Freeman's champion., 1858-09-02

of the Democratic party with respect
to slavery, | sincerely believed this
to be the position it occupied. Since
then | have been induced to direct
my attention more fully to the mat
ter, and have found out that for for
ty years the Federal Government has
been covertly, as we'll as sopenly, used
by the leaders Of the DePocratic par
ty, to advance and strengthen the in
stitution of slavery-that after the
annexation Of Texas, the party was
stepped in this iniquity--and that
since the repeal Of the Missouri Com
promise, it has become thoroughly
and irredeemably debauched. Its
doctrine now is that slavery exists
by virtue of the Constitution of the
United States Although long at
Tackled to the Democratic party, from
sentiment as well as conviction, with
this degrading record before me, re-
nounce all fellowship with it. AS
long as the slavery question in any of
it's phases, shall continue the matter
at issue between national parties, SO
long will L be compelled to be against
it. But as | am against the Demo-
cratic party, so am with the Repub-
lican party, because the latter, in the
matter of slaveryy occupies ground
directly the opposite of that main
tanned by the former. The Repub-
lican party stands where the original
Democracy stood, with Jefferson,
Madison, and the rest. 1t regards
slavery as belonging 10 the States in
which it exists, to be disposed of by
them as they see fit. 1t regards the
Federal Government as having moth
ing whatsoever to do with it. And
it aims 10 bring the nation back, on
this subject, to the old landmarks Of
the fathers. AS long as slavery is
the issue in national politics, you
may set me down for Republican.
But in saying that | am in favor OF
the formation Of the Republican par
ty in Kanzas at an early day, may
possibly be understood to be saying
something more than intend. In
forming the Republican party, [
would not be willing to cast away
the old Free State party organiza-
ton; it is a grand old machine, CO.
pable Of immense service yet in new
fields of usefulness in Kanzas. |
would rather turn the old Free State
party into the Republican party than
form any new party outright. 1t is
always better to work through exist
ing organizations, where they can be
adapted to the purpose, than to form
new ones. An operation of this kind
would be simply to give to the Free
State party a higher Development
making its objects national instead
of local and not changing it in any
very material respect Otherwise
This, think, would be highly con-
sonant with the feelings of our peo-
pie, who reverently cherish the hon
Ored remains of tho old party and
who, although sensible of the neces-
sity of preparing for higher response
bilities, and not reluctant to assume
them, are yet desirous that the trans
ition from the lower to the higher
stage Of action, may be made as
smooth as possible, This method Of
doing business would, moreover,
serve to checkmate certain evil'mind-
ed individuals, who are opposed to the
Republican party, and who mediate
u sacrilegiouS seizure Of the old Free
State organization, the moment the
Republican party is formed. These
audacious buccaneers would run away
with our noble old ship, turn her in
to piratical craft, and hoist false
colors. 1t would be great pity to
sec 30 vile adesccration, and it should
not bo allowed if we can help it.
In bringing about the proper change
in the Free State party to ensure
firm and invincible footing to the Ro
publican organization in Kanzas,
am of opinion that there is no need o
haste, The right time to begin il
when the political action Of the pco
pie in the Territory may be calcula
ted to affect national affairs. Unit
then, an organization Of tho Republi
can party would not DO necessary,
take 1t that the proper time will b
\ whenever we get into tho Union as
State, il we should got it under tn
Leavenworth Constitution. And,
: not, then whenever we may come I
elect n Convention to make anothe
State Constitution.
: In these remarks, however, ! d
, not\wish TO be understood as intend
, ing to discourage the formation Q
Republican clubs at this time, or q
: any other time, throughout tho TcI
A e.. IL