Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-03-08

Henry c. Pratt. John c. flennken,
Samnel Kerr David MelnCer,
h Hanes II. Gaylord
Wm. Hamilton, j. Brown,
SAINT Caldwell,
Harrisburg. February IS, 1916.
We certainly have no disposition to do or
say anything that Will in the slightest degree
prevent perfect union and concert of action
on the part of those opposed to the aggressions
of slavery, by whatsoever name they may be
known On the contrary, we have the strong
est desire. as we have the utmost faith, that
those in favor of the principles of Freedom,
can and will, rally around one common stand
ard, and be triumphant in the coming contest.
To effect this, all our energies shall be devoted,
not for the purpose of elevating men to office,
but for the advancement of the great principles
we deem 50 essential to the welfare and pros
pcrity of the country
When We say we do not approve of this call,
we still have hopes that ultimate good may re-
suit from it, We deem it unfortunate that it
was issued so hastily, and upon the eve of the
assembling Of two National Conventions. The
result of the deliberations of those Conventions
must satisfy the most obtuse mind that the on
ly issue involved in the present struggle. is that
! of Freedom or Slavery-the result of struggle,
/ to sustain or rebuke the present National Ad-
ministration for its subseryieney to the slave
oligarchy The American party, by its pro-
ceedings at Philadelphia has succumbed TO the
influence of slavery. While the Republican
at Pittsburg, has flung to the breeze the ban
ner of Freedom, and inscribed upon its folds
principles to which every patriot can sub
scribe
Those who are earnest in their opposition to
the aggreSSions and extension of slavery, can
have no hesitation in ralying under the Repub-
lican banner. The organization proposes to
accomplish purposes which should have the CO
operation of every lover of our free Institutions
! 1t is now the only party which meets the exi-
gencies of the times, and present tangible is
sue to the country. 1t proposes to check the
usurpations of slavery, and preserve the terri
tories of the country for white men.
| If this proposed Convention is made up Of
those opposed TO the extension of slarery-of
those who wish to see the General Government
released from the influence and domination OF
/ that power-of those who are disposed to
meet fairly and boldly the LIKING questions to
lie settled by the people-it may accomplish
good Ii NAV accomplish this result, either by
/ adjourning TO the Republican State Conyen.
| ton on the 18th of June next, or by its action
| taking such steps as viii render it unnecessary
for the latter convention 10 nominate a State
ticket
+ If We understand the feelings of the Repub
leans of the North it is willingness to unite
with all those who favor the principles of Free
dom, and are deSirouS of preserving our Terri
tories as an inheritance for the Free Labor OF
the country-come from what party they may
As this question is now the aH-abSorbiug one
as this issue is forced upon the country for set
tlemeut by the slave power, there should be nc
difficulty in the way of union on the part o
those who are willing to meet it, The sincere
friends of freedom can have no desire to drae
into the contest collateral qaeStiouS which ar,
foreign to the true issues, aud only serve Il
eubarrass aad cripple Us. The battle of Free
dom or Slavery is 10 be fought, and let Us tight
it, without encumbering ourselves with othei
questions, about which there may be great diff
ference of opinion, and TO moot which eau sery,
no good purpose, and ouly cause us enbarras1
menl and disaster.