Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1867-05-28
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
Address of the Executive Committee of
the National Union Committee.

country.
We deem it of the highest imports
ance that the republicans of each
State should Immediately reorganize
for the remaining elections of 1867,
preparatory to the coming Presiden-
tial contest. Especially should
this organization be immedi-
ately effected in those States which
have never before recognized as the
only inst basis of government, the
equal and inalienable rights of man.
Not day should be lost in forming
and strengthing within those States
a public sentiment in consonanoe
with the principles which underlie
the great political organization to
which we belong.
To this end, we desire to prosecute
a thorough and systematic canvass
of the Southern States, by the most
effectual speakers OF both races. We
would second their efforts by dis
tribution Of documents, enforcing the
principles, policy and aims of the re-
publican party. We would call in
every place where it is possible,
meetings for discussion, where those
who are with us in principles may
learn to act with unity and energy.
These measures are required to bring
out the vote Of that large body ofre.
publican Unionists who now render
the Southern States q battle>feld OF
principle, 1t is the passing need of
the hour that bold, judicious and able
men, thoroughly imbued with our
creed, should there explain our prin-
ciples, establish our faithfulness to
them, and prove that national great
ness and human freedom depend up
on the 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 Re-
public must be open to the discussion
of principles and measures. This
must be sustained, as q cardinal point
in our creed at any and every hazard.
Efforts to ihtimidate the humble and
ignorant voter. on the part Of the
Southern planter, must be met with
the spirit of freemen, and the deter
mination which Just cause sanctions.
In time past, the Republican party
has struggled against the unjust re-
proach of being sectional in its aims
and character, though its purposes
and its means ofaffecting them were
such as the fathers OF the Republic ap
proved. 1t was accused of being gov
erned by selfish motives, and Of de-
string to aggrandize the North at the
expense of the South. It's adverse
ries, having the power to crush all
opposition, denied all discussion, and
overawed even freedom Of thought in
fifteen States of the Union. 1t is,
therefore, an imperative duty, which
we owe to our party and to ourselves
to embrace the first opportunity OF
truly representing to those States
how consistently we have contended
for the interests, welfare and freedom
ofthe whole Union.
The overthrow Of slavery and the
rebellion, and the reimbursement Of
the freedmen, rendering this over
throw secure and final, have happily
vindicated our course and organiza-
ton; but it is necessary to stamp the
conviction of our loyalty and fidelity
to the right, irrespective OF section or
rae, upon the reconstructed States.
For the first time in many years the
enthusiastic followers of our flag and
confessors ofour faith are there tak>
ing part in the gatherings, and in
many of the Southern States, we
have reason to believe they form a de-
cided majority. They are, however,
without organization, and lack the
cohesion ana discipline necessary to
success. Three>fourths of the Repub~
licans have nev~r voted, and have no
practical knowledge of the means
whereby the popular will is express
ed. With many of them the habit is
fixed of r.nderingimplicit obedience
to able Ind dextrous politicians, who
are implacably hostile to our princi-
pies and determined on the prostra-
ton of our cause.
Our immaculate dCJIOu - LhelS 1OiC
imperative. We cannot delay withe
out imperiling all for which so much
has been sacrificed in the past. Con-
fident in our strength in the North,
the West, and the Pacific States, we
must not forget that we have a great
duty to perform toward the loyal and
true men Of the South.
REPUBLICANS! our appeals are TO
you, to carry on and sustain the
work which q few loyal and true men
have s. nobly begun. We cannot
ask speakers, in addition to giving
their time and talents for months to
dcfray their own necessary expenses.
We cannot print and distribute doc>
uments of the character required
without heavy outlay. We have
no means or reliance except upon the
generous spirit of that great party
which holds the claims oil humanity
and freedom above all price. The pat
ronage of the government brought
into power by the craftsmanship, the
courage and the loyalty OF that party
will not aid us in this work.
We must therefore appeal directly
and personally to you. If you are
j