New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-09-10
POLITICAL
PLrMOUTH CHURCH TO MR. BEECHER'

urepare communication 20 the PASTOR SWUNG Io'N 0
feeling Of the Church in regard TO h le''er ana POSITION
The letter Of Mr. Beeoher 70 Capt duncan ieAu !e''eu!
N the Church and published elsewhere, while partially
,na,orv Of his course does not obviate the appropr
ne. Of the able address which had been prepared IN
accordance with the above action vtate its force
As 70 the sentiment Of Plymouth Church, which has
always stood without fear and without repToach IN tne
cause Of liberty and right publish this address, beIo"
TO 6t Rsr HENRY WARD BEEcHER Pastor Of Plymouth ChTe'
REVEREND SIR AND DEAR FRIEND: We, the undersigned
members Of Plymouth Church while We have always Vind
Gated freedom Of thought and liberty speech on al o0ca
Bons and all subjects feel called upon lest our silence shou
De construed acquescenoe 70 state that we have e
with deepest pain and regret the sentiments enumerated III
YOUR letter in reply invitation TO attend the CohVeho
about held Cleveland. Ohio as Chaplain 70 n'OAC
che Divine blessing upon the Convention OF the souos ~
sailors Of the United States who served during Tue o NoV'
sop aud who approve the restoration policy Of PRESIDENT
hpop and the principles announced By the recent National
Convention at Philadelphia
To Ms those sentiments obviously at variance with
m yoar former teachings and sgch wide departure rom Ae
doctrine Of equal nights all which you have hitherto SO
earnestly effectively laborcd to incaicae that "e are
unable to them into recognition Of the just rights OF
4he LOYAL citizens f the South and the rewards due to the
freedmen for the effective blows which they struck for our
country when peril and the Of human liberty wheu 1t
vas at stake.
Nor can we reconcile our feelings to the conclusion that
bring and happiness Southern society peace to
th Government speedy restoration Of the Union Of the
States We believe that in the exercise Of its constitutional
powers Congress has the right between oyas and trait
determine only who shall represent but also Th0
shall be represented in councils and therefore cannot
assent TO the proposition the action Of the late Congress
depotc its tendencies dangerous to the liberties Of
our country
We are apprebensiyO also that your alliance
will bring you into association with. and throw
The strength Of your influence and position in
favor Of the political doctrines which being main.
tanned and disseminated by those who have always been nm
Teal best Of the poor oppressed OF land
who have hitherto been permitted you at
times for the broadest sympathy aud encouragement aud
you their defender and the especial cham
pion Of their personal and political rights
Plymouth Church the world knows has heretofore
MED no doubtful position the great berae and
elevate the erslaved Instead Of adopting the question
eKpediency turning them for relief and proteo
the society OF their Oppressors she has shown that
shs felt 1t to be her daty not to remain inactive
or to counsel indifference. bu, earnestly TO strive
sabiue ochrsanlke and unjust preadoes to educate
public their favor and to hasten the day Of their
complete and final delverance.
We are anxious sha stand in the future.
she the past foremost among those struggling
Tor right and that all know and have to
doubt where she be foand and while thus desiring
PymoUta Church dissent from the views and
sentiments expressed your letter at the time
would take occasion that entertain
you the sneeret affection and regard pastor and
friend
May we yet be brought to think and act together
every other designed for the promotion and per
pstuaton Of human liberty the elevation Of the human mind
and the advancement OF Gods glory.
humby subscribe ourselves your aeoiionate friends
and t9loE laboTers in Plymouth Church.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM Mr. BEECHER.
THE REV. HENRY WARD BRECHER DEFINES HIS POSI-
TIoY-HTs DEFENSE or THE CLEVELAND IETTRR.
At Plymouth Church yesterday the pulpit was occupied
by the Rev Mr. Burton of Hartford Conn. After the
services were concluded Mr. Burton stated tina, letter
had been received from Mr. BecheT which would be read
by Capt Duncan O member OF the congregation.
Can't Duncan came forward and said that letter had
been forwarded 10 Inn by NJ Beecher with request
that if it was thought advisable udcious by his friends
it should be read. BE then read the following letter:
PEEKsKLL, Saturday. Aug. 6, 1856
Mr. DEAR FRIEND: am obliged 70 you for your letter
sory that 10y friends and congregation are greved
by my Cleveland letter
This feeling however has no inst grounds whatever
may be the seeming have not lef and do not propose
60 leave 10 be put out Of the Republican party. am
in sympathy With It's aims its great principles and ITS army
OF noble men. But took the liberty Of crtcising its
policy in single respect, and do what could secure
what believed and still believe to be better
am and from The inst have been, fully OF opinion that
the Amendment Ct the Constitution, proposed BY Con-
gross equalzing representation IN Northern and Southern
States intrnsicay just and reasonable and that it
should be sought by wholesome and persistent moral
agitation.
But from the present condition OF the public mind AMI
from the Presidents attitude deemed such change
b. practically impossible IN any near period by political
action. And plan Of reconstruction, based upon that,
seems like plan adiOurnlng TecOnstruc
tlJn for years least with all the liabilities OF mischief
which always 10 be expected IL the fluctuations OF
politics ~ free nation.
not the North that chiefly needs the restoration Of
Government its normal sphere and regular action.
Either the advantages OF Union faaciOus the
tinuOus exclusion of the South from II VIII breed disorder
make the future reunion difficult and especially
subject the freedman the worst conditions Of so
cieiv which can well exist No army 10 Government
and no earthly power compel the South to treat four
million men 5Hsf II the inhabitants whether rightly OF
wrongly regard these the cause or even the occa
sion OF their unhappness and Acknowledgement But no
army or Government or power Will DC required when
Southern society restored occupied and IrOspeng in
tie renewed Union. Then the negro Will DO felt 10 be
necessary Southern industry, and interest VIII join with
conscience and kindness Ia securing for him favorable
treatment from his felOw-citizens.
We that live al distance may think that the social re
construction involved IN the emancipation Of 4OOOOOO
slaves simple and 1t 10 discourse about IT.
But such change itself OF the most tremendous
which industry and society can be sujcctedi and
o. its favorable issue Is required every advantage possible
The longer therefore the South IS lett IN turmoil the
worse it will be for the negro. II there other
reason; il the white population were not fellOw-ct
Zeus If had Ot all kindness and regard FOR them and
all prde for the Union, part represented by the
the negro the would be- strong beyond my power Of
expression for early resumption OF Federal relations
with all the States. II this is 10 disregard the negro then
ell social and natural laws have been studied il vain
Neither am i johnson maj" IN any received
ing Of that term accept that part q the policy which
he favOrs; bnt with modification have never thought
that IL would be wise 10 bring back all the States IN
body and al once; any moro than u would be 70 keep
them all together One by one, In due succession,
under practical Judgment rather than by wholesale
iheorstic rule ] would have them readmiii,d I still
think middle course between the Presidents and that OF