The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1868-08-15
The Worklngmenss Ticket IN Michigan
Defamation of Jadge Hirney.

The representatives of the various organixa-
lions Of workingmen in Michigan, at their con
yention in Detroit On the 10th of June lsst,
nominated hon. James Birney, Of Bay City, for
Attorne y-G GENERAL Of the State, and in their let
ter asking his acceptance Of the nomination, in
formed him that they had determined to cast
their votes independent Of other political organi-
zations. In reply, Judge Birney writes;
Bar CrrY, July 20, 1858.
B. Hansy, Esq, Be retary Of the State Labor Union
Or I'd Rapids;
SIR: Your favor Of IT, 18th ult., informing
me that the repre- entatives of the various
organizations of the workingmen of this State,
convened al Detroit, placed my name upon
their State ticket, .uly received. am
duly grateful to your .ganization for so unex-
pected testimonial Of its confidence. Although
fully svmpathize with any effort to inc ease
such privileges Of the workiDgman as may pro-
mote his elevation, am not satisfied that a
separate political organization will be the most
effective means Of accomplishing that object
The history Of parties in this country shows that
the men who labor to effect q change in public
sentiment in regard to an admitted EVIL, are not
available for governing places" or the most
successful candidates. The material rewards
fall TO the neophies, or esevsnth-hour saints.
Had President Johnsc manlnitte. slave ut
any time prior to 1864 he wosla not have been
placed BY the Republican Party upon its na-
tional ticket Had the lamented Lincoln nc
any time previous to 1850, avowed bis colvic-
ton that contingency might arise in which it
would bo right for the President of the United
States to publish an unconditional proclamation
Of freedom to the slaves of the Southern States,
he would not have been selected to head the
ticket of party expecting to gain the ascen-
dency at the next election. The concessions Of
Mr.. Chase, however bountiful, could not atone
for bis being associated, during the most ear
neat portion Of bis life, with the earlier Radicals
Thost Tho enticed him with promises never
meant to make him Chief Executive Those
who have striven TO effect progress 10 any sub
stantial reform, have no reason to expect polIti,
cal preferment. The negative recruit pfucks
the fruit from the tree planted by the positive
worker Reform, in the main, begins with the
pea tie, not with parties. ~~ ~
Tie platform of the Republican Party de-
clares itself " In sympathy with all the Cypress.
ed people who are struggling Tor their rights Y
This il broad enough TO embrace all that Il
sought to be accomplished By means Of your
organization. And as that party Ia seeking 70
realize permanent peace by the Reconstruction
of the late rebellious States uposi basis that
tolerates neither slaves nor masters, as wen a.
reconstruction of cur hnancee, am not propar-
ed 20 withdraw the old Of my vote from Il By
casting it for q new and independent organiza
ton. ~ III ae1
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
JAMES BlRxRY.
az COMMENTS ON rHs ABOVE LETTER.
10 the Bdlsor Of the wesKIHaxass ADvocArE
This letter is evidently written by q
worthy and thoughtful man, and merits the