The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-07-14
THE NATION { R A .
WASHINGTON, d. e.
G. BAILEY, Editor and Proprietor
d. R. GoODLoE, Assistant Editor.
}. g. WHITTIER, Corresponding Editor.
Vol. XIII. January, 1859.

WI ALL Jduud1J1 4oCo'
The National Era is about to enter upon lis
Thirteenth volume.
Twelve years ago, when the Discussion of
the Question Of Slavery was practically pro-
hibited in this District, the Era was commenced
for the purpose of asserting and defending the
Rights Of Discussion, and OF giving fair ex-
preston to AntSlavery Sentiments In the
House of Representative, John Quincy Adams
and Joshua Il. Giddings alone gave il moral
support; in the Senate, it found not single
well wisher; while outside of Congress 1t 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-
tiOn, and from that hour the Liberty Of the
Press was established IN the District Of Co
lumbla.
Twelve years have passed, and TO day, the
Era finds twenty along the most distinguished
members vi the Senate, elected 10 carry out the
Principles 1t was instituted 10 advocate, and
the House almost controlled by Representatives,
with whom it can consistently and heartily ACT
as a co-worker.
While the cause II 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,
but now united in the same movement, and an
extensive Local Press, UNFOLDING kindred SEN
timents, naturally engross 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. IL 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. il was
the first paper to advocate a general union of
the Opponents of the Kansas Nebraska A CT in
1854, in Party OF Freedom; took leading
part in the formation of the Republican Party.
and, while holding itself at liberty to blame
what II considered blameworthy, has uniformly
indicated 1t as true to its Principles Ii has
never been burden TO its friends, never solicit
ed, nor at any time would have been willing 10
receive, any kind of official or congressional pa
tronage, has always been self-sustaining. From
Its friends, then, 1t asks a subscription that
shall enable II TO retain position gained by so
much effort, and to continue to WELD an inHu-
ence which, trust, has not been exerted for
evil.
The coming year will be a critical Gne for
the Republican cause. Strong efforts will he
made TO demerallze 1t, and accommodate il 10
the views of those, who, unwilling to supporI
the Administration, do not yet appreciate the
true nature or objects Of our movement. SQUAT
ter Sovereignty, Know Nothineism, Conserya-
usm. National Whiggery, are all working to
gether Tor the construction Of platform, from
whichshall be excluded The ANU Slavery Idea
that very elemeat which gave birth and gives
vitality to the Republican Party Can the Era
be dispensed with at such "a period?
Able contributors have been secured TO our
columns; and with pleasure we announce that
we have engaged as Assistant Editor, DANIyI
X. GooDLoE, 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, 50 Herman and
jasper" will furnish rich entertainment II,
our readers, for several mouths 70 come.
The Era presents weekly a Summary "a
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.
@. BAILEY.
II.uL N ~