, a mes
senger came in stating that the Wings were
ready to present terms. On enquiry it was
found that there had been meeting of Wings
at Cottrill's, and they had come to the conclu-
sion that it was best to do something to prevent
union with the Democrats. 1t was resolved
that no notice should be taken of any proposal
that did not come from the whole body of Wing
representatives in Caucus assembled, and pre-
sented to the Free Soil Caucus through their
Committee. Notice was accordingly sent to that
effect and the meeting adjourned to wait the
action of the Wings.
The next evening proposal was received from
tho Wings, but of such a character that 1 ven
ture to say no reasonable man could have ex-
pected them to accept it, and have always be-
lieved that the Wings themselves did not expect
it wonld be accepted, but that it would produce
division in the ranks af the Free Sellers, and
the Wings thereby succeed in drawing votes
enough from them to accomplish their ends,
without going into coalition.
The proposition, in effect, was, that the Free
Soil Representatives should vote for Wing State
Officers, and help elect them, and In return the
Wings would vote for Mr.. Shafter for U. S. Sem
ator, support Mr.. Gregory for Assistant Clerk,
and Mr.. Mclean for Bank Comnissioner--na-
ming the whole ticket, and selecting members of
the Free Soil party to gil those Offices who were
known to have been Wings originally, and who
were supposed to have Wing sympathies, thus
leaving the Free Soil Caucus with no voice in
the matter, and throwing out the Democratic
wing of that party from any participation in
the affairs of government.
Who can blame the majority for rejecting such
a proposition with dsdain1 We claim, said
they, +" the right to choose who shall be the
persons to FIJI the Offices which you propose to
give US, and if we vote for the candidates which
you present for State Officers, we must ask the
same privilege of you. We claim to be CAPABLE
of Judging who are the best men in our marty