The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-12-04

issues which would divert the Public Mind
from the one danger that now threatens the
honor and interests of the country and the STA
bility of the Union-Slavery Propagandism al
lied with Disunionism.
Let us not forget that it is not the want Of
generous sentiment, but of sufficient information,
that prevents the American People from being
united in action against the aggressive policy
Of the Slave Power. Were these simple ques-
tons submitted to-day to the People of the
United States-Are you in favor of the extern
sion of Slavery? Are you in favor of such ex-
tension by the aid or connivance OF the Federal
Government ?-and could they be permitted to
record their votes in response, without embar-
rasSment, without constraint of any kind, nine
teen-twentieths of the People of the Free States,
and perhaps more than half of the People OF
the Slave States, would return decided mega
tive to both.
Let us have faith in the People. Let US be-
lieve, that at heart they are hostile to the
extension of Slavery, DESTROYS that the Ter
ritories of the Union be consecrated to
Free Labor and Free Institutions; and that
they require only enlightenment as to the most
effectual means of securing this end, to con-
vert their cherished sentiment into fixed
principle of action.
The times are pregnant with warning. That
a Disunion Party exists in the South, no longer
admits of doubt. 1t accepts the election of
MIR. Buchanan as affording time and means to
consolidate its strength and mature its plans,
which comprehend not only the ensavement
of Kansas, and the recognition of Slavery in all
Territory of the United States, but the CONVEX
sion of the lower half of California into slave
State, the organization of new slave Territory
in the Gadsden purchase, the future annexation
of Nicaragua and subjugation Of Central Amer
lea, and the acquisition of Cuba; and, as the
free States are not expected to submit to all
this, ultimate ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the Union,
and the formation of great Slaveholding Con-
federacy, with foreign alliances with Brazil and
Russia. 1t may assume at first moderate
tone, to prevent the sudden alienation of its
Northern allies; it may delay the development
of its plot, as it did under the Pierce Admins
tration but the repeal of the Missouri Compro
mise came at last, and so will come upon the
country inevitably the final acts of the dark
conspiracy. When that hour shall come, then
will the honest Democrats of the free States be
driven into our ranks, and the men of the slave
States who prefer the Republic of Washington,
Adams, and Jefferson-a Republic of Law, Or
der, and Liberty-to an Olgarchy of Slave
holders and Slavery Propagsndists, governed
by Wise, Atchison, Soule, and Walker, founded
in fraud and violence, and seeking aggrandize-
ment by the spoliation of nations, will bid God
speed to the labors of the Republican Party to
preserve Liberty and the Union, one and in
separable, perpetual and all-powerful.
RESOLUTIONS.
ReSOlUed That the principles of the Republi-
can Party are based upon broad and national
grounds, securing to every citizen all the rights
and privileges guaranteed by the Constitution !;
thaA, e. Al 81
very it is but carrying out the great sentiments
of Freedom upon which the Constitution was
| founded, and upon which depend the growth
and prosperity of our free institutions and
that, while it recognises " Freedom as national,
and Slavery as sectional" it acknowledges the
principle of State sovereignty, and 'discounte-
| nances interference with the domestic institu-
tons of the States.
ReSoloed, That in the result of the recent
election we have the most cheering evidence,
expressed through large and intelligent pop
ular vote Of the American people, of the cor.
rectness of our principles, and Of their ultimate
and speedy triumph; that the unprecedented
development of the Republican movement is a
sure guarantee that the intelligent masses are
on the side Of Freedom, and opposed to the
further encroachments of Slavery, and points
with unerring certainty to full and complete
triumph in 1860.
Resolred, That the most important time to
correct, form, and establish public sentiment,
on the great principles involved in the present
contest of parties, is during the next three
years, and before we shall have become again
engaged in the strife and conflict peculiar to a
Presidential campaign and, relying upon the
justice of our cause, and the enlightened intel
ligence of the People to sustain it. we there
fore recommend to the several associations in
each of the States, to keep up their organiza-
tons, and by every means labor to disseminate
light and knowledge; and that we urge upon
our friends throughout the country to form
themselves into associations, where none al
ready exist, for like object, and for purposes
of free discussion.
ResOtred, That the noble and patriotic bear
ing of j. G. Fremont and William L. Dayton
during the recent contest, marked as it has
been by the most unprecedented exercise of
personal invective and base calumny, calls forth
our warmest admiration; that we recognise
them as statesmen of the most exalted virtue,
honor, and integrity, and whose devotion to
the interests of Freedom finds its highest eulogy
in the generous confidence so cordially express.
ed by an enlightened and free people.
ReSOLUed, That we recommend and urge
upon our Republican friends the necessity of
supporting men pledged to the principles of the
Republican party at their municipal and county
as well as State and National elections.
The Association also resolved to continue
its organization, and to hold regular weekly
meetings, for the discussion of political and
national questions.
Z. NJ. JosLIN, President.
l.. CLEPHANE, Secretary.
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE