The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-11-29
PROSPECTUS
Jtntb ppIumt of abs 1ationaI Ora,
Washington, D. C.
q. BAILEY, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR;
JOHN G. WHITTIER, CORRESPONDING EDIT

g. BAILEY, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR;
JOHN C. WHITTIER, CORRESPONDING EDITOR.
The Signs of the times indicate an approach
ing crisis in the conflict between Freedom and
Slavery The Democratic Party and the Wing,
with ia, ir peculiar issues, have ceased TO exist,
The latter being totally disorganized; the organi
zation OF the former being appropriated as the
machinery of Party devoted 10 the Cause Of
Slavery. while nearly all that was healthiu and
progressive in both has been absorbed by the
Ann-S Slavery movement, now organized IN the
form of Republican Party. The one great
Question before the People is, the Slavery
Question; and there are really but two Parties,
The Republican and the Pro Slavery.
HenceiorIh. these Parties must meet each
other face to face. The Congress that shall
meet within the next two weeks, must witness
their first national struggle. Who shall be
Speaker - what Power shall organize the
House. constitute its Committees, initiate and
determine It's action will be the first ques-
lions to be settled. Next must be considered
the affairs or Kansas. A spurious Delegate,
chosen by fraudulent votes, at a spurious cleo
lion, ordered by an illegal Legislature, repre-
senting the policy and interests of Missouri
Shareholders; and genuine Delegate, chosen
by the votes of actual settlers, AT an election
held in accordance with the principles of self
government, assumed 10 be- embodied III the
law organizing the Territory, will demand
admission 10 the floor VI Congress. At the
same time will arise TIE question OF the admis-
SION of Kansas as State, in conformity 10 the
application of lis inhabitants, who, in Conven-
ton assembled have duly formed State Con-
sti;uion Add TO this, bill for the admission
of Oregon as free State-and Congress will
nave before it a series OF practical Questions OF
vast magnitude, involving the entire issue be-
tween the Slave Power and its opponents. The
struggle will not be confined TO that body.
Already commenced among the People, it will
derive new Interest from the proceedings in
Congress. All those Questions must enter into
and decide the canvass for the Presidency now
opened. The next twelve months, then, will
People must array themselves under the ban
ner of Republicansm, or the banner OF Slavery.
There can he no neutrality, no evasion, no COM
promise. There can be no intermediate par
ties, although there may be sinister factions
working insidiousy for the defeat of Republi-
canlsm, and the continuance of power in the
hands of the Slaveholding oligarchy He that
rs not for Freedom is against it.
The responsibilities of Republicans at such a
moment cannot be too urgently impressed upon
Of all others. should be made the test in Con
gress, and by the People, on every occasion. al
every election. The work of organization
ought 10 BE- vigorously prosecuted, till every
county and town be fully prepared for the de-
cisive struggle.
Above all, the Press should be put in actire
operation. Local and Metropolitan newspa-
pers-there ought TO be no jealousy between
them-are alike needed. Republican papers
should be encouraged, and their issues multi
piled. until every man and woman. who can
read, be furnished with the whole argument for
Liberty.
To the readers of the .Naiional Era we ad
dress ourselves specially. 1t has fought the
battles of Freedom for nine years, and is now
entering its tenth campaign. What it has been
IT will he. The doctrines it has urged the aims
II has announced are still dear to it. Its cours,
has been straightforward one, without con
cealment, without compromise, without resor
10 questionable expedients to achieve tempo
rary success. So long as the Republican Part,
shall continue true TO the principles of Civil and
Religious Liberty we have advocated through
the Era, true to the rights of conscience with
cut distinction of sect, true TO all the rights o
Humanity without regard TO race or birth, the
Era will labor for lis ascendency.
Our tenth volume will begin with the first O
the new year. We need hardly say that ne
pains will be spared 10 maintain its position a:
Literary and Family newspaper. We have
on hand several new stories, and the promise
Of one from the pen Of Mrs. SourHwoRrB. Il
commence IN the first number of the new
volume.
TERMS