The Placer herald., 1858-12-11
Democratic Committee for Placer County
Republican Programme for 1860.

CeUdIOI ScWdtu, tuc dChuONlSuSeO
Of the Republican party, in speech at Ro-
chester, in the late canvass in New York
laid down what may be taken as the pro-
gramme for the Republican party for the
campaign of 1860. The Senator's theme
was slavery, first and last. No other ques-
ton of national interest engaged his atten
ton. 1t was the only hobby mounted by
him, and right clearly has he enuncated his
views; and they will doubtless be received
by his party as the true basis for their future
platform.
Senator Seward brings his party back to
the doctrine they were apparently about de-
serting, "ihat Congress possessed the power
to prohibit the extension Of slavery into the
Territories" but goes further, and declares
that this Union must be either composed of
all free or all slave States,-thus plainly
conveying the idea that extension of slavery
must not only be prevented but that a cru
sade is to be made against the system in the
States wherein it exists. True he expected
this general abolition Of slavery to be
brought about by the several States cooper
s.ng with the General Government but at
the same time he was well aware that any
such attempt must result in irritating the
States Of the South to an alarming degree,
and soon lead 10 that disnemberment Of
the Union that has more than once been
imminent. The people Of the South cannot
tolerate for moment, the interference that
Mr. Stewards doctrines point to, and we
cannot believe that the people of The North
are willing to engage in warfare against
Southern institutions, that must inevitably
drive that people from confederacy where
State rights are not held sacred.
1t my be urged that Mr. Seward is ultra
in his anti-slaverv sentiments, and that the
Republican party should not be held account
able for the proclamation of doctrines 50 full
Of disturbance to the harmony and peace Of
the country. But it must be borne in mind
that Seward is the founder Of the Republi-
can party-he laid the cornerstone and has
superintenled the building Of the structure.
He has been looked upon as the head and
frort, and expounder, and defender of its
principles; as the law giyer Of all the claus.
lie is vigilant bold, aggressive, cnd in
taking step in advance of his party it is
but to lead and order the attack. In giving
utterance to his views, he las unmasked the
real intent Of his party. The hour was only
wanting when political success would seem
to insure their strength, to proclaim to the
world the ultimate reach Of their doctrines.
Already has this utimatum received in
dorsement among prominent Republicans,
among whom we notice Amos P. Granger,
Congressman of New York, who in an
electioneering letter to his constituents says
of slavery:
The Constitution ignores it, tor5ids it,
REpUDIArEs it, CONDEMNS it and absolute
ly and positively PROHIBITS it everywhere.
III every State and Territory in this Union.
That position maintained on tie floor Of
Congress and it has never been refated and
never can be, and it is high time the Repub
lcan Party took that strong position. 1t is
a position the strongest, and safest. and easi-
est to maintain, because it is the truth"
And further, that slavery has the same right
in Vermont as it has in Georgia, and that is
exactly no right at ALL" From this it will
be seen Mr. Seward has not reckoned with
out his host. He was confident of their sup
port, and the majority Of his party will
probably 60 with him. But many will be
startled by the aggressiveness Of his doctrines
and draw back from the support of a party
that is heedlessly driving these States tc
the brink of dissolution.
The latent spark of conservatism still pos
sessed by many, will be famed into pa
triotic flame by the attempt to crush on
State rights, and true mem will rally to sus
tain the only equ liable doctrine for the set
tlement of this much agitated question o
slavery-non- Intervention
To non-intervention the Democratic partl
is committed. Upon this platform victor,
has perched upon their banners in one Presi
dental contest, and in the battle din Of go
the conquerors will again have that mott'
inscribed upon their flag. 1t is only by
faithful adherence to this doctrine that tn
peace of the country can be insured, anC
State rights be maintained without sacrtic
of dignity and honor on the part of tn
Commonwealth of the confederacy.
~ The Sonora Herald speaks in term
of bitter condemnation of the act of tn
people Of Columbia in hanging the murdere