The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1859-08-04

onloh VI the Opp0SltlOhs.fsl II necessary,
The New York 1ri6ame-the first
paper that preached the subject, we
believe, has again opened the discus
sion of union with the opposition in
1860. That paper, through the Hon.
Schuyler Colfax, of Ind, who occupies
its columns for the purpose, contends
that success in 1860 is duty which
the Republican party owes to the
country and itself. This sentiment we
are certain will meet with hearty re-
Spouse in the breast of every lover of
freedom. The only difference seems
to be, how is this end to be attained.
Mr.. Colfax says that in order to pro-
mote that success union must be had
of all the elements of opposition to the
dominant party in the Federal Govern
ment, but he does not say what is re-
quired of the Republican party to in
sure the union apparently so much de-
sired. 1t has been quite sufficiently
demonstrated that those who are hos
tile to the present intensely sectional
and Pro-Slavery attitude of the "dem-
ocratic " party, ought to unite to over
throw it; and we suppose the plan to
accomplish this very desirable object,
must be this, though the writer does
not say in so many words: "Amer-
leans +" must be courted and won by
the promise that, in the event of sue
cess, they shall receive some sort of
recognition of their peculiar principles,
or be represented on the ticket by the
first or second office.
If this is what is wanted it may be
we'll to examine for a moment, and see
if their claims are well founded. What
have they done that the Republican
party should make such concessions in
their favor. They have eyer held
themselves aloof from us, although pro-
Tossing to agree with us fundamentally,
merely because there is not engrafted
into the Republican platform Know
Nothing plank, which fact, we think
would appear to involve an inconsis-
tency.
The grounds of the Republican par
ty in this contest are well defined in
the Republican platform. Non-inter-
ference with slavery in the States,
wherever by State laws slavery exists,
but more incorporating opposition
to its further extension in the Terrific
ries of the United States, is the distinc-
tive feature of this party.
The great issue before the people in
1860 is that which has for years been
so niue h dreaded by the earnest pat
riots and able statesmen of our nation.
The Slavery issue has been urged
upon us by the rapacity of its own de-
voted tools and for the first time since
the founding of the government, the
people of the North propose to meet
it fairly and friendly, to prescribe its
bounds and limit its faulty spirit.
/ Now, if they believe Slavery to be
the great evil many of them say they
do, which ovcrshadows everything
palsies every interest, debauches pub
lie sentiment, and destroys our charac
} ter at home and abroad, is it needfu
: that we humbly PROSTATE ourselves be
, fore them, and in piteous tones beg O
them to assist us in its overthrow
The position which they occupy, pro
Tossing to hate oppression, would seen
to dictate an immediate adhesion tt
the Republican party, not only as ,
duty growing out of their belief, bu
, from the numbers and strength which
that party commands, it must presen
the best means to accomplish thei
object. The Republican party believe
as they do on the subject of Slavery
why, then, can they not work together
: and vote together, for common objec
occupying, as they appear to do, com
mon ground? 5000, -
But this is not the point. Somethin.
is asked of the Republican part,
: which cannot be granted, without
surrender of principle partial, if no
: entire. Unjust abandon Slavery agita
e ton; it must incorporate into cree,
: some other principle besides hostilit
:. to Slavery extension, and make tina
4 the primary one, in order to secure tn
cooperation of those who harp abou
the Union. 1t must carry out this pc
!. icy in its nominations. 1t must see
to elevate what are falsely and foolish
G lily called national men-men who's
. policy, if elected, shall be to recogniz
5 Freedom and Slavery as allies; VIII
e will strive to reconcile essentially al
tagonistic principles-men who wi
lend their official influence to put dow
. agitation. as though AGITATION were