The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-07-19
4soplt's department.
THINGS IN INDIANA.
CENTREvILLE, IND, June 20, l85

CENTREyILLE, IND, June ~, 1900.
l have Just returned from the Anti-Slavery
State Convention, held at Indianapolis on the
9th. 1t was not large, owing to the present
remarkably busy season, and the extraordina-
ry efforts of the Republicans and Know Moth
ings in preventing our friends from attending
The process of swallowing up the Free Democ-
racy of this State, which was so successfully
begun last year, is to be contaminated on the
18th of July; and the most fervent desire OF
our Wing and Know Nothing friends is, that
nothing shall occur to prevent it. Our Con-
vention, however, Notwithstanding considera
BILE Know Nothing element in it, assumed pref
ty broad and independent ground but shall
be agreeably disappointed if many Anti-Slave-
ry men do not go into the July Convention, and
abide its action, however narrow the platform
on which it may stand. shall likewise be de-
ceiyed if the Convention should 60 much far
Their on the Slavery question, if any, than did
the Northern Know Nothings at Philadelphia.
Anti-Slavery men have great need to be care
full, Just now, as to the course they pursue. They
have heretofore favored the policy of co-opera-
ton, under circumstances which justified it,
and they should do so again, when the circum-
stances present themselves. But here, now, is
a proposition to organize Republican or Peo-
Plies party, in opposition to Slavery and its ag
gressions No Federal or State Office is to be
filled this year in Indiana, and no question of
cooperation therefore arises. If Independent
Democrats unite in this movement and become
a part of new organization, there is at once,
therefore, fusion, and an end of the party to
which they before belonged and the question
arises, can they do this except on the cond
ton that the Republicans shall espouse the
main positions of the Pittsburgh platform? We
may cooperate upon broader or a narrow
er platform, but can we fuse with others into
one party, upon any ground short of the entire
divorce of the Federal Government from Sla-
very? The restoration of the Missouri prohi
bition is too narrow; the prohibition of Slave
ry in all our Territories, and the non-admission
of more slave States, is too narrow everything
is too narrow, but Slavery totally denational-
lied Let US demand this, and nothing less.
Let us uphold our own banner avoiding all en-
tanglements with others, spurning all surren-
ders, until the people are ready publicly to lay
hold of the essential articles of our faith. Let
us be ready to command our own fortresses,
and avoid committing them to our foes. Let
us stand together, prepared for Independent &C
ton next year, and never take it for granted
that Republicanism, or any other ism, will take
our work out of our hands, and do it for US, un-
til we have the proof.
One other word. No man should deude him
self as to the death of Know Nothingism in
this State. 1t has nearly all the life of Wing
cry, and good deal besides. / have the best
of reasons for saying that it aims at nothing
short of the absolute control of the Convention
of the 18th. 1t was never more determined
than now, while meekly confessing that its mis-
sion is ended, and assuming the most amiable
temper towards its intended dupes. Let it be
watched, and opposed steadfastly, for it has
murdered the Anti-Slavery cause in this State,
to an extent of which have hitherto had no
just conception. Yours,
GEORGE w. JULIAN.