True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-08-13
J. W. LOngbOn for Fremont.


J. W. LOngbon. formerly resident Of
Piketon, and Democrat Of long stand
ing, that he has come out boldly for Ere.
mont, and Freedom. His letter is an
able document which we should be
pleased to publish entire; but for want
Of room must content ourselves with a
few extracts giving portion of the rea-
sons assigned for his political course.
He regards the extention or non-exten
ton of Slavery as the zeal issue in the
pendiug campaign, and declares for the
latter.
He considers the Wing, and Demo.
cratic parties both dead, and that only
two parties remain, viz the Republican
and Slave Party.
He says the South has for many years
aimed 10 acquire preponderance in the
North by obtaining control Of one Of the
leading political parties, and has at last
succeeded in seducing the Democratic
party to its own purposes.
He says in conclusion: Heartily de
spising as do, every species of decep
lion, and being neither the Slave nor tool
Of any party, neither acting under the
political lash or dictation of any party
leaders, nor influenced by any fear, hope
or reward Of the same, intend to follow
my honest convictions, and act according
ly. have no principles to conceal OF
compromise nor am | in the political mar
ket, either TO buy or sell, and as no party
ever had or can have mortgage or life
lease on my vote, l do not feel bound to-
ror will l support any party at all haz'
ards, and under all circumstances, wheth.
er right or wrong, merely for party's sake,
or through fear of being as some call it,
"read out Of the party"
elf the old Wing and Democratic par
ties could again be reinstated as they once
were, | would glory in being Democrat
but when l see the best principles Of De-
mocracy repudiated and abandoned and
sold to Slavery, | declare that will wash
my hands and be no party to the record
Not wishing to recucitate the old Whig
party. for which never had any sympa.
thy, nor 10 act with the radical abolition
party, or American party, for which
have still less, and believing that the Re-
publican party is the only hope for free
men, l shall cordially vote for Fremont
and give him my hearty support.-Pike'
tOUn Journal.
Upon the above extracts we remark
lst. That we admire the boldness and
frankness with which Mr.. Longbon avows
the conviction of his mind, and the de.
termination of his future action.
There is one point, however, in regard
TO which he is inaccurate, viz that there
are now but two political parties remain
ing. Such a declaration will answer fol
a retorical flourish but it will not bear the
test Of facts which stand forth in state Of
visible exemplifcation. How stands the
case in the South! Surely it will not be
contended that the issue in the Southern
States is between the Republicans and the
Slave party. Has Mr.. Longbon yet to
learn that in the South The party called
American-in many places-are quite
match for the SO called Democrats l
is true that in the North the American
Party, with but few exceptions, favor the
views Of the Republicans, so far as the
question of Slavery is concerned, and i
is their desire 10 cooperate with the
Republicans in resisting its progress
But does it follow from this that they have
disbanded and are no longer party!
There is now in the State of Ohio l2O, ,OO(
legal voters, who rather than abandon
their Americanism, if the alternative
were presented 10 them. would say let th'
Slave Democracy rule for another fou
years, and let us enjoy the luxury Of ou
true American sentiments. Our Repub
lican brethren are laboring under
great mistake if they suppose that b.
uniting with them upon the issue whicI
has been pressed upon the country, b.
the misrule of the present administration
the American party either abandons it
organization, or ignores one of its funda
mental principles, such is not the case. a
the sequel will show.