The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-01

1ncSc are not tue only lndlcatlOne tuoe move
produced dissatisfaction. The question OF the
admission Of Kansas is of great Importance,
but we should remember that it is temporary
question One which has arisen within year,
and may be disposed of within year; and one
which, if disposed of simply on its own merits,
without reference to the great principle of Sla-
very prohibition, will leave the country just
where it was after the adoption of the compro-
misses of 1850. Now, the tendency of the
policy of Cancellation, as it is called, 80 popular
among our politicians, is to resolve the Repub-
lican movement into a mere effort to admit
Kansas, and so intent are many of our friends
on this particular point of policy, that they
seem ready to forego any declaration of Prin-
ciple whatsoever; in fact, to leave the whole
policy of the compromise of 1850 undsturbed,
as the settled policy of the country. Look at
the columns of the Republican press, and you
would hardly know whether the doctrine of
Slavery-prohibition by Congress is entertained
by it or not. And so with expressions of opin-
ion by prominent men who have become asso
ciated with the Republican movement For
example, we have read several letters of Mr..
Banks, in reply to invitations to attend Repub-
lican meetings, but how studiously he omits the
slightest word suggestive of a conflict with
Slavery or the Slave Power The terms are
not used, while much is said about Cancellation,
union, power, &c. And let US not be thought
captious when we note with regret similar
omission in the letter of Col. Fremont, lately
hod .vt ba nd L., .,aI
by the New York Euening Post and the Tribune
That letter shows that the sympathies of the
writer are with his old friend, Governor Rob-
inson, and with the people of Kansas, in their
effort to establish free Government, but moth
ing more. 1t states no principle, lays down no
line of policy, defines in no respect Col. FIRE.
monts position in regard to the question of
Slavery. In fact that question is not named
in the letter.
We refer to these things, not wantonly, not
because we like to find fault, but for the pur-
pose Of suggesting to our friends that if they
would succeed in the coming contest, they
must recognise Slavery Domination as the real
Evil of the country, openly confront it, and
plant themselves on a comprehensive and
permanent Principle, not temporary Cues
ton. We do not wish them to multiply is
sues-to construct platform of multitudinous
planks-but we do ask them to AFFIRM as the
basis of their action, the Principle, disgrace
fully waived by the North in lS5O-the Prin-
cple of Slavery Prohibition by Congress in
all United States Territory. Let there be
no lodging, no evasion, no clamorous dec
lamation about Freedom in Kansas alone, no
clap-trap about Opposition to the Administra-
ton" Opposition to the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise" "the principles of Washington
and Jefferson" Washington and Jefferson
differed on many nciples--Jefferson prac
ticed on some principles we by no means adj
mire-we are opposed to the Administration,
chiefly, on account of its pro-slavery pol
icy-we were opposed to the repeal of the
Missouri Compromise, but that is fact accom-
plished---we are in favor of Freedom in Kan
sas-BUT no less anxious for Freedom in
Utah, New Mexico, and whatever Territory
may be hereafter acquired. For one, we
cannot be drawn into fight merely on tran
silent or incidental questions. Much we will
concede for the sake Of uniting the People
of the Free States in the coming Presiden-
tial contest, but we will not concede the
Principle of the sixth article of the Ordi-
nance of 1887, the original Policy of the Gov
eminent, the Wilmot Proviso, the Principle of
Slavery Prohibition by Congress. This was
the Principle in Controversy in lSi8-'5O-this
is the Principle in Controversy now. Let the
Convention at Philadelphia resolve
l. That Congress has the right to prohibit
Slavery in all Federal Territories, and ought
TO exercise it.
2. That Kansas is of right and in fact free,
and ought to be admitted at once as a free
State:
Then, nominate men for the Presidency and
Vice Presidency, who will be just as explicit
and emphatic in their declarations as these re-
solves are
And then, we can all work together heart
and hand. Let it dodge the great Principle,
in IFS resolves or nominees, and we see not
how any honest, clear-sighted man, who under
stands the real Evil of the country, and the
exigences of the crisis, can take any special
interest in the contest. Let the Principle, we
have indicated, be established and settled. as
the Fundamental Law of all Territory, and
Kansas is not only saved, but so are New
Mexico and Utah, and the rule of the Slave
Power is broken. Thenceforth, other reforms
would follow naturally, easily, benefcently.
without violence or dangerous dscord.