Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-09-13
MErox. August 1sth 1851.

SIR :-Ishaye the honor to acknowledge the
receipt OF your communication of the 5th
inst, asking esaI expression of NV sentiments
on certain points, therein set forth. Cordial
ly approving the sentiments Of the address of
the State Central Committee to which YOU
have referred, | cannot hesitate to reply to
your queries and in reply TO your first queS-
ton, say, that sEmy views concerning the pro-
visions of the Nebraska-kansas bill, which re-
pealed the Missouri Compromise and of the
duties imposed by that measure upon the
friends of freedom, - have been often and pub
iicIy expressed. That bill, in its origin, de-
sign, progress, and final conSummatiOn, is
without merit to recommend or principle to
sustain it. Unasked, illtimed, and reckless
a palpable violation of a solemn compact of
plighted faith and national honor.-an undis-
guised attempt to Introduce slavery into u
territory. now free, it deserves and should re-
ceive the unqualified condemnation of a free
people. The duties imposed by this measure
upon the friends of freedom are, ga resolute
determination to effect the absolute and en-
tire repeal of the aggressive portions of that
bfif''-the re-enactment of that portion of the
Missouri Compromise which prohibits slavery
in those FerritoreS-their restoration and
preservation to freedom,-and active oppose
tion, now and hereafter, by every legal and
constitutional means, TO the aggressions of
slavery, and its extension in the territorial do
main of the nation. --s --,-
Secondly. l hold that the policy embodied
in the sixth article of compact in the celebra-
ted ordinance of 1877, is wise and benefccnt
policy, and ought to be applied to all territory
now belonging to the United States or that
may be acquired by them. The. great and
beneficial results of that policy demonstrate
its wisdom and the wisdom OF the Statesmen
by whom it was introduced and sustained "a
departure from it ought never TO have been
permitted, and is the great error of modern
legislation.
THir9Iy. hold that the Constitutions
rights OF habeRs eorpusand trial by jury should
be preserved inyiolate and secured to every
person arrested on or by virtue of the process
of the federal judiciary.
The declaration of these constitutional rights
is but the reeqgnitiomsof some of the general,
great and essential principles OF liberty and
free government. l ours Respectfully,
sao z- re a77iI JAMES POELOCK.E
Mr.. WILLIAM B. THOMAS, Chairman Of Free
Democratic State Convention. ..a1 a-s
l1.15 s4s -41 .ss----.s o. srot 9ltHsz
The following is the letter from Mr.. Potts,
authorizing the withdrawal of his name: ZEE.
sli3sfSG Aa- :. WARWICK FURNACE.
Hl zGoi89E June 18th, 1851. e.
DEAR SIR -1he great Importance. and
even necessity, of ssgioR among the various OPP
ponentS to the misrule at both Washington and
Harrisburg, has become obvious to ah-an1
gritilied to learn. that an effort Is now be-
ing made, 10y duly authorized committees, to
effect If possible amend so very desirable and
TO put in nomination such candidates for of
flee, as will, at the coming election, command
the support of the entire opposition. To pre-
mote this 'obiect, ,iOur Free Democratic friends,
are doubtless prepared to make every con
cession and sacrifice. consistent with due re-
gard to their principles and with view to
vonr committee in its activity
upon this matter, sofar as L am individually
fully authorize and consent to the
withdrawal of my nomination a candidate
for the office of Governor, at any time tha. it
may be- deemed eXpedient to do so. ''e
With the highest respect, rs
5sss I'd. ~ / am, gentlemen, -7 Z, = y
Very truly yours. ~ t-.s.
r--.---f DAVID POTTS, JR.
TO WILHIiM B. THoMAs, Chairman Free Dem
i oeratic Convention. l2ssl1cf1tz yt.-