The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-06-22
POLITICAL AFFAIRS IN VERMONT UNION FOE
FREEDOM

We have not been able to keep very acCu-
rately the ran cf politics in Vermont, but we
arc under the impression that the Independent
Democratic organization in that State was di-
vided at the last session Of the Legislature by
the Senatorial Question. Some preferred CO.
operation with the Administration Party in the
legislature some with the Wing members.
It lie stated that Mr.. Shafter, an Independent
Democrat, could have been elected by an ar
rangement with the Whigs but, the upshot
was no choice Of Senator at all. Vermont,
during the late struggle on the Nebraska CUES
ton, had bat one Senator on the floor when
she ought to have had two, and might have
had, but for the unfortunate division referred to.
We recur to these facts, not TO censure any
party, but for the purpose Of appealing to all
our friends to lay aside old animosities old
prejudices, and a disposition to put mere or
ganization above principle. We cannot see the
policy Of proPrety of cooperating with any
body of politicians pledged to sustain the pres
ent Administration, let their professions be what
they may. If they ayow Anti-Slavery princi-
pies, and at the same time support this thor
Cughly Pro Slavery Administration, their in
consistency stamps their declarations with in
sincerity They cannot serve two masters: ole
or the other they viii certainly betray.
But, there can be no such objection to CO.
operating with Party, not only pledged to
Anti-Slavery principles, bat to opposition to the
Administration, and this, too from a para
mount reference to It's Pro-Slavery character
We are not q Wing, in our notions of po-
litieal economy CT in Oug party Telations-nor
have we ever been. But, holding the Anti
Slavery Question to be above all othefs, hold
ing that the aseendency of the Anti-SIavery
Principle in the Federal Government is re-
quired by the Constitution, by justice, and by
every great interest of the country, we are pre-
pared to cooperate with Wings, or any other
voters pledged opoaly and honestly to seek this
az their paramount aim.
On the l6ih we published the proceedings OF
the Wing State Convention Of Vermont To
day We republish them, for the purpose Of d.
recting special attention to them. The resolu-
tons adopted are as follows:
ReSoiUod, That while we retain our attach
ment to the general principles and policy which
have hitherto distinguished us We recognise
tho issues presented By the repeal of the Ssh
section Of the Missouri Compromise, as matt rs
Of SURPRISING Importance, which demand the
instant and earnest attention Of every lover OF
freedom
ResoLDcd, That tie virtual repeal of the sth
section of the Missouri Compromise demands
and receives our utter condemnation. Is palpa-
BILE periidy to Z solemn Pledge of Freedom.
designed to be sacred and irreIealable.
ResolUcd, That regarding this act AZ a
violation IF the plightcd faith Of the Govern.
lnent. that Government must be reformed and
We pledge ourselves to the work Of reform
regarding it as a measure Of the National Ad
mnistration, enforced by the power and pat
ronsge of the President, in violation alike O
his pledges and his duty, the Administrator
must be changed, and executive power be re
buked and rest-aiued regarding it as repu
diatiOn and annulment, by the South, OF th'
Compromises Of 1850 and the Baltimore Plat
form Of 1852, so far IS they relate to Slavery
+" the act for the recovery of fugitives from 10
Dor included, we pledge ourselves for the re
peal OF that act and 10 resist the admission o
Utah and New Mexico as States without con
situations excluding Slavery: and, finally, re
garding it as a violation of the plighted faitl
of the South, for the purpose Of extending
Slavery against our Will our conscience, anC
our rights; that We hereby pledge ourselves K
the defence of Freedom by the reatfiction o.
Slavery 10 the States ia which it exists-bJ
the exclusion Of Slavery at the earliest prac
teal moment, aad by ali constitutional means
from eli Federal Observation-Disclosures Kansas
snd~ the District OF Columbia, inclusive; bJ