The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-05-31
THE NATIONAL ERA: WASHINGTON, D. G, MAY 81, 1856.

on its own merits. Why should not the line
be drawn at the Ohio Convention of the 18th
July? When viii there be a more suspicious
time? When will there be a better leader
for Popular Movement, on the naked Anti
Nebraska issue, without corrupt alliances, than
Mr.. Chase? Should the meeting of that Con-
vention result in achievement, SO clear, so hon.
est, so benefcent, our hopes of Union of the
People for Liberty, Party of Freedom, in
1856, would revive. Ohio would lead the
column.
With great pleasure do we now consult the
columns of the Ashtabala !SentisfN, of which
JOSHUA r. GIDDNGs is corresponding editor.
1t gives forth no uncertain sou, d. 1t sees
clearly and urges boldly what ought to be
done. In its issue of May 18th, hat veteran
in the ranks of Freedom, in an abe article on
the subject of the Convention, this explicitly
defines his position. 1t will be sAen that he
speaks of the Republicans, as Party; unfor-
tunately, they have the name, witsout the or
ganization. Let it be the busiNess of the
Convention to supply this want, so that under
whatever name, (although we confess our strong
preference for the older and more distinctive
one,) they may hencsforth be able to act in
concert and with power:
Now, our position is simply this that we
shall have Republican Convention, a Repub-
lican nomination, without surrender, without
compromise. Nor do we think such policy
either difficult or dangerous. Let the people
in their primary meetings elect Republicans as
delegates to the county conventions. They
know who are Republicans and Who are not ;
but if the Know Nothings should avail them
selves of, their superior organization, out-vote
them, and elect members of the Order, let the
Republicans organize by themselves and send
Republicans. Let the county conventions pur-
sue the same policy. Let them exclude no man
merely for the reason that he has been Know
Nothing, if he do not now adhere to the Order.
In this way we shall have at Columbus delegates
who will constitute Republican Convention.
1.-THE Know Nothings, however, have a majority
in that now intended to be Republican con-
vention, let the Republicans withdraw, organize
by themselves, and make a Republican nomina-
ton; send out an address to the people, sta.
ting the facts and causes which led to it, and
such nominations will be sustained by as large
a majority as they were in 1854.
sit is to be understood, we labor for per-
manent principles, not for the unworthy pur-
pose of turning certain men out of office, or of
putting certain men into office. Whenever the
Republican party shall compromise its prin-
ciples, shall bargain with 'Know Nothings'
Sag Nichts,' 'Locofocos,' or any other party,
its history will have been written; and it will
take its place with the Wing and Democratic
parties, beyond the reach of political resurrec-
ton.
"The men who led the Wing party to its
grave, now seek to guide the Republican party
in the same path. We therefore say, frankly,
we can follow no such leaders. If they will
stand BY the principles on which we associated
last year, when there was not Know Nothing
in the State, we shall gladly-aye joyfuly, faith
fully, actively-stand with them. Ifthey change
and go into compromise, a political bargain
with Know Nothings, we must separate.
"The times call for men of thought and in
Auence to stand forth in plain, unmistakabe
language. Let every lover of Liberty speak
frankly and act boldly, with kindness but with
frmness. We do not think, with some worthy
friends, that if the Convention at Columbus
should be ruled by Know Nothings, we ought
to assume the name of Independent Demo.
Gratis, and act on a new organization. We
think it better to stand fast and immovable on
our present position, holding our present name
The Republicans who came from the Wing and
Democratic parties, the foreigners of our State,
and the Republicans of other STATES, have
claims upon us. They all demand thas we shall
remain firm in our present position.
The nomination of any adherisg Know
Nnthing by tho State Covontiun will show that
it is to be so far Know Nothing Convention.
When that shall be ascertained, Whether before
hoy On inf a. =.
friends withdraw, and give US Republican can
didates, and the people will elect them,
But this will be unnecessary, if those pro-
Tossing to the Republicans now speak out frank
ly. Instead of urging union and harmony, let
us say fearlessly, that we maintain our organi-
cation as 1t was constituted. We make no com
promises. We will encourage no bargains with
any other political organization. Above all, we
say, let those presses who have been and now
profess to be supporters of Liberty entertain no
unworthy fears nor apprehensions. Let them
be active and vgilant, bold and fearless, vet
kind and inofensive, speaking out their views
as becomes intelligent, independent freemen.
Let the friends of humanity in every town be
active, firm, and uncompromising in the sup
port of Republican delegates. Let the Conven-
ton be guided by the same principles, and our
nominations will be satisfactory to at least three
fourths of the electors of our State, and Ohio
will stand where she ought to stand, in the van
guard of freedom. .sGn
Let these views be carried out, and the work
of organization for 1856 will have been COM
menced. The really independent knti-Ne-
braska voters,' will no. longer be left in the
anomalous position they have held for the last
year, constrained to choose between Secret
Order, whose principles and policy they con.
denim, and Pierce Democracy, or, to do nothing.
They can there fight under their own standards,
on their own principles, for their own candidates,
manfully, successfully.