The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-11-07
Present duty of Freemen.

Whatever the results of the late eectlon,
the immediate duty of Republicans admits
neither of doubt nor delay. We have under
taken to redeem our country from vital and
fearful apostacy to reanimate it with its
original spirit ard give decisive ascendancy to
the principles of liberty and justice over the
fell designs of oppression. And this can on
ly be done by tearing the people from estab-
lished and powerful relations to slavery. The
Nation can be redeemed only by redeemins
the individual. The immense cost of such a
work may be appalling, but there is no eS-
cape. We have chosen one form of govern
ment and must abide by its conditions.
The process must be long, but not longer
than our process Of apostacy, to which we
have all more or less contributed, many per-
sistently to the very last hour. The penalty
ought not to be cheaper. But the result is
sure if there is perseverance enough to hold
out. And when the work is done 1t will be
well done,-done as no imperial scepter could
do it done perhaps for a century, and done
not for this nation alone but for all mankind
to the end of time. Surely difficulties in
cause so sublime cannot but inspire a sterner
courage and higher enthusiasm. Truth
must be piled on and piled on to mems MINDS
and consciences till they yield to its powers.
And it is far more hopeful to do this when
no party object is present, than in the heat of
election contests.
We hope then that meetings will be held
in every school house, in every public hall,
in every precinct, and in every neighborhood.
Our fail and winter evenings are the very
best hours in the year for the purpose. The
subject should also be freely introduced into
every lyceum and debating society.
Besides, there ought to be number of
small tracts prepared, printed in large guam
titles, and distributed over the whole Terrific
ry. Books and papers cannot yet be SO gen.
orally abundant as to prevent nearly the
whole people from gladly and carefully read
ing such matter. The expense would be very
luC SoOu III tHCoS tuC
work has been done in older States, where
the cause is now so steady and strong, and
could they be carried out here till next April
slavery could not control single county
hereafter. 1t twould be far the cheapest meth
oil of doing the work.
Get up a meeting in your place, have VOL
unteer addresses by men on tho spot, or have
some others secured. There are speakers
enough among our intelligent population
Especially call out the young men, and let
them learn to speak for liberty. And let us
not forget to sustain we'll all our upright and
free local papers. They are our sheet anchor,
and will need all our encouragement.
In this new state the allies of slavery are
doomed to be routed utterly at an early day.
This is nearly as sure as natural law, and If
the people are now faithful it will stag ronted
forever. Are there not men enough in every
place with ready hands and hearts for an OBJ
jcct so noble, SO patriotic and so pious Let
them start at once in this matter, We offer
these suggestions for early consideration and
action. Not another week should be lost.