Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-04-03
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The New York Isdepe~dsss, nom''
nal, ,, one Of the organs Of the Con-
grsgational church; bat really, the
mouthpiece Of the celebrated Abolition
divine, Henry Ward Beecher, has
again commenced TRADE against the
American Tract Society, and it, pub
fishing Committee, for refusing to
print Abolition Tracts.
The American Tract Society, during
the few years in which it has had an
existence, has done more, probably,
for the advancement Of the Christian
religion in this country, than any other
similar organization.
1t had its origin in q small society
of jealous christians in the city Of New
York, whopublishedtrscts At their own
expense. and distributed them among
those classes Of persons who by reason
Of their places or residence, or, their
own disinclination, neglected the COM
mon ordinances of religion. From this
small nucleus, an organization Of i'm
mcnse power and widely extended in
Auence, has grown. 1t has its colpor-
teurs in every destitute portions Of the
country and its publications-printed
in various languages-are found in ev-
cry land where the foot step Of Amer
lean enterprise had trod. 1t is sustain
ed by the united contributions Of oil
denominations of christians, and it
owes it present positions, as much to
the labors and contributions Of the
South, as Of the North.
That such an organization, could not
long exist, without attracting the atten.
ton and covetousncss of the Abolition
and Republican parties, is not remark
able. So long As it was small, its in
significance was its protection but no
sooner had it grown to power, than the
longing eyes Of the Abolitionists and
Republicans we're turned towards it,
and their greedy fingers itched for the
control of its purse strings.
Their object is, to gain the complete
control Of the society and to change it
from its present conservative ground !;
to exclude the South from the benefits
Of its publications /; to curtail instead
of increasing tie sphere of its infu-
ence; to scatter abolition tracts, broad
cast, throughout the country, and to
foster, and blow upon, the sparks Of
dissension in the Union, until they
shall grow into flame.
Their attempts, thus far have been
unsuccessful. At the annual meetings
of the society, for some years past, they
have made attempts to get the control
OF the publishing committee; but on
each occs-; On they have been foiled
by the conservatism and practical sense
Of the mem rs Of the organization.
At the next I" al meeting Of The So
ciety, they will make another united
effort, to this end. They will, how
ever, we trust, be again defeated. If
successful, the whole support, of the
South, and of all the conservative por-
ton Of the North, will be withdrawn
from the society, and the abolition ele-
ment will have full control. Abolition
prints will be found in every hotel, and
upon every railroad car; tracts will be
placed in the hands of the slaves at the
South, melting them to rebellion and
the Gospel Of the Saviour, as dissent
mated by the American Tract Society,
will become fruitful source of discord,
instead of being fountain of "peace
on earth, and good will towards men,"