Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1867-05-24

Ad,igcss 9fae NoaioaaI Union Conmille

NEW York, May l6.
70 The Republicans Of the Union:
The National Union Committee appeals
to the Republicans of the country for their
assistance and co operation in this auspielous
crisis of our country,
We deem it Of the highest importance
that the Republicans of every State should
Immediately reorganiac for the remaining
elections 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 rights of man. Not day should be-
lost in forming and strengthening within
those States public sentimentin 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 fiecient speakers of both
races. We would second their efforts by
distribution of documents, enforcing the
printiples policy and aims Of the Republican
party. We would call in every locality
where it is possible, meetings Tor 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 the large body Of Republican
Unionists who now render the Southern
States battle field Of principles. 1t is the
pressing need Of the hour that bold judicious
and able men, thoroughly imbued with our
creed should there explain o1r principles, es-
tablish our faithfulness to them, and prove
that national greatness and human freedom
depend upon the permanent triumph OF our
cause.
T1.--l ~. q .; ,.,o~t ,-,o,,4;,I ttot rs1
should now establish in these 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 a cardinal point
in our creed, at all and every hazard. Ef
forts 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 lust cause sane
tions.
In times past the Republican party has
struggled against the unjust reproach of be-
ing sectional in its aims and character,
though its purpose and the means Of cfee
ting them we're such as the fathers of the
Republic approved. 1t was accused Of be.
ing governed by selfish motives, and of desir-
ing to aggrandize the North at the expense
Of the South. It's adversaries having the
power to silence and to crush all opposition,
denied all discussion, and overawed even
freedom of thought in fifteen States of the
Union. 1t is therefore, now an imperative
duty 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 contended for the interests
welfare, and freedom of the whole Union.
The overthrow Of slavery and the REBEL
ion and the enfranchisement of the freedmen
rendering this overthrow secure and final
has happily vindicated our course and or
ganization but il 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 reason to believe that they form deci-
ded majority They are however, without
organization, and lack the cohesion and dis
cipline necessary to success. Three fourths.
Of its members have never voted and have
no political 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 poll
ticiaus, who are implacably hostile to our
principles, and determined on the pr0stra-
ton ofour cause.
Our immediate action is therefore impera
tive We cannot delay without imperilling
all for which so much has been sacrificed in
the past. Confident in our strength in the
North and West, and Pacific States, we
must not forget that we have a great duty to
perform towards the loyal and true men Of
the South
Republicans our appeal is to you, to car
ry on and sustain the work which few loyal
and true men have so nobly begun. We
cannot ask speakers, in addition to giving
their time and talents for months to this
labor, to defray their own necessary expen-
ses. We cannot print and distribute docu-
ments of the character required without a
heavy outlay. We have no means Of reli-
ance except upon the generous spirit of that
great party which holds the claims of hu-
manity and freedom above all prize The
patronage Of the Government, brought into
power by the craftsmanship, the courage
and the loyalty Of that party viii not aid US
in this good work.
We must therefore appeal directly and
personally to you. Ifyou are rich give gen
erousy. If poor send to 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 sympathy Of the Republican party is
with us in our purpose of making this great
land the home of true Republican principles
where distinctions Of race and color are un-
known, and where Liberty, Virtue and In
telligence form the enduring basis of our
greatness and prosperity.
Address letters and contributions to Gov
Marcus L. Ward Chairman and Treasurer,
Newark, n. J.
MARCUS i. WARD, n j.
SAMUEL A. PURyIANCE, Pa
WILLIAM CLAFLIN, Mass
JOHN B. CLARK, n. Fl.
HORACE GREELEY, n. Y.
ii. ii. STARKwEATHER, Conn.