The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-09-08
The NATIONAL ERA
G. BAILEY, Editor and Proprietor
d. 4. GooDLoE, Assistant Editor.
j. G. WHITTIER, Corresponding Editor.
Vol. XIII. January, 1859.
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WASHINGTON, d. C..

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The National Era is about to enter upon rrs
Thirteenth volume.
Twelve years ago, when the Discussion of
inc 0uesuon OF Slavery was practically pro-
nioited In this District, the Era was commenced
LOT the purpose OF asserting and defending the
! hights oil Discussion, and of giving fair ex-
preston TO AntiSlavery Sentiments. In the
House OF Representatives, j Ohm Quincy Adams
and Joshua K. Giddings alone gave il moral
support; IN the Senate, ii found not a single
well WISher; while outside of Congress il stood
here, solitary and unsustained, under ban and
menace. A conhictfollowed, in which an excited
populace undertook to suppress il 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 hnds twenty along the most distinguished
members OF the Senate, elected to carry out the
Principles 1t 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 il has advocated has ad-
vanced so rapidly, am constrained to say thac
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
nments, 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-Slavery movement.
and especially represents the Anti-Slavery
element of the Republican Party. Although
independent of mere Party organization, il was
the first paper 10 advocate a general union or
the Opponents of the Kansas Nebraska a CT In
1854, In a Party of Freedom; took a leading
part in the formation of the Republican Party.
and, while holding itself at liberty to blame
what II considered blameworthy, has uniformly
indicated it as true to its Principles. Ii has
never been burden to its friends, never solicit
ed, nor al any time would have been willing to
receive, any kind of official or congressional pa
tronage, has always been self-sustaining. From
its friends, then, il asks a subscription thaC
shall enable it to retain position gained by so
much effort, and to continue to WELD an infu-
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 demSraliZe it, and accommodate it to-
the views Of those, who, unwilling to support
the Administration, do not yet appreciate the
true nature or objects of our movement. SQUAT
ter Sovereignty, Know Nothingism, Conserva-
tism, National Whiggery, are all working to-
gether for the construction OF platform, from
which shall 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 periodic
Able contributors have been secured to our
columns; and with pleasure we announce that
We have engaged as Assistant Editor, DANIEL
r. GoopLoE, of North Carolina, one Of the
ablest writers in the country on the Question
of Slavery.
The Literary Department of the paper will
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 tC come.
The Era presents weekly a Summary OF
General News and Political Intelligence, keeps
careful record of the proceedings Of Congress.
and is the repository of large portion OF the
most interesting speeches delivered in that body.
G.. BAILEY.
IVosb;arfov N n Mr. 1879