Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-10-06
Friends of Freedom !

Freeman, under circumstances more solemn,
and calling for more united and vigorous ae-
ton.
Throughout the entire North, the bonds of
party have been sundered, the ties of party or
ganization have been ruptured. The great
deep of politics has been broken up, and the
surges of popular action are engulfing old and
feeble parties. What has brought about this
sudden commotion, SO soon after the deep peace
which apparently settled upon the country Of
ter the election of 1852? What has scatter
ed into many fragments, the proud party which
emerged from that contest with victory perch
ing upon it's banners?
We answer, it is the same great influence
which has severed the churches of the country
and which threatens the perpetuity of our in
situations, or at least the overthrow of our free
dom. 1t is that mighty power, that Northern
traitors has learned to know its strength, and
which now seeks dominion in sthis boasted
land of the free and home of the brave" 1t
is the slavepower of the Nation, which in pur-
suance of its arrogant and unjust claims has
dared lay it's unhallowed hands upon a Com
promise which had all the sanctity of the Con-
s~titution itself. 1t is the aggressive and intol-
Grant spirit of this mighty power which has
wrecked the fair prospects of the Democratic
party and enkindled into a fierce fame the
smouldering embers of past discussions.
For this renewal of agitation the North is
not responsible. For years it had opposed the
plans of the slavery-extensionists. Humbled
and Frustrated at last, by the treachery of her
own servants, the North "acquiesced" in the
unjust Compromises of 1850, because she pro-
foundry desired peace and quiet. But there is
no peace-there can be no quiet while there
is one inch of free territory upon this Continent
upon which the rapacious eye of slavery may
rest. We may fatter ourselves that the ques-
ton is settled, but while we are hugging the
pleasant delusion, the slave oligarchy will be
laying their schemes and deyising their plans
to obtain territory and power for their peculiar
institution.
Freemen of the North I! the question is up
on us, and it must be met. You can testify
that it is not of Our seeking. But since it is
forced upon us, shall we meet it as becomes
Freemen, or shall we quietly permit the gives
of bondmen to be put upon our limbs. The
issue which slavery has forced upon the coun-
try must be decided. Shall slavery be permit
ted to rule over this Republic shall it make
and control our Presidents shall it influence
the decisions of the Judiciary ; shall it corrupt
our public servants, and subsidize the press :
in q word, shall it be the all-pervading, all
controlling power in this country, or shall Free
dom guide the councils of the Nation, and sla-
very be content with its present bounds ? This
Is the question which now crowds upon the
country for settlement. The South has long
since given up all parties, and ignored all ques-
lions but the one of the extension of slavery.
The all-absorbing consideration with them is,
how does such a man stand upon the right of
the South to carry slavery wherever the Con-
s%titution extends ? BY this rule they try oil
parties and all public men.
How is it in the North? The South boasts
she has no traitors, but unfortunately the North
is divided. The mercenary influences of trade.
and worse than all, the corrupting Influences
of public patronage, serve to keep the North
powerless, by raising up conflicting interests,
and by indirect methods completely weakening
and paralyzing her. The masses of the North
are sound. They are not to be reached by any
of the selfish influences we have mentioned
But they are led astray by those in whom they
place confidence, or are openly betrayed by
those to whom they have confidcd their in
~terests.
10 meet the eNigencies of the times the true
men of the North have given up all the old
and corrupt party organizations, and have in
augurated the Republican Party. That party,
as its name indicates, is hostile to the section
al purposes of Slavery, and seeks to bring the
Government back to its original simplicity and
purity. 10 its banner is invited all who wish
to enlist in this war for Freedom. We appeal
to you, Freemen of Bradford, for your aid in
advancing the great cause for which the Re
publican party in Bradford is organized. We
appeal to you, with the utmost confidence. be-
cause we believe you to be controlled and
guided by what you consider to be the true in
t%erests of the County.
Has not the time come when the North
] should at last make a stand If that time
has not arrived, when will it be upon us -
Shall we wait until we are encompassed by
the tolls of Slavery, or shall we not rather rise
in the dignity and power of Freemen. while we
have liberties and privileges worth preserving ?
If slavery continues with the same gigantic
strides it has been making, how long will it be