Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-05-22
To the Republicans of the Union.


the Republicans of every state, for their as
sistance and cooperation IN this suspicious
crisis of our country.
We deem it of the highest importance that
the Republicans of each state should imme-
diately reorganize for the remaining elections
of 1867, preparatory to the coming presiden-
tial contest Especially should this organ
ization be Immediately effected in those states
which have never before recognized the
only just basis of government the equal and
inalienable rights of man. Not day should
be lost in forming and strengthening within
those states 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 syste-
matte and thorough canvass of the southern
states, by the most efficient speakers of both
races. We would second their efforts by q
distribution of documents, enforcing the
principles, policy and aims of the Republican
party We would call, in every locality
where il is possible, meetings for discussion,
where those who with in principle
may learn to act with unity and energy.
These measures are required to bring out the
vote of that large body Of Republican Union
lists who now render the southern states Il
battle field of principle. 1t is the pressing
need of the hour that bold, judicious and
able men, thoroughly imbued with our creed,
should there explain our principles, establish
our faithfulncss to them, and prove that ma
tional greatness and human freedom depend
upon the permanent triumph of our cause.
Beyond this, it is most essential that we
should now establish in those states, Free
Thought. Free Speech and Free Press.
Every part of this republic must be open to
the discussion of principles and measures.
This must be sustained, as n cardinal point
IN creed, at any and every hazard Eff
forts to ntmidate the humble and ignnran.
voter on the part of the southern planter,
must be met with the spirit Of freemen, and
the determination which Just cause sane
lions.
In time past, the Republican party has
struggled against the unjust reproach of be
ing sectional in its aims and character, though
its purposes and its means of effecting them
were such as the fathers of the republic APP
proved 1t was accused of being governed
BY selfish motives, and of desiring to aggran-
die the North at the expense of the South.
Its adversaries, having the power to silence
and to crush all opposition, denied all dis
cussion, and overawed even freedom of
thought in fifteen states of the | mon. 1t is,
therefore, now an Imperative duty, which we
owe to our party and to ourselves, To embrace
the first opportunity of truly representing to
those states bow consistently we have con
tended for the interests, welfare and freedom
of the whole Union.
The overthrow of slavery and the rebellion
and the Acknowledgement of the freedmen,
rendering this overthrow secure and final,
have happily indicated our course and
ganization but it is necessary to stamp the
conviction of our loyalty and fidelity to the
right, irrespective of section or race, upon
the reconstructed states For the first time
in many years, the enthusiastic followers of
flag and confessors of our faith are there
taking part in the popular gatherings, and
in many of the southern states, we have rea-
son to believe that they form a decided ma
ioritv. They are. however. without organ
ization. and lack the cohesion and discipline
necessary to success. Thrce-fourths OF the
Republicans have never voted and have no
practical knowledge of the means whereby
the popular will * expressed. With many
of them. the habit Is fixed, of rendering i'm
plicit obedience to able and dcxtcrous poll
ticians who are implacably hostile to our
principles, and determined on the prostration
Of cause.
Our immediate action is therefore inpcra-
tive. We cannot delay without imperiling
all for which 50 much has been sacrificed in
the past. Confident in our strength in the
North, the W est. and the Pacific states we
must not forget that we have Il great duty t.
perform toward the loval and true men of the
South.
REPUBLICANS our appeal is u You to
carry on and sustain the work which few
loyal and true men have nohly begun.
W e cannot ask speakers. in addition 70 giving
their time and talents for months to this la
Dor. to defray their own necessary expenses
We cannot print and distribute documents
of the character required without a heavy
outlay. We have no means or reliance cx-
ccpt upon the generous spirit of that great
party which holds the claims of humanity
and freedom above all price. The patronage
of the Government brought into power by
the craftsmanship, the courage, and the low
atty of that party. will not aid IL in this
good work.
We must therefore appeal directly and
personally 10 YOU. Ii YOU are rich. give
generously. If poor, send whatever you
can afford. The generous purpose and the
noble ann sanctifv the humblcst efforts At
all events. act promptly. and let feel that
the sympathy of the Republican party i
with us in our purpose OF making this grand
land the home of true Republican principles
where distinctions of race and color are un-
known. and where liberty. virtue and intel
ligencc form the enduring basis of our great
ness and prosperity.
Address letters and contributions 10 GOV.
MARCUS l.. WARD. Chairman and Treasurer
Newark, n j.
MARCUS l.. " ARD. y. j
SAMUEL \. PrRvIANCE, Pa.
WILLIAM CLAFLIN, Mass.
joins b. CLARK, \. III.
HORACE GREELEY. \. Y.
II. III. STARKwKATHER. Conn.
y. Il. SMTHERS. Delaware.
II. W. HOFFMAN,. Maryland.
Elk. Com. of the National Mon Com.
New York, May Ii, 1867.