The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-05-23
TO THE REPUBLICANS OF THE UNION.

The National Union Committee appeal:
to the Republicans of every State for theil
assistance and cooperation in this aupicioui
\ crisis of our country.
We deem it of the highest Importance tina,
the Republicans of each State should 1mme
diately reorganize for the remaining cleo
tions of 1867, preparatory to the coming
Presidential contest. Especially should this
organization be Immediately effected in those
States which have never before recognized
as the only just basis of government the
equal and inalienable rights of man. Not q
day should be lost in forming and streng
thening within those States public senti
ment in consonance with the principles
which underlie the great political organiza-
ton to which we belong
To this end, we desire to prosecute sys-
tematic and thorough canvass of the South
ern 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 Re-
publican party We would call, in every
locality where it is possible, meetings for
discussion where those who are with us in
principle may learn to act with unity and
energy These measures are required to
bring out the vote of that large body of Re-
| publican Unionists who now render the
Southern States battlefield of principle
It 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 faithfulness to them,
and prove that national greatness and hu-
man freedom depend upon upon the perma-
nent triumph of our cause.
Beyond this, it is most essential that we
should now establish in those States free
thought, free speech, and a free press. Every
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 hazard. Efforts
to intimidate the humble and ignorant vo-
ter on the part of the Southern planter
must be met with the spirit of freemen, and
the determination which Just cause sanct-
ions.
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 effect
ing them were such as the fathers of the Re
public approved. 1t was accused of being
governed by selfish motives, and of desiring
to aggrandize the North at the expense of
the South. Its adversaries, having the pow
er to silence and crush all opposition, de-
MED all discussion, and overawed even free
dom of thought in fifteen States of the In
ion. It is, therefore, now an imperative du-
ty, which we owe to our party and to our
selves, to embrace the first opportunity of
truly representing to those States how con-
siStently we have commended for the inter-
ests, welfare and freedom of the whole Tn
ion.
The overthrow of slavery and the rebellion,
and the enfranchisement of the freedmen,
rendering this overthrow secure and final,
have happily vindicated our course and or
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
our 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
jority. They are, however, without organiza-
tion and lack the cohesion and discipline |
necessary to success. Three-fourths of the |
Republicans have never voted, and have no |
practical knowledge of the means whereby |
the popular will is expressed With many |
of them the habit is fixed of rendering i'm
plicit obedience to able and dexterous pol
iticians who are implacably hostile to our
principles and determined on the prostration
of our cause.
Our immediate action is therefore impera-
tive. We cannot delay without imperiling
all for which so much has been sacrificed in
the past. Confident in our strength in the
North, the West, and the Pacific States, we
must not forget that we have great duty
to perform toward the loyal and true men of
the South.
Republicans, our appeal is to you, to carry
L.
and true men have so nobly begun. We
ask speakers, in addition to giving
their time and talent for months to this
labor, to defray their own necessary expenses.
We cannot print and distribute documents
OF the character required without heavy
outlay. We have no means or reliance eX-
cept 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
loyalty OF that party, will not aid us in this
good work.
We must, therefore, appeal directly and
personally to you. Ii you are rich, give gen
7rously. fpoor, send us whatever you can
afford. The generous purpose and the noble
aim sanctify the humblest efforts At all
events, act promptly, and let us feel that the
y VI eiiO 1eCpuuilCdu party Is WIFI |
is in our purpose of making this great land
he home of true Republican principles,
where distinctions of race and color are I'M
Known, and where liberty, virtue, and in
diligence form the enduring basis of our
greatness and prosperity.
Address letters and contributions to Gov
'rnor Marcus L. Ward, chairman and treas
lrer, Newark, N. J..
N. l.. WARD, N. J.
S. A. PURVIANCE, Pa.
VIM. CLAFLIN, Mass.
J. B. CLARKE, N. H.
H. GREELEY, N. Y.
81. 81. STARKWEATHER, Ct.
N. r. SMITHFRS, Del.
H. w. HOFFMAN, Md.
Executive Com. of the National Union
Jom.
New YORK, May 16, 1867.
* All the Republican journals are re-
luested to copy and to second this ap
zeal.
UNION CoUNTY.-We regret to learn that I
I Is probable that some of the farmers of ,