The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-07-21
THE NATION ERA.
G.. BAILEY, Editor and Proprietor.
d. K. GooDLoE, assistant Editor.
j. G. WHITTIER, Corresponding Editor.
WASHINGTOM. D. c.
Vol. XIII. January, 1859.

Vol. XIII. January, 1859.
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
hiblted in this District, the Era was commenced
for the purpose of asserting anu defending the
Rights OF Discussion, and of giving fair ex
preston TO Anti-Slavery Sentiments In the
House of Representatives, John Quincy Adams
and Joshua r. Giddings alone gave it moral
support; in the Senate, il found not a single
well wisher; while outside of Congress II stood
here, solitary and unsuStained, under ban and
menace. A conflict followed, in which an excited
populace undertook to suppress it by violence,
but il 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 distinguished
members OF the Senate, elected 10 carry out the
Principles il was instituted to advocate, and
the House almost controlled by Representatives,
with whom 1t can consistently and heartily act
as a CO worker
While the cause II has advocated has ad-
vanced so rapidly, am constrained 10 say that
The Era, since the advent Of the Republican
Party, has suffered somewhat in its circulation.
influential newspapers, once in opposition,
but now united in the same movement, and an
extensive Local Press, upholding kindred sen
timents, naturally engross a large portion of
Republican patronage.
This was TO be expected, but sill | 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 il has been
identified with the Anti Slavery movement.
and especially represents the Anti Slavery
element of the Republican Party Although
independent of mere Party organization, II was
the hrst paper to advocate a general union of
the Opponents OF the Kansas Nebraska A CT in
1884, IN a Party ol Freedom; took leading
part IN the formation of the Republican Party
and, while holding Itself al liberty to blame
what II considered blameworthy, has uniformly
indicated 1t as true to It's Principles. ID has
never been burden to its friends, never solicit
ed, nor al any time would have been willing 10
receive any kind OF official 90 con ereSsional pa
trOnage, has always been seii-su>,9 inIng. From
its friends, then, IL asks Il subscription that
shall enable II TO retain position gained by so
much effort, and to continue to WELD ap innu-
ence which, trust, has not been exerled for
evil.
The coming year will be a critical one for
the Republican cause. Strong efforts will be
made TO demcralIZe 1t, and accommodate il TO
the views Of those, who, unwilling TO support
the Administration, do not yet appreciate III.
true nature or objects Of our movement. SQUAT
ter Sovereignty, Know NOthingism, Conscrva
tlsm. National Whiggery, are all working to-
gether Tor the conSIi uctlon ol platform. from
which shall be excluded the Anu Slavery idea
that very element which gave birth and gives
vitality 10 the Republican Party. Can the Era
be dispensed with al such per'u2
Able contributors have s,,en secured to our
columns and W;in pleasure we announce that
we haze engaged as Assistant Editor, p.nIel
X. GOoDLoE, of North Carolina. one of the
| ableSt writers IN the a0unuy on the Question
of Slavery
The Literary Department of the paper will
be carefully attended to, The two Stories now
IN course. ut publication, " Herman" and
J9speT," will furnish Il rich entertainment to
our readers, for several months to come.
The Era presents weekly IA Summary OF
General News and Political Intelligence. keeps
careful record of the proceedings OF Congress.
and Is the repository of large norton OF The
most interesting speeches delivered in that body
q. BAILEY.
Ht.sar.gtoa, ID. C., Non. | 1865.