Smyrna times., 1867-05-22
MISC ELL AN EO U S.
To THE Republicans of the Union.

| The National Union Committee appeals to !
| the Republicans Of every State, for their assis
tance and cooperation i'll this auspiclOus crisis
of our country.
We deem it of the highest importance that
the Republicans of each State should immed
ately reorganize for the remaining election of
1867, preparatory to the coming contest
Especially should this organization be imme
diatey effected in those States which have |
never before recognized as 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 a pub
lie 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 dis
tributiOn of documents, enforcing the princi-
: pies, policy and aims of the Republican party.
We would CALL in every locality where tits pos
sible, meetings for discussion, where those who
are with us in principle may learn to act with
unity and energy These measures are requir-
ed to bring out the vote of that large body of
Republican Unonists who now render the
Southern States a battlefield of principle. 1t
the pressing need of the hour that bold, iu-
idiciOus and able men, thoroughly imbued with
our cT6cu, SllOulu JnGTc cA pltll Out pIllClplcS1
establish our faithfulness to them, and prove
J that National greatness and human freedom
depend upon the permanent triumph OF our
cause.
Beyond this, it is most essential that we
should now establish i'll those States, Free
Thought, Free Speech and a Free Press
!, Every part of this Republic must be open to
the discussion of principle and measure. This
t must be sustained, as cardinal point III our
creed, at any and every hazard. Efforts to in
timidate the humble and ignorant voter on the
part of the Southern planter, must be met with
the spirit of freemen, 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 and character, though It's
purposes end its means of affecting them were
such as the fathers Of the Republic approved.
1t was accused Of being governed by selfish mo-
tiveS, and OF desiring to aggrandize the North
at the expense Of the South. Its adversaries,
e having the power to silence and to crush al
opposition, denied all discussion, and Overaw-
= ed even freedom of thought in fifteen States
J, of the Union. 1t is, therefore, now an impera
w tive duty, which we owe to our party and tC
ourselves, to embrace the first opportunity o
truly representing to those States how consist
nd emily we have contonded for the interests, vel
IT. fare and freedom of the whole Union.
IN The overthrow Of Slavery and the Rebellion
o and the enfranchisement of the freedmen
rendering this overthrow secure and final
have happily vindicated our course and organi
zatIon; but 1t is necessary to stamp the con
yictiOn of our loyalty and fidelity to the right
nd irrespective OF section race, upon the recon
les structed States For the first time in many
rd years, the enthusiastic followers of our fal
m and confessors of our faith are there taking
or part in the popular gatherings, and in many
-. of the Southern States, we have reason t
believe that they form a decided majority
800 They are, however, without organization, ant
lack the cohesion and discipline necessary tt
success. Threefourths of the Republican
have never voted, and have no practica
knowledge of the means whereby the popula
will is expressed. With many of them, tn
lc- habit is fixed Of rendering implicit obedienc
to able and deXterous politicians who are i'm
placably hostile to our principles and deter
mined on the prostratiOn of our cause.
Of Our immediate actionis therefore imperative
ire We cannot delay without imperiling all fo
which so much has been sacrificed in the past
Confident in our strength i'll the North, tn
West. and the Pacific States, we must nc
m Il forget that we have great duty to perforl
toward the loyal and true men OF the South.
. REPUBLICANS! our appeal Is to you,
red carry ON and sustain the work which fe
'm. loyal and true men have so nObly begun.
sg cannot ask speakers, in addition togiving the
as, Ss time and talents for months to this labor,
Gr s;rs defray their own necessary expenses We ca
am ,an. not print and distribute documents OF Il
character required without heavy outla
rm We have no means or reliance except upc
ZACH holds the claims ef Uumon;ty and Ereedo
. above all price. The patronage of the Go
= ernment brought into power by the statesma
a. ship, the courage, and the loyalty of tn
~ party, viii not aid US in this good work.
Id d, We must the appeal directly and personal
aH to you. 1t you are rich, give generously.
Il. poor, send us whatever yon can afford T
- - generous purpose and the noble aim sancti
the humblest, efforts. At all events, /
- promptly, and let us feel that the sympathy
r the Republican party is with US in our purDC
= Of making this great land the home Of n
- Republican principles, where distinctions