Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-07-26

the right arm of personal and pnblic safety;
it was dear to them as the apple of the eye,
1t was too rich pearl to be thrown away with
Romantic wantonness, or battered for the war
blipgs of mere political song. Thus an
order was organized for the securing OF cor
country from Che alarming dangers OF fore'en
| influence.
At the very time when we needed all our
strength and vigilence to counterfeit the dan.
oerons elements that are flowing in upon Us
from external sources, still greater cause Of
alarm and dislnay proclaims itself from the
Mace where should be the hiding OF our
power. The deadliest foes to freedom are
thew of our own household. Americas own
children with unnatural madness, are covering
her with shame, and draining her life blood
bv repeated wounds. At the recent National
Convention Of our order platform of primer
ples was presented to your delegates repug-
nant to every feeling Of their hearts, and IN
their judgement, subverslve of the dearest
interests Of the Country. They had no alter
native but 10 acquiesce or retire, and they
could not "long debate, which to choose"
The northern delegates went into that conven.
tiou with a disposition to yield everything but
sound principle for the sake of union and
harmony. But the Southern members, with
spirit of arrogant defiance. were determined
to pledge the convention to Slavery. AT
such an insoent demand, the spirit OF 10
rose up in Northern breasts (save poor craven
N.Y. like the heavings Of an earthquake
The Northern delegates prepared and sent
forth declaration of their principles they
appealed from the National Council, to the
local councils, whose representatives they
were. Should their action be approved by
the local councils, it will be source of high
qualification. Should they be deemed recre
ant to their trust, they will have the consci
BUSINESS Of acting from the convictions Of duty
and of right Your delegates united with thu
order in good faith, and held in high cstima
tion the original and distinctive principle o
the organization; but they would not, anc
could not, be Indifferent or inactive when an
other mighty issue involving vast and vita
interests, claimed recognition and direct action
The great question presented us, we felt bound
by every principle of honor and patriotism
to entertain with deep and solemn earnestness
We await the decision of those whose int
rest We were anxons faithfully to represent
In my judgement, if ever there has been, o
can be, a time, when the sentiment of tru
Americanism should be stirred to its utmos
depths with fear and anxiety for the safety o
all we hold most dear on earth, that time i
NOW. In my view the only CLEAN of ligh
that breaks upon the dark prospects of GU
beloved country, comes from the hope, tina
no~, when brought to the very verge of ma
tional infamy, all good men and true vii
stand and act and cote together for the right
l trust that the spirit of rs is not an anuua
visitor merely, making its return to our shore
only on the 4th Of July, but that it will b
exhibited in all its beauty and power Oh tn
11th, that those then convened, will give uu
mistakeable proof that they are not degenerat
children--but will act worthy of their hig
lineage. Be pleased to make my highest re
CARDS to the Brothers that may convene; as
surfing them of my bess withes for their pros
perity and happiness. Wishing you pleasant
happy and profitable Convention.
remain yours most sincerely,
RYLAND FLETCHER.