The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-05-03
From the Michigan Free Democrat
THE REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION.

The annual township elections are approach
ing, when supervisors and other township Off
GERS will be chosen for the year. throughout the
State Detroit is the worst place in Michigan
from which to attempt to advise or suggest
much less to dictate, upon the question, How
shall these elections be conducted? We con-
slider Detroit bad place for such purpose
for two reasons: one Of which is, that here
abouts very little is absolutely known of the re.
quirements and desires of the people in the diff
ferent townships throughout the State, or of any
considerable number or portion thereof; and
she IS, for the best of all possible reasons, bad
adviser, because she has just made such mis-
cradle job OF conducting her own canvass In
view OF these circumstances, advice coming from
Detroit, as such, would carry very little weight, if
offered. But there are men in Detroit, mixed up
among her mechanics, merchants, lawyers, and
other citizens who are earnest, ardent, and hope
full friends of the Republican principle and the
Republican organization; and they seek not to
dictate to the country, but to urge upon them
the high and commanding necessity of Selling
the present time, with all its capabilities, oppor.
tunities, and privileges, and bringing them all
to the aid OF this new, active, and vital principle
of Government By means of this Republican
organization, elements of political power, which
had long held opposition to the pro-slavery ten.
denotes and caucus dictation of the selfstyled
Democrats, which, though positive and earnest,
were unable to act effectively alone, were
brought together, welded, and made to CO. ooe.
rate, to act together tremendously, and to form
a mighty, powerful, and irresistible influence.
before which pro-slavery and the man-worship
of General Cass found itself unable to stand.
The friends of the principle in Detroit, al
though overborne In council, and compelled to
yield for the time to the policy which kept their
name out of the canvass and their flag closely
furled, are not without hope at this time that
those who acted with them through the glorious
scenes of the campaign of 1854, who struck
hands together at Jackson, in token of pledg-
ed faith and plighted word; and who mingled
voices together, in cheer which reused the
SOUL when the battle had been bravely fought
and goriously won--will not follow the exam
pie of Detroit, as evinced by her policy-or,
rather, her want of all policy-at the March
election, but will unfurl the Republican flag,
emblazon upon its broad folds the great Nation
al principles of Anti-Slavery extension, the
speedy repeal of the Fugitive Slave Bill, and
the eradication of Slavery from the seat of the
National Government, and the principles of an
upright, economical, responsible Administration
OF State affairs. SO far as as they succeed with
an open political issue, and bold annunca.
tion Oh principles, their course is strengthened,
.oAA~AoS, CIV AChOcicu tOTmlOdDles and where
defeat occurs, as it must do locally. more or less
the cause, Its followers, and its principles, are
no worse off than under other circumstances
because pro-slavery Locofocoisn will make ex,
utation to itself, as having achieved Nebras-
ka victory, whether against opposition or not ;
and come that opposition under whatever form
it may, the Free Press victories will be counted
at every township poll where its friends sue
coed, whether any battle is made or not.
To the true and earnest friends of the Repub-
lican cause here-and, SO far as we have been
able to see and converse with them, from many
points in the State, both near and distant, from
Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Flint, Niles, Pontiac,
Adrian, Tecumseh, and Grand River-there
seems fervenl urgent call and necessity, to
do concerted act for the elevation, organiza-
ton, and perpetuity, of the Republican prin-
ciple; yet these friends, both here and else
where, do not speak, as we understand them,
In spirit of dictation, or with view to urge
upon the townships q policy and course of pro-
cedurs at the polls. Each township win speak