New-York tribune., 1867-05-17
TO TIE REPUBLICANS OF THE UNION

The National Union Committee appeals to the Ro-
pubcans of every State for their assistance and CO.
operaton in this auspicous crisis of our country.
We deem it of the highest Importance that the Re
publicans of each State should Immediately reorgan
ize for the remaining elections of 1861 preparatory
70 the coming Presidential contest Especially
should this organization be Immediately effected III
those States which have never before recognized as
the only Just basis of government the equal and IN
alienable rights of man. Not day should be lost in
forming and strengthening within those States
public sentiment in COnsonance with the principles
which underlic the great Political organization to
which we belong.
To this end we desire to prosecute a systematic
andshorough 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 tho Re
publican party. We would call, IN every locality
where 1t Is possible, meetings for discussion, where
those who with Us III principle may learn to act
with unity and energy These measures are required
to bring out the vote of that large body OF Republican
Uuouists who now render the Southern States a
battlefield of principle. 1t is the pressing need OF
the hour that bold judicous and able men, thor
oughly imbued with our creed should there explain
our principles, establish faithfuneSs TO them,
and prove that national greatness and human free
dom 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 bc sustained, cardinal point
in our creed al any and every hazard Efforts to
intmidac the humble and ignorant voter OH the part
OF the Southern planter. must be met with the spirit
OF freemcn and the determination which just cause
sanctions
In time past the Republican party has struggled
against the unjust rcproac of being sectional in ITS
aims and character. though its purposes and ITS
means of cicctng them were such as the fathers of
the Republic approved. il was accused Of being gov
crned By selfish motives aud of desiring to agTan-
die the North at the expense of the South Its ad
versares having the power to silence and to crush
! all opposition denied all discussion and Overawed
oven freedom of thought in fifteen States OF the Union
| Ii is, therefore. imperative duty. which We
owe to our party and to ourselves, to embrace the
/ first opportunity of truly representing to those
| States how consistently have cOntcndcd for the
interests. welfare and freedom Of the whole Union.
The overthrow of Slavery and tho Rebellion, and
the enfaRchiscmcnt Of the freedmen rendering this
overthrow secure and final. have happily vindicated
our course and organization but il is necessary to
the right irrespective of section race, upon the
reconstructed States For the first time in many
years the enthusiastic followers of our flag and con
fessOrs of our faith are there taking part in the pOpu
lar 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 sue
cess. ThreefOurths 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 implicit obc-
diencc TO able and deXterous politicians who arc inn
placably hostile TO our principles and determined on
the prOstraton Of our cause.
Our immediate action is therefore imperative. We
cannot delay without imperiling all for which so
much has been sacrificed III the past Confident in
our strength in the North, the West. and the Pacific
States must not forget that we have great duty
to perform toward the loyal and true men Of the
South.
REPUBIfCANs, our appeal is TO you to carry
aud snstain tho work which few loyal and true
men have 80 nobly begun. We cannot ask speakers,
in addition 10 giving sheir time and talents for
months to this labor, to defray their own neces-
sary expenses. We cannot print and distribute
documents of the character required without heavy
outlay We have no means reliance except 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 tho
loyalty OF that party, will not aid us i'll this good
work.
We must therefore appeal directly and personally
to YOU If you arc rich, give generously. If poor,
send whatever you afford. The generous
purpose and the noble aim sanctify tho 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 unknown, and where Liberty,
Virtue and Intelligence form the enduring basis Of
our greatness and prosperity
Address letters and contributions to Gov. MARCUS
J.. WARD, Chairman and Treasurer, Newark N. j.
MARCUS l.. WARD, N j.
SAMUEL A. PURvIASCE, Pa.
WILLIAM CLAFLIS Mass.
JOHN B CLARK, N. H.
HORACE GREELEY, N. Y.
H. II. STARKwEATHER, Conn.
n. H. SHIIHERs, Del.
H. W. HOTTmAN, Md
Executive Committee OF the National Union Com.
ESio- York, May 16, 1861