Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-06-20
ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENTS.

DEAR JouRNAL:-As we have long expected
the Convention which has been in session in
this city for some time, has split on that rock
ofContention, ssthe Slavery question: Twelve
states have, by their representatives, with
drawn from union with the Party whose Plat
form of Principles is now given forth to the
world in full, and they have at seperate NEE
ting declared themselves pledged to the
peal of the ssNebraska Bill, - and sundry other
measures relating to the same suhect,-whIle
we find in the Declaration of the remaining
body, avowals of an opposite character. Now
what is to be the result of all this 1t may
be, and hope it will be,-not the dismember-
ment of the party and the final Telinquishment
of the great objects in view, but the centraii-
zation in each state of a party pledged to the
main object in view; Notwithstanding their To-
cal preiudices, and acting as the two great
parties have heretofore done, ssagreeing to
disagree''-thus while the Northern Wings,
have steadfastly opposed Slavery. they
have yet acted in unison with the Southern
Wings on all important questions relating to
National policy. Just so, the great Ameri-
can party-though diridcd as they must of
necessity be from local assOciations-stiI uni
ted on the fundamental principles of their anti
foreignism, they will act as a unit in repelling
the encroachments of Papal power and anti
religious liberation, and the great ends OF
their organization may still be accomplished.
1t is gratifying TO observe that in the reso-
ling of Americansm prevails, that the same
repugnance to Catholic interference in our
Public Schools was evident, and if that
bug-bear ssSlavery'' had been kept out, the ut
most harmony and good feeling would have
prevailed. Nevertheless there is no causa
for us to dispair, but on the contrary to use
the more eXertion to ensure the success of the
principles for which we labor. No one should
desert the ship, aud though beaten once or
even twice, vet press on, there are, there must
be bright days for us in the future.
There is now nothing secret about the or
ganization of the party-it is as open as either
of the others, and its dogmas are public. The
IA articles embraced in the Platform of the
Convention are all published, "a copy of which
l send you) and every one can form their own
opinions. shall not attempt to analyzc them,
that is not my object, they speak plainly for
themselves and hide nothing. To be suro
were / alone consulted would have omitted
the 18th on Slavery, but l rest contented, ho-
ping the main object will over rule.
know not your political preference in this
matter-nor vet that of a majority of your
readers but as citizens of the noble old Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania l doubt not you
all agree with me. Slavery is an evil-and
the sooner we are free from it the better, both
for the North and the South, yet am willing
to drop it for the present, believing that the
agitation of the question now will be produc-
tive of evil. One thing only would l ask and
insist upon the restoration OF the missouri
Compromise, that being solmen compact en-
tered into by the several states in their repre-
! sentative capacity-and one which no subSe-
| quent action should endanger.
! Our present Administration is weak one,
| it is daily lowering itself in the estimation of
| the people, and as desperate effort they are
! now expending their little remaining strength
on the ssnew America" just sprung into life
1t is no straar they are endearoring to
| sink, but ssjchoie raf,'' and large enough
and strong enough to float them from their
moorings on the food of popular opinion
Let us all press on and work with viii for
| the time is none too long to do all NE can, and
| strive wherever go TO infuse into those We
meet with. a true American spirit. 1t is not
| beneath the character of any one, to mingle
| in the political arena with kindred, or even
opposing spirits; encourage the one and try to
convince the other. o. u
Philadelphia, June 16, 1855.