Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-06-08
DocIarIng for Freedom.

B. P. Smith, Esq, who has for many
years been a resident Of Bellevue, and who
has always acted with the Democratic par
ty, has lately avowed his intention to take
his stand in the ranks Of Republicanism,- -
Below will be found letter written by Mr.
Smith TO the editor of tho Norwalk Re
fector, which clearly and distinctly declares
his course for the future. There are thous-
ands Of others who, like Mr.. s., will sever
their allegiance to the party which is striv-
ing to bolster up and spread the curse Of
slavery throughout all the territories of the
Union, and vote for good and true men,
who believe that freedom to all men is self
evident, and should be the principle Of our
government,
EDITOR OF REFLEoToR.--Sir; find in
the editorial columns Of the Reflector of
the goth inst, tho following article, viz:-
ave understand that B. p. Smith, ESQ.,, Of
Bellevue, in this county, heretofore prom
inent democrat, has determined to give his
support to Lincoln and Hamlin." Onwhat
authority you made this statement, / am
not advised; bit of its truth there can be
no doubt; yet it would have been more
agreeable to me if the article had not been
pubished-not that wish to conceal my
political position, but it calls upon me to
either admit or deny its truth, and if ad-
mitted, it might be expected by some that
should give through the Reflector a reas-
on for the faith that is within me. To do
this fully would require more space in your
paper than I could reasonably ask. There
fore permit me to state in a brief manner
few propositions which believe are true
and so believing must necessarily occupy
the position now do in politics.
The normal condition of all mankind is
one of freedom-slavery is creature of
the law, it cannot exist without law; it is
morally wrong; but may be legally right
in the sense that "might makes right
that with slavery in sovereign States, Of
which we are not citizens, VIC have nothing
to do except as moralists; that it is unsafe
and unwise in any party to allow the Su-
preme Court of the United States, or any
other Court to dictate to it political creed,
or for any party to stand sponsors for the
correctness of any judicial decision or opin-
ion; that the present Democratic party is
perversely pro-slavery in its proclivities {;
that the great majority of the leaders of
that party consider fealty duo as much to
the opinions, as decisions in the Dred Scott
case; that the present Administration is
extravagant, corrupt and sectional; that the
well-being Of the people of the United
States requires change in the Administra-
ton, in order TO effect some important
changes in the domestic policy of our fed
eral government.
These propositions or assertions believe
are true, and shall at all suitable times and
places be ready to give the reasons on
which that belief is founded.
Further-I have examined with care the
Chicago Platform, and so far as the ques-
ton of slavery is concerned, it approxmates
to the position taken by the Democratic
party in Ohio but few years since, and to
which can take but few, if any exceptions.
The balance of that platform can be ex-
ceptionable only TO him aOho is determined
MOTTO be pleased Nth 1t.
Further-a|l or nearly all the old politi-
cal issues have become obsolete, and the is
sue now is, whether slavery shall CURSE OUR
FREE TERRITORIES by virtue of judicial or
any other legislation; that is stating the
question in its mildest form, from anything
/ can gather from the proceedings of the
the Democratic Convention held at Charles
ton, and the Chicago Platform.
And finally, Mr.. Editor, it has, and ever
shall be my intention to cast my humble
influence in that scale where my convictions
of what is right, shall dictate; if I err, it
shall be for want of information or correct
perceptions. Truly yours, B. P. SMITH.
bellevue, May 20, 1860.