The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-05-20
WASHINGTON, D. c..
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1858.

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1858.
a6r"I believe am the only Subscriber in
nv tuEn, and want company in the enjoyment
which the Era is sure to bring to those who
read il. ! believe that with the single copy
have taken, have converted many to Repub-
hcanism."
So writes subscriber, sending rs small
addition to our list. Who viii do likewise We
must confess il is rather dull time with us just
now. Our agents are suffering subscriptions to
run out NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. A little attention
to the circulation of the Era is greatly needed.
Itis hard matter to stand the competition with
the One Dollar and with the Sensation Weeklies.
B6- In our columns viii be found an appeal
pot forth by the National Republican Associa-
ton of this city, for funds TO enable them to
make free distribution of documents In Con-
gressionsl districts now represented by Admin
istration or Pro-Slsvery Democrats. We hope
the appeal viii meet with prompt and liberal
response from the friends of the Republican
cause.
THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION.
This Association, which has its headquarters
in this city, had full and spirited meeting at
their rooms on Saturday night last.
was invited to address the Association; which
he did in an able and telling speech of about
an hours length.
He began by abiding to the fact that he was
born in slave State, and was the son of a
stakeholder but that during his boyhOod the
people of his native State began to perceive
that Slavery was against the rights of man, the
interests of society, and contrary TO the laws Of
God; and they took steps to free themselves
from its unboly and blighting effects. Almost
Immediately the State of New York rose from
the fourth or fifth rank, to the first, foremost,
and NOTES.-THE Empire State of this Union.
The able Senator then took q rapid view Of
the condition of society from our first knowledge
of its organization, which showed that Slavery
had always existed, and in almost every nation
of the earth, until within period of a few hun
dred years. Finally, a new order of civilization
began to dawn upon the world. Labor and the
lsborer began to be respected, as mankind be-
gan TO feel their dependence upon them for de-
fence, for support, and for the conveniences and
Injuries of life. Then free cities were estab-
hshed, and portions of the laboriDg class be-
came free and independent citizens.
Allusion was then made to the early Portu-
guese and Spanish discoveries and dominions
when they were so vast that the Pope of Rome
divided the world between them. But these
nations had no laborers. Chivslry was all they
could boast. In order to plant colonies in their
vast possessions, they must have lsborers. Then
it was that Portugal began the slave trade upon
the coast of Africa, and Spain endeavored to
enslAve the native tribes Of America. This
was not the civilization to establish or perpetu
ate nations, and these Powers began to crumble
away, until now they occupy little more than
their original limits.
A glowing tribute was then paid to the Ia
borer. Governor Seward dared to offend the
merchant, or the doctor of divinity, bat the
laboring man he dared not to offend. The ad-
dress WAS closed by congratulahng the Associa-
promise Of good. The Association finds cause
for selfgratulstion in the fact, that, under its
auspices, Gov. Seward made this his first politi-
cal speech in Washington.
The Association adopted the following a.
their platform Of principles:
Platform Of the National Republican Association
adopted Nay Is, 1858.
Por the purpose OF cooperating with all who
oppose the extension of Slavery ard the domi-
nation of the Slave Power, and who seek to ex
tend and perpetuate the blessings Of Liberty,
we have associated ourselves together, under
the title of the National Republican Associa-
ton, and adopt as the general basis of our
action the following principles
l. The Federal Government has no power
over the system of Slavery within the States :;
but within its own exclusive jurisdiction it has
the power, and ought to exert it, TO secure life
liberty, and the pursuit Of happiness, to ali
men.
2. There should be neither Slavery nor in
voluntary servitude, except for the punishment
Of crime, in any Of the Territories of the Uni
ted States
3. The people are the rightful source of all
political power; and all officers should, as far
as practicable, be chosen by direct vote of
the People.
4. Candidates for political Offices should be
men of undoubted integrity and sobriety, aud
pledged to support the principles of this Plat.
form by all lawful ard constitutional means.