Tribune and telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1855-1856, 1855-10-25

TO my Fellow Citizens of Wisconsin by
Adoption.
A sort of side claim being set up by Barstow's
friends to our vote, leads me TO an examine
ton Of the position of the two parties now in ac-
tive contest for the Gubernatorial chair, and my
duty-our duty, in relation thereto
Ihave always felt areluetance to being bound
by party influences; hence / have never belong
ed to party, and am in consequence more free
to act as my conscience dictates.
In this examination cannot escape the fact,
that the grand issue of the day lies rather in the
difficult and distressing question of Slavery, or
freedom, in the full sense of the term, than in
any peculiar local question. Nevertheless the
actions OF pecuniary nature, in which Barstow
have become so much involved as Governor of
our State, calls for deep and serious considera-
ton, on our part, as well as the part of alb
about to exercise the privilege of the franchise.
One reason, set up by Barstow and his friends
why we should vote for him, is that if Bashford
be elected we shall have "Maine Law" infict-
led upon us. This do not believe. A reaction
has evidently taken place in the east on this
question, and it is more likely that its advocates
should shelve it for the present, than that they
should try to pass such law here; moreover its
constitutionality is being canyassed in too di-
rect manner to leave any hope in the minds OF
the advocates of sucn a measure, just now, Gifts
being sanctioned by majority of our citizens.
Therefore, if this be a treason" why we should
vote for Barstow, think it don't amount to much
Another reason is that Republicans and Know
Nothings are one and the same party.
This seems to me to have no more treason"
than the other. And however immaculate the
Democrats ~ ofthis state may think themselves
believe them to be just as much tainted with
"Know Nothingism'' as the "Republieans;"-
My opinion is that the whole is divided into three
parties of which "Know Nothings' form but a
small minority; but yet, sufficiently large to make
each of the ether parties anxious fer their assist
ance-therefore in this, we have but little choice
even were Known othingism of any Importance
TO Us in the Mates but am certain it is not an
that it is spoken of and used only as bug bear
to frghten us with; hence take it that one par
ty has just as much claim to cur votes as the
other, and either should in my opinion have the
preference as they come in their principles the
nearest to what we honestly consider to be, for
the best interests ofour country.
The Barstow Democracy, passed at the con-
vention at which Barstow was nominated, the.
following resolutions, and which they ask us
/ to endorse at the ensuing election.
! Ist. Eesoleed. That the resolutions adopted
| by the National Democratic Convention in 1852
are true expression of democratic principles,
and that strict adherence to the line of policy
indicated by that convention is now, as it was
then demanded by the best interests of the Dem
ocratic party"
''2nd. ResoEred. That the Democratic Ad-
ministration both state and National are entitled
| to the confdence-of the Democracy for the fdel-
/ ity with which they have conducted our public
affairs"
! The first of these resolutions prevents us from
taking any action in regard to slavery whatever
as the resolutions of 1852 referred to, pledges
the Democratic party to resist sail attempts at
renewing in Congress or out of 1t, the agitation
of the slavery question under whatever shape or
color the attempt may be made" And this, you
who have fed from the "despotisms" and tyr
annies'' if the "Old World are expected to en-
dorsc by voting for Barstow.
| The second resolution makes you BY your vote
! for Barstow endorse the refusal of the President
to approve Of River and Harbour appropriations
! for the Northwest, the action Of his adminstra-
ton on the slavery question in general as well
as the iniquity of the Kansas and Nebraska bill.
My friends if you can bolt this; your capacity
for taking strong doses sarpasses mine; it would
choke me, We're my conscience elastic enough to
allow to make the attempts and did it end
here it would be bad enough, but our President
a election is coming on, and it opens the way
too plainly for southern man;-wlich under
tie present aspect of affairs l say God forbid
And if l am bound by my act la voting at the
next election to endorse the principle advocated
by either party, L pray God, to keep me clear,
of the degrading principles or platform of the
Barstow Democrats of this State And when
they ask us to give by our vote an acknowledge
ment of the justice Of such laws as the Fugitive
Slave Law and the Kansas and Nebraska bill;'
and the righteousness of such acts as Barstow's
on the "School Lands" and Lunatc Asylum they
must certainly forget that we are free agents in
the matter, and rather take us to be'' Cattle" in
1Su, iiiiI ~ N'til4ict tIlS
least legitimate control.
have thought and think now, that many
Republicans" are too rabid on abolitonsm; but
it must be evident, to every thinking and intelii
gent man. that the slave power needs to be met
by firm and determined resolve on our part
that is on the part Of the Northern States-or it
viii assume a despotism, we as free men, having
the lasting freedom of our Country at heart
might well siudder at
Thus my friends am I induced to give the re-
publican party my support; and am further en-
couraged to ask you to support them, for the rea-
son that it is the only party through which we
can at present see any chance of rcaising that
freedom for which we have travelled so far, and
severed the ties and bonds of kindred in blood
to gain.
Nevertheless, can not ask you to vote this
way or that because do; but | ask it Of You be-
cause, think it right, however examine for your
selves, not listening TO the demagogues ofeither
party, but weighing well the opposing argu-
ments; let the principle of freedom be your guide;
and recolect that in your righteous action, hes
the foundation of your chidrens' happiness.