The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-10-20
The NATIONAL ERA.
G.. BAIL Ely, Editor and Proprietorl
d. r. GooDLoE, Assistant Editor.
j. G.. WHITTIER, CORRESPONDING Editor


The National Era is about to enter upon Its
Thirteenth volume.
Twelve years ago, when the Discussion of
the Question of Slavery was practically pro-
hIbIted IN this District, the Era was commenced
tor the purpose OF asserting and defending the
Rights OF Discussion, and of giving fair ex-
preston to Anti Slavery Sentiments. In the
House OF Representatives, j ohn q ulncy Adams
and Joshua X. GIddngs alone gave il moral
support; IN the Senate, it found not a single
well wisher; while outside of Congress il STOOD
here, solitary and unSuslained, under bah and
menace. A conflict followed, in which an excited
populace undertook TO suppress it by violence,
but 1t resisted the storm, maintained Its posi-
ton, and from that hour the Liberty Of the
Press was established In the District of Co
lumbia.
Twelve years have passed, and to-day, the
Era finds twenty along the most disting ulshed
members OF the Senate, elected TO carry out tha
Principles il was instituted to advocate, and
the House almost controlled by Representatives,
with whom II can consistently and heartily act
as a co-worker. "
While the cause it has advocated has ad-
vanced so rapidly, am constrained to say that
the Era, since the advent OF the Republican
Party, has suffered somewhat in its circulation.
Influential newspapers, once in opposition,
extensive Local Press, upholding kindred SEN
timents, naturally engross a large portion of
Republican patronage.
This was TO be expected, but still think
there are good reasons why the Era should
continue to be sustained. Ii was the first Press
to raise the standard of Freedom In the Capital
of the Republic. For twelve years it has been
identified with the Anti-Slavsry movement,
and especially represents the Anu-Slavery
element of the Republican Party. Although
independent OF mere Party organization, il was
the first paper TO advocate a general union OF
the Opponents of the Kausas-Nebraska A CT in
1854, in Party of Freedom; took a leading
part In the formation of the Republican Parry,
and, while holding itself at liberty to blame
what it considered blamsworthy, has uniformly
indicated it as true to its Principles. 1t has
never been burden to It's friends, never solicit
ed, nor at any time would have been willing 70
receive any kind of official or congressional pa
tronage, has always been self-sustaning. From
its friends, then, IL asks subscription that
shall enable it to retain position gained by so
much effort, and 10 continue to WELD an inhu-
ence which, trust, has not been exerted for
evil.
The coming year will be a critical one for
the Republican cause. Strong efforts will be
made to dsmeraliZe 1t, and accommodate il to
the views or those, who, unwilling TO support
the Administration, do not vet appreciate the
true nature or objects of our movement. Squat
ter Sovereignty, Know Nothingism, Conserve
tism, National Whiggery, are all working To-
gether for the construction OF platform, from
whichsh be excluded the Anti-Slavery Idea
that very element which gave birth and gives
vitality to the Republican Party. Can the Era
be dispensed with at such period2
Able contributors have been secured to our
columns; and with pleasure we announce that
we have engaged as Assistant Editor, DANIEL
r. GooDLoE, of North Carolina, one of the
abest writers in the country on the Question
of Slavery.
The Literary Department of the paper viii
be carefully attended to. The two Stories now
in course of publication, +" Herman" and
Jasper" will furnish rich entertainment to
our readers, for several months to come.
The Era presents weekly Summary OF
General News and Political Intelligence, keeps
careful record of the proceedings Of Congress,
and is the repository of large portion ef-the
most interesting speeches delivered in that bod.
G.. BAILEY.
Washinpton d. C. Mr., I 1893