The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-10-23
PHnADEIPUIA Dcf g lS

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 8, 1856.
DEAR SIR: Among the valued opportunities
which, at the dictation of my physician, and
the admonitions of continued i'll health, l am
constrained to forego, is that afforded by the
invitation with which l have been honored to
meet the Republicans of the Hudson river
counties at Poughkeepsie. They will, trust,
believe me not Indifferent to their kindness, nor
to the cause in whose name they are to assem-
bic.
Nothing but necessity could keep me thus
aloof, mere looker-on, while the great battle
Of Freedom is waged. The pleasure of the
sight TO spectator secure in the distance, has
been pictured by an ancient poet in much
admired passage, reproduced by a greater
modern:
"'Tis pleasant also to behold from far
The moving legions mingled in the war"
But the impulse and ardor of my convictions
do not allow me to be contented in such retire
ment. L wish to enter the strife, and give such
powers as 1 can command to the righteous
cause. But am forbiddeni
1t only remains that from nv retreat should
send all that for the present can give, the
prayers and benedictions of one yet too feeble
for active exertion.
But while thus sitting apart am permitted
to survey the field and recognise the ensigns of
triumph, now streaming in the fresh Northern
breeze. Everywhere the people are aroused,
at least away from the pavement of great cities
where, too often, human perversity is such as
70 suggest that God made the country, and
man made the town."
Iowa at the extreme West, and Maine at the
extreme East, testify to a sentiment which
must prevail also in the intermediate States.
In proper season, New York and Pennsylva-
MA will confess it. And this is natural for
the whole broad country has been shocked by
the enormlties of which Mr.. Buchanan in the
pending contest, is the unhinching representa-
tive, and Mr.. Fillmore the cautious but effect
i've partisan.
In this contest, l discern the masses of the
people, under the name of the Republican
party, together with good men, regardless of
ancient party ties, arrayed on one side, while
on the other side is the oligarchical combina
ton OF slave masters, with the few Northern
retaners they are yet able to keep, composed
chiefly OF sophists whose lives are involved in
a spiders web of fne-spun excuses; hirelings
whose personal convictions are all lost in sala-
ry, present or prospective, and trimmers whose
eyes fail to discern present changes of opinion
only because they are fastened too greedily
upon ancient chances of preferment. Such are
the parties
And | discern clearly the precise question on
which these parties are divided. In stating it,
/ answer it.
The Territory of Kansas has been made the
victims of countless atrocities in order to force
Slavery upon its beautiful uncontaminated soil.
by lawless violence, Government has been
established there, which has proceeded to de-
spoil the citizen of all his dearest rights, and to
surround Slavery with the protection of pretend
ed statutes. And the question is distinctly
submitted to the American people: care you
ready to sanction those enormities? ?" This is
the simple question. The orators of Slavery,
who have freely visited Poughkeepsie, could
not answer it, aud therefore they kept it out of
sight. But there the question stands
In refusing to become partakers of such
wrong, you will contribute not only to the free
dom OF Kansas, but also to the overthrow of
the brutal and domineering oligarchy which
seeks to enslave Kansas simply as stepping.
stone to the enslavement of the whole country.
Surely no man can hesitate when Freedom re-
quires his vote. Nay, more: Is not this cause
worth living for? Is not this cause worth
dying for?
Accept my thanks for the special kindness of
your communication, and my regrets that can
answer it only by this imperfect letter.
Believe me, dear sir, ever faithfully yours,
CHARLES SUMNER.
Stephen Baker, Esq.