Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-05-31
Address from the Nstional Union Com
mtitee.

! Address from the Nsiional Union COM
mtitee.
The National Union Committee has
issued the following address:
To the Republicans Of the Union
The National Union Committee appeals
to the Republicans Of every State for their
assistance and co operation in this auspi-
cious crisis of our country.
We deem it Of the highest importance
that the Republicans of each State should
Immediately reorganize for the remaining
elections Of 1867, preparatory to the com
ing Presidential contest. Especially should
this organization be Immediately effected
in those States which have never before
recognised as the only just basis of gov
ernment the equal and inaienabe rights
of man. Not day should be lost in
forming aud Strengthening within those
States a public sentiment in consonance
with the principles which underlie the
great political organization to which We
belong.
To this end, we desire to prosecute a
systematic and thorough canvass Of the
Southern States by the most efficient
speakers of both races. We would second
their efforts by distribution of documents,
enforcing the principles, policy and aims
Of the Republican party. We would call
IN every locality where it is possible, meet
ings for dis iscussicn, sw here those who are
with us in principle may learn to act with
unity aud energy. These measures are
required to bring out the vote of that large
body Of Republican Unionists who now
render tie Southern States battle field
of principle 1t is the pressing need of
The hour that -hold- jadieiaus- and ahle
men, thoroughly imbued with our creed,
should there explain our principles, estab
lish our fathlulness TO them, and prove
that national greatness and human free
dom depend upon the permanent triumph
OF our cause.
Beyond this, il is most essential that we
should now establish in those States free
thought, free speech and free press. Ey
cry part of this Republic must be open to
the discussion OF principles and measures.
This must be sustained, as cardinal
point in our creed, at any and every haz
ard. Efforts to intimidatc the humble aud
ignorant voter on the part Of the Southern
planter must be met with the spirit of
l,eemen, and the determination which
Just cause sanctions.
In time past the Republican party has
struggled against the unjust reproach Of
being sectional in its aims aud character,
though its purposes and its means Of effect
lug them were such as the fathers Of the
Republic approved. 1t was accused of
being governed by selfish motives aud Of
desiring to aggrandize the North at the
expense of the South. Its adversarics,
having the power to silence and TO crush all
opposition, denied oil discussion, and over
awcd even freedom Of thought in fifteen
States Of the Union. Ii Is, therefore, now
an imperative duty, which we owe to our
party aud to ourselves, to embrace the
frst opportunity Of truly representing to
those States how consistently we have con-
tended for the interests, welfare aud free.
doui of the whole Union.
Tho overthrow of slavery and the re.
bollion. aud the enffanchisemou Of the
freedmen rendering this overthrow secure
aud anal, have happily ,indcatcd our
course aud organization butitis neccssa.
ry 30 stamp the conviction OF our loyalty
aud Rdoliiy 10 the right irrespective OF
section or race, upon tho reconstructed
States For the first timo la many years
the enthusiastic followers Of our flag aud
i eoulessofs Of eur faith arc there taking
part In the popular gatherings, aud IN
many Of the Southern States We have req.
son 10 believe that they form decided
majority. They are, however. without
organixailon and lack tho cohesion aud
discipline necessary 20 success. Three
four,hs Of the Republicans have never yot.
cd, aud have no practical knowledge Of the
means whereby tho popular will Ia ex.
pressed. With many Of them the habit Il
liked Of rendering implicit obedience to
able aud dcxtrlous politicians, who are
impIacably hostile to our principles and
determined on the prosirullon OF our cause.
Our Immediate action Is, therefore, i'm
peratiyc. We cannot delay without i'm
perIling all for which so much has been
sacrificed In the past. CONFIDENT In our
strength In the North, tho West aud the
Pacific States, We must not forget that we
have great duty TO perform toward the
loyal aud true men OF The South.
Republicausl our appeal is to you, TO
carry on aud sustain the work which few
loyal and true men have begun. We
cannot ask speakers, In addition to giving
their time aud talents for months 10 this
labor, to defray their own necessary ex-
penses. We cannot print and distribute
documents Of the characrer required with
out heavy outlay. We have no means
or reliance except upon the generous spir.
il Of that great party which holds tho
claims Of humanity and freedom above all
price. The patronage Of the Government