Litchfield enquirer., 1867-05-23
TO THE REPUBLICANS OF THE UNION.

The National Union Committee appeals to the Republicans of every state for their assistance and cooperation in this suspicious crisis of coun- try.
 We deem it of the highest importance that the Republicans of each state should immediately re- organlze for the remaining elections of 1867, pre- paratory to the coming Presidential contest. Es- pecially should this organization be immediately effected in those states which have never before cognized as the only just basis of government the equal and inalienable rights of man. Not a day should be lost in forming and strengthening within those states public sentiment ln consonance with the principles which undere the great political or ganizaton to which we belong.
 To this end, we desire to prosecute 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 Re- publican party. We would call, in every locality where it is possible meetings for dscuSslon where those who are with us in principle may learn to act with unity and energy. These measures are re- quired to bring out the vote of that large body of Republican Unionists who now render the south sing need of the hour that bold judicious and able men, thoroughly imbued with creed, should there explain our principles, establish our faithful ness to them, and prove that national greatness and human freedom 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 re- public must be open to the discussion of principles and measures. This must be sustained, as cardi- nal point Tn our creed, at any and every hazard Efforts to ntimidate the humble and ignorant vo- ter on the part of the southern planter, must be met with the spirit of freemen and the determina- tion which just cause sanctions.
 In times past, the Republican party has strug- gled against the unjust reproach of being sectional in it's aims and character, though it's purposes and its'means of efecting them were such as the tath- CTS of the Republic approved. It 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 power to si- lence and to crush all opposition denied all discus sion, and overawed even freedom of thought in fif- teen states of the Union It is, therefore, now 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 have contended for the interests, welfare and freedom of the whole Union.
 The overthrow Of slavery and the rebellion, and the enfranchisement of the freedmen, rendering this overthrow secure and final, have happily vim dicated course and organization but 1t is nec essary to stamp the conviction of our loyalty and fidelity to the right irrespective of section race upon the reconstructed states. For the first time in many years, the enthusiastic followers of flag and confessors of faith are there takiIis part in the popular gatherings, and n many of tEl 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 Republicans have never voted, and have no practical knowledge of the means whereby the pop ular will is expressed. With many of them, the habit is fxed of rendering implicit obedience to able and dexterous politicians who are implacably hostile to our principles and determined on the prostration of our cause.
 Our immediate action is therefore imperative We cannot delay without imperiling all for which so much has been sacrificed in the past. Confident in strength in the North, the Vest and the Ps- cifc states must not forget that we have great duty to perform toward the loyal and true men of the South.
 REpUBLIcANsl 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 speak ers in addition to giving their time and talents for months to this labor, to defray their necessary expenses. We cannot print and distribute docu- ments of the character required without a heavy outlay. We have no means of 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 statesmanship, the courage, and the loyalty of that party, will not aid us in this good work.
 We must, therefore, appeal directly and person. ally to you. If you are rich give generously. If poor, send us whatever you can afford The gen. erous purpose and noble aim sanctify the humblest efforts At all events act promptly, and let feel that the sympathy of the Republican party is with us in our purpose of making this great land the