Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-05-19
THE AMERICAN PARTY or NEW
HAMPSHIRE on THE SLAVE
RY QUESTION.

Oar readers have already seen tue resolutions
passed BY the State Council Of New Hampshire
on the slavery question They undoubtedly in
dicaic correctly the senlimca, Of the American
Parry Of the State On that subject. 4 brief re-
currence 10 the events Of The campaign, will
make this appear plain to any Que who doubts
il. Let Us reeolIecl at the outset that moi
candidate was selected by the American Party
who was not known opponent Of the Nehras-
Ia Bill. OF all the members returned 10 the
legislature, in either branch. not one is a pro-
Nebraska man. Mr. Meiealf openly aad dis
tincly took that position in his Letter OF accept
ance Mr.. Lyford, wherever he appeared be-
fore tie pebble took that position. Not speak
or appeared before the people during the canvass
bu, took that position. Not j newspaper which
advocated the American - vss,su d rsoHsen-
isions" arid Mass Meetings which aided the
American ticket, made the Nebraska bill a
prominent subject Of discussion, and they an
sirenuously opposed it. And when the com
blete triumph was obtained, We all agreed that
il was an nnti-Nebraska triumph, as well as an
American triumph,
If we look at tho causes Of the success ofthe
American party, not only ia New Hampshire,
but in all the north, we cannot forget that one
Of It's most powerful elements is opposition to
the unjust and reckless expressions Of slavery
Ii we eject from the principles Of the parry that
issue, it at once becomes lmmeasurably weak
ened. We do not by any means overlook 9TH
er questions, and important ones, involved in
the action Of the party, but it is safe to say that
one great element of its vitality is the fact that
it goes back and allies itself to correct northern
sentiment, and 10 the great interests Of free
northern communities. Thousands upon lhou-
sands Of men act with the American party in
the north and in New Hampshire, who would
not act with ii if it took any other position.
Aud it is right and proper position. These
two things, slavery and freedom, are rrecoacil-
abls-as great statesman has SAID, they cou-
siituie an anomaly in the government Il is
impossible TO make an agreement between
them. The interests Of lhe south arc allied 10
slavery and slave labor--the Interests Of the
north 10 freedom and free labor. One side or
the other must yield to make an agreement be-
tween them Parties have attempted it Hereto
fore, and have iallnn in onseqnence--usually
nilh debauched morals at least on one side
And, now, at this crisis, shall the American par
ty attempt il Let them attempt it, if they
wish To share the same fate. Let them attempt
II If they wish their palms 10 wilt even in the
dawn of their triumph Those of us WIN
sounded the first trump Of alarm on the traitor
Gus Nebraska act, are not yet relieved of duty.
State, if not The germs Of many States, is
there coming into existence, and the fierce up
position We waged against The act while it WAS
tossed about in the tempests Of Congress, should
grow still hereer now that ii has gone forth 10
the pomp Of Il national law, to desecraie the fair
yallies OF The Missouri We at the north must
retain our right TO this, with whatever party we
arc connected. Free-soilism, distnsly as such,
demands nothing. IL is not question Of old
organization and eliques. But the northern
principle must be kept. This is what the Amer
lean party Of New Hampshire mean by their
resolutions. This is what Maine and Massa-
chuseils, and other States moan. This is the
voice which will, We believe, Gud utierance in
the councils Of every northern State.
Tho American party is aud may be nation
al party. II can act tremendously on the frs,
question with which il deals--Calholicism and
foreign influence. II can act without difficulty
in reforming the naturalization laws, and other
things. Bnt so far as the north is concerned,
il must be lell to itself on the question of slave
Manchester American.