The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-06-07
Sixth month, 1858.
REORGANIZATION OF THE ANTI,sLAvERY
MOVEMENT.


MOVEMENT.
In our issue of the Sd of May, after re-
viewing the political field, pointing out the
preparations of the Hunker Democrats and
the Know Nothings, for Presidential cam
paign in 1885, on the basis of ignoring the
Slavery Question, we said
"Upon the voters who, in 1910, 1874, 1913,
and 1852, insisted that Slavery is the para
mount Question, and shall not be subordinated
or postponed, will devolve the duty of reorgan-
izing on their own platform, and under their
own standardbearer, illustrating and enforcing
in act, the true theory of political action"
Some may think this too narrow, too exclu-
sive policy. Understood properly, it is broad
and liberal enough for all practical purposes.
Is it not obvious, that the voters we have des.
ignated must initiate any practical movement
on the Slavery Question? Who else will take
the responsibility? Who is visionary enough to
suppose that such movement will be under
taken by either the Democratic or Know Moth
ing party7 Of those remaining outside their
ranks, who will take the first step, if the old,
well-tried, Anti-Slavery voters of 1852 remain
passive? They. must act, or nothing will be
done-but they do not wish to be exclusive.
They can invite all who concur with them in
the opinion that the Question of Slavery is
paramount, and shall not be postponed, evaded,
or subordinated, to unite with them, in reor-
ganizing the political Anti-Slavery movement,
and selecting Presidential candidate fairly
and unequivocally representing it. What is
there narrow or exclusive in such policy
Some seem disposed to wait until they see
whether the Hunker Democracy and the Know
Nothing party may not adopt such policy, that
they can compromise with their consciences, and
support one or the other, as "the less evil"
All we have to say is, we do not ride in ~ the
same coach with them"
A word to our friend G., of the AShtabula
Sentinel. He has either misunderstood US, or
we have misunderstood him. If he is in favor
of reorganization of the Political AntiSla-
very Movement, on the same general principles,
with the same general object, and operating by
the same general methods as characterized it
in 1852 and l848, then we are with him. But
sort of movement that, while processing great
independence of the Know Nothing Order
shall in fact be controlled by it, then we are
against him.
The Slavery Propaganda have reason to be
thankful. The higher their tone, the humber
the response of their opponents. The greater
their demands, the fewer the demands of their
opponents. Before they passed the Fugitive
Slave Act, trampled under foot the Wilmot
Proviso, and repealed the Missouri Compro-
mise, We insisted on the prohibition of Slavery
in all Territories, and the complete divorce of
the Federal Government from the system
Now, it seems, we are to ask only for the res
toration of the Missouri Compro mise, or per.
haps the exclusion of any State formed out
of territory north of $50 3O>, toleratng Slavery,
or perhaps it will be better to demand nothing
at all, except general reform of Admins
tration, so as to embrace the largest possible
number of voters in our drag net
Let US not underrate public sentiment. Let
US give the People credit for possessing some
selfrespect, some conscience, some common
little, we demanded much: now that they feel
much, we demand little. When the slavehold-
ers fought only for Slavery in the District, we
were bold and Incorporating now that they
have multiplied their exactions, and wage act
ual war in Kansas, to enslave Free Territory.
we bate our breath, lower our demand, and
think, on the whole, it will be prudent to ask
them to undo the last outrage, take back the
last insult!
The Party that would triumph must be
clear enough to be understood by the People,
honest enough to command their respect, bold
enough to kindle their enthusiasm The at
tempt to carry forward great political move
ment on side issues, and in the strength of
mere pretexts, is dishonest or cowardly, and
therefore must prove failure.
We know what we want The Slave Inter
est rules the Federal Government. Our OBJ
ject is to expel the usurper, and Undue that
Government in all its departments and opera
tons with the Anti-Slavery Idea. Let us de-
clare our object. We have the strength-all
we lack is, WILL.
QUALIFIED TO VorE.-The American. Organ,
estimating the naturalized vote in Virginia at
ten thousand, thinks that an examination Of
the full returns will show that the election of
Wise has been decided by that element. "If
So it adds, "it will infame the People Of the
South to degree never paralleled." The Peo-
pie OF the South must be remarkably combusti-
BILE, to be infamed because certain class of
voters will not support Party pledged to de-
grade them The foreign-born citizens, in pre-.
fsning Wise to Flournoy, one who defended, to
one. who denounced them, evinced proper
selfrespect, and just appreciation of their
rights. Had they done otherwise, they would
have proved what their enemies say-that they
are not qualified to vote.'
M" Congress has done well for the soldiers
and sailors. Have they ever done ANYTHING to
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