The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-08-04
THE NATION ERA.
WASHINGTON d. c.
G. BAILEY, Editor and Proprietor
D. r. GoODLoE, Assistant Editor.
j. G. WHITTIER, Corresponding Editor.
Vol. XIII. January, 1859.

Vol XIII. January, 1853.
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
hlblted 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, John Quincy Adams
and Joshua r. Giddings alone gave it moral
support; in the Senate, it found not a single
well wisher; while outside OF Congress it stood
here, solitary and unsustained, under ban anu
menace. A conflict followed, in which an excited
populace undertook to suppress it by violence,
but II resisted the storm, maintained It's posi-
tion, 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 it was instituted to advocate, and
the House almost controlled by Representative,
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 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, unfolding kindred sen
tlments, naturally engrosS a large portion OF
Republican patronage.
This was to be expected, but still I 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 hrst paper 10 advocate general union OF
the Opponents of the Kansas Nebraska Act in
1854, in Party of Freedom; took leadino,
part IN the formation OF the Republican PARTY.
and, while holding itself at liberty to blame
what 1t considered blameworthy, has uniformly
vlndcated ii as true to its Principles Ii has
never been burden to lis 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
It's friends, then, 1t asks a substitution thar
shall enable II TO retain position gained bv so
much effort, and to continue to WELD an infiO
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 demcralize il, and accommodate il 10
the views of those, who, unwilling to suppor
the Administration, do not yet appreciate the
true nature or objects of our movement. Squat
ter Sovereignty, Know Nothingism, Conserva
tsm, National Whiggery, are all working to
gether Tor 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 a period2
Able contributors have been secured to our
columns; and with pleasure we announce thar
we have engaged as Assistant Editor, DANIEL
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, " Hermann 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
careful record of the proceedings of Congress,
and Is the repository of large portion of the
most interesting speeches delivered IN that body.
@. BAILEY.