The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-09-01
7 HE NATL VAL ERA.
WASHINGTOM d. C.
G.. B Al L Ely, Editor and Proprietor
d. R. GoODLoE, assistant Editor.
j. G. WHITTIER, Corresponding Editor.
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 and 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 wlsher; while outside of Congress it stood
here, solitary and unsustained, under han and
menace. A conhictfollowed, 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 today, the
| Era hnds twenty among 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 cO-worker.
/ While the cause il has advocated has ad-
yanced 50 rapidly, am constrained 10 say that
the Era, since the advent OF the Republican
Party, has suffered somewhat in its circulation
but now united In the same movement, and an
extensive Local Press, upholding kindred SEN
hments, 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. 1t 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, it was
the inst paper to advocate a general union OF
the Opponents of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in
1854, in a Party Of Freedom; took leading
part In the formation of the Republican PARTY.
and, while holding itself at liberty 10 blame
what II considered blamewoTthy, has uniformly
INDICATED 1t as true to its Principles. 1t has
neFer been burden to its friends, never solicit
ed, nor at any time would have been willing to
receive, any kind of official or congressional pa
tronage, has always been sef-sustaining. From
its friends, then, it asks subscription that
shall enable il to retain position gained by so
much effort, and to continue to WELD an infiu-
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 demeralize it, and accommodate it 10
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 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
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 10
our readers, for several months TO come.
The Era presents weekly Summary OF
General News and Political Intelligence, keeps
a 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.
Washington, d. c., .N6v. l, 1858.