Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-05-23
To the Republicans of the Union,

The National Union Committee APP
peals 10 the Republicans OF every State
for their assistance and cooperation In |
this auspicious crisis OF our country.
We deem 1t OF the highest Importance
that the Republicans OF each State |
should Immediately reorganize for the
remaining elections Of 1867, preparatory |
to the coming Presidential contest Es'
pecially should this organization be i'm
mediately effected In those States which
have never before recognized as the only
last basis OF government the equal and
inalienable rights OF man. Not day
should be lost In forming and strength
ening within those States q public SEN
timent In consonance with the princi-
pies 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
II is possible, meetings for discussion
where those who are with US in princi-
pie may learn TO act with unity and
energy. These measures are required to
bring out the vote OF that large body OF
Republican Unionists who now render
the Southern States a 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, es-
tablish our faithfulness to them, and
prove that national greatness and human
freedom depend upon the permanent trl-
umph 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 a cardinal point in our
creed, at any and every hazard. Efforts
to intimidate 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 times past, the Republican party
has struggled against the unjust re-
proach of being sectional in its aims aud
character, tho its purposes and its
means of aeffecting them were such as
the fathers OF the Republic approved. 1t
was accused OF being governed by selfish
motives, and Of desiring to aggrandize
the North at the expense Of the South.
It's adversaries, having the power to
silence and to crush all oppositiOns, de-
MED all discussion, and Overawed even
freedom Of thought in fifteen States Of
the Union. 1t is therefore, now an i'm
perative duty, which VIC owe to onr par
ty and to ourselves, to embrace the first
opportunity Of truly representing to
those States how consistently we have
commended for the interests, welfare and
freedom of the whole Union.
The overthrow of slavery and the re-
bellion, and the enfranchisement Of the
| freedmen, rendering the overthrow Sc
cure and final, have happily vindicated
our course and organization; but it is
necessary to stamp the conviction Of our
| loyalty and fidelity to the right, irrespec-
| tive OF section or race, upon the recon
structed 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 reason to believe that
they form decided majority. They are
however, without organization, and lack
the cohesion and discipline necessary to
success. Three-fourths OF the Republi.
| h,t No
tical knowledge of the means whereby
the popular will is expressed. With
many of them the habit Is fixed, of ren.
derinQ implicit obedience to able and
dexterous politicians who are impla
cably hostile to our principles and de
termined on the prostration of oul
cause.
Our immediate action is therefore i'm
perative. We cannot delay without i'm
periling all for which so much has beer
sacrificed in the past. Confident in Oul
strength in the North, the West, and the
Pacific States, we must not forget thai
we have a great duty to perform towarC
the loyal and true men of the South.
REPUBLICANS Our appeal is to you
TO carry on and sustain the work which
few loyal and true men have so nobly
begun. We cannot ask speakers, in ad
dition to giving their time and talents
for months to this labor to defray theil
own necessary expenses. We cannot
print and distribute documents of thu
character required without heavy out
lay. We have no means or reliance ex
cept upon the generous spirit of thai
great party which holds the claims o
Humanity and Freedom above all price
The patronage OF the Government
brought into power by the statesman
ship, the courage, and the loyalty Of thai
party, will not aid US in this goot
work.
We must, therefore, appeal directly
and personally to you. If you are rich
give generously. If poor send US what
ever you can afford. The generous pur.
pose and the noble aim sanctify the
humblest efforts. At all events, act
promptly, and let US feel that the sym
pathy Of the Republican party is with
us In our purpose Of making this great
land the home of true Republican prin'