The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1856-04-22
Of the country, and TO the unanimity and
force of the pro-elavcry party.

TIE partisans Of the third party, who in
tended taking their position between the an.
ti-slavery and pro-savcry parties--the know
nothings, these representatives Of narrow
minded natveism, have been divided into
two quite different parties by the slavery
questions, and according TO their position in
the main question, they find their support
either in the North or the South The last
convention of the know nothings at Phadel-
phia and nomination Of Fillmore gives suffic-
lent proof, that this "nationa party" sta,ds
on a pro slavery platform, and, holding in
view these facts there will be no doubt about
its position at the next election. Those know
nothings who stand on the northern side are
incompetent 10 form party themselves,-a
fact which shows the very little influence of
their dark order in the northern States. This
fraction is entirely unable to corrupt the char
scter of the Republican party. The proceed
ings Of the convention Of the republican par
ty at Pittsburgh shows this clearly. If we
consider these proceedings from basis ofgen-
eral principles, or from historical basis, we
must find it clearly understood, that the sla-
very question was taking the only test by set
ting aside all other isms and measures. This
is the only prominent question at present, and,
in regard to it, the politics Of our Congress
ought to be changed. Our other political
questions are subject to this great issue.--
Only in regard to it the United States are to
be divided into two great parties, and the
Presidential election is of the highest impor-
tance. II is not only question of the south
ern States-not only a question Of the poll.
tics Of America-but it is question invol-
Al. r. L. ,1x,1o
man race and human culture generally. The
determination with which the slavery ques-
tion is now looked at by the republican party,
gives proof for the re-awakening of this true
republican spirit, and of the former revolu-
.;onary politics, and as soon az this principal
question has been decide, rtvgrcss IN regard
TO ell other political questions will follow.
Some of our German papers, having al
why's devoted themselves to republican prnci-
pies, seem to be something suspicious and an
CRY, that the last republican convention at
Pittsburgh did not adopt any resolutions a.
gainst know nothingism. That such resolu-
tions would have been more satisfactory for
adopted citizens, especially for US Germans,
is easily understood. But On independent
examination of the present condition of po-
| litical affairs in this country will show imme-
diately, that it is not only expedient but
necessary to go at the next election only for
one principle in order to unite all anti-slavery
men on one platform. For several years we
have been endeavoring to show that the slav-
cry question is the centre of all politics Of the
| Union-how can we become dissatisfied now,
when the. politics of the future and next ma
tional election, especially only depend upon
| this question There is indeed reason for it.
The only modification of the republican plat
form, which we could think proper, would
be the Affirmative, the positive form instead
Of the negative; instead Of speaking about
resistance against slavery we would prefer
tho issue of proclamation Of human rights
and an affirmation of Jefferson's Bill of Rights.
But we do not forget, that the origin of the
republican party is only consequence of the
proceedings of the proslavery party-the de-
mocracy Without the treachery and tho
encroachment of this bogus democracy no re-
publican party, 10 anti-slavery party would
exist. The republican party is loud and
open protest against the Introduction Of slave
~ in the western Territories, and against ex-
tension of slavery in general. In accordance
to this negative manner Of its origin, the re-
publican party wrote on its banner only said
protest as general countersign for all men
protesting against the extension Of slavery.
If we compare the present condition of pub
lie affairs with that four years ago, we find
an immense progress and we have full rea-
son to be satisfied with the public opinion as
it regards the principal question now before
tie country.
Four year ago, both the great parties had
agreed not to agitate the slavery question
and the free soldiers at that time were of SO
little influence that they could hardly be styl-
ed party. The number Of votes for their
candidate, Hale, was trhing. But now we
observe great change, an immense progress
in political affairs. The republican party
standing in the main point on the same plat
form and following the same principles as the
free soil party, is organized in all the north
ern States, is supported by great majority
of men Of intelligence, occupying the ad-
ministration and legislative majority as well
in several States as in the House of Congress
and having good prospect in electing the
next president. A progress indeed for which
we are under great obligation to Douglas and
his partsans.
We have reason to hope that the develope-
ments of this Republican party will progress
steadily and rapidly. Not all tho republican
partisans represent the purity and integrity of
principles, which we would wish to see, ego
tism, nativcism, spiritualisn, temperance ia
naticisms are found as well as amongst the re-
publican party as amongst all other political
parties of this great country; but as these
isms do not occupy any plank Of the platform
there is no doubt, that this great majority of
the republicans follow the right way, goes
for the right principle aud stands on the very
point of American politics. To us Germans
and to naturalized citizens generally, the
principles Of the republican party are moro
familiar and convenient than those Of any
other party, and being more nation Of ideas
and theories, VIC cannot but stand on the re-
publican side although we may consider not
all and everything in this party and not all
partisans Of it absolutely good right. On the
II. A. e al. r.. Al.