The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-01-25
Gbs Uoite Of tBe 4leopIs.
OPPOSITION WELCOMED.

GRAFToN Co., N. H., Jan. D, ISoo'
am glad you have opened your columns to
the free expression of the sentiments of the
People and if these lines are worthy small
space in your Peoples Department" l do
not doubt they will find response in many
hearts, not only in this State, but throughout
the country. You regret that so many of our
friends have united with the Order knOwn as
hfoto NOthin9s. Now, sir, | have lately UNI
ted with the Order and will give you my rea-
sons:
We must take the world as we find it, and
not as we would have it. | would rather the
Order had not been instituted; but, here it is,
a present fact-though it does not look, just
now, very much like fired fact 1t seems to
be powerful in certain locations, for good or
evil; and shall good Anti-Slavery men leave it
to the inevitable control of Pro-Slavery dema-
gogues, or shall they mingle with it, and en-
courage its members 10 take position on the
side of Freedom? The men composing the
Order have repudiated their old parties-and
why?
Is il not plain. that they have become dis
gusted with the Pro Slavery dictation of the
old party leaders, and that the Anti-Slavery
sentiment has riven both of the old parties to
fragments? There are thousands who stood
ready to unite with the party of Freedom and
would have done so, but for this new move
ment and these are the men who compose a
great majority of the Order.
1t appears to me, that such men may be
easily convinced Of the propriety, and even the
necessity, at time not far in the future, Of
taking an open stand in favor of universal free
dom. | hope the example of the late Wing
and Democratic parties will not be lost upon
them. These parties have both made strong
effort to "crush out" the Anti-Slavery senti-
ment; they have both resolved to "resist'
and discountenance the agitation of the
subject; and what has been the result? The
fires they endeavored to smother have pro-
duced most alarming cruptions in their little
worlds, and left them in ruins. The Know
Nothings may attempt the same policy, and
repeat the experiment; but i have good de-
gree of confidence, if they do, they will find
themselves in the same condition. For my
part, 1 left one vile party years ago; and hav-
ing got my hand in" as the saying is, if l
find the Order under the control of PrO-Slavery
influences, as you anticipate, prescribing Anti
Slavery men and their sentiments, as the old
parties have done, shall just work my way out
as soon as possible. L know they have. in
some instances, elected men not SO favorable
to Liberty as l would like; but, taking their
elections as n whole, think you must admit
that they have taken stand decidedly above
the positions ever assumed by either of the old
parties; and | have hope of better things in
the future.
And now, word of encouragement. j am
glad you have called the attention of the coun-
try to the dangers that may arise from this
Order to the Anti-Slavery cause. 1t may
all prove you fear it will and I believe
nothing would so effectually prevent it as your
timely caution. Anti-Slavery men will be
doubly vigilant, especially if they belong to
the Order; and, instead Of stopping my paper
for such a cause, would pay you for it. and
thank you beside. 1t is the duty of the watch
men to keep good lookout, and give timely
warning; and a false alarm is a thOusand-fold
better than stupid carelcssness. am surprised
that a real Anti-Slavery man should stop his
paper for such n reason