Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1872-09-27
Il C.sL.u .sRGU.uB.vT FOR GREE
LEI.

The following article from the pen of
oliver johnson, formerly editor of the
Anti-Slavery Standard, and now associated
with the New York Tribune, is one of the
fairest arguments in favor of Greeley's
election which the campaign has produced.
1t was written for the New York indie
pendent, but was refused, and subsequent
ly appeared in the Golden Age:
The presidential contest wakes hot, and
even the coolest minds are in danger of be-
ing warped in the flame of party passion
that glows on every side in the discussion
of political questions. Human nature be-
ing what it is, and the personal and party
interests involved in the election being
what they are, il would probably be mere
waste of time to lament this fierce heat !;
and yet may we not indulge the hope that
a time will come when, in great nation
like ours, political questions will be dis
cussed with the candOr and GOODNESS con-
ducive to right conclusions? Has neither
our civilization nor our Christianity pow
er sufficient 10 work out this much needed
reform? Leaving this question TO be pom
dered by all whom it may concern, de-
sire to present without passion or exag-
geration, some thoughts respecting the
pending presidential election.
/ speak as an abolitionist, as one who
took an earnest though humble part in the
movement for immediate and uncondition-
al emancipation inaugurated by Garrison.
With that devoted and clear-sighted cham
pion of human rights l have never until
now found myself at serious disagreement.
l was with him in the organization of the
first anti-slavery society in 1882, with him
all through the great conflict of which he
was the honored leader, and with him
finally when, the slaves having been en-
ancipated, he retired from the work of
anti-slavery agitation, TO devote himself to
the new duties taught by the new occa-
sion." In the present crisis he is heart and
soul for the reelection of Grant, while 1
am with equal earnestness in favor of Gree
ley. Having read all that he has written
upon the subject, and much that has been
written by other eminent men, my con-
viction remains clear, that the election Of
Mr.. Greeley would promote the best in
terests of the country and the welfare of
the whole people. l have been intimately
acquainted with him for almost thirty
years, and, during no inconsiderablc por-
ion of that time, professionally associated
with him, with every opportunity 10 OBJ
serve his course, form an estimate of the
governing principles of his life, and study
all his pecularties of temperament and
character: and do not hesitate to say that
I han 70 for In, f,,1I ;n4;,
that, if elected, he will DO true to his record
as a republican, and so administer the
government as thereby TO honor his coun-
try and himself.
1t is alleged that Mr.. Greeley Is waver-
ing, unstable man, shifting from side to
side in political affairs, and unable to hold
steady course in the conflicting currents
of political opinion. / have read or heard
this allegation hundred times, but always
with fresh astonishment. How any one al
all acquainted with his life can honestly
bring against him such char go Is to me a
mystery. If the charge were that he Is
doggedlY persistent in everything he I'M
dertakes, never relinquishing a principle
once avowed, nor ceasing TO press favor
lite measure even though at the hazard OF
his own personal and party interests, i
should feel no surprise, for in this there
would be more than a semblance Of truth
This charge of instability is never accom-
panied by specifications. How could 1t be |
On the other side specifications may be
multiplied. Mr.. Greeley, for instance, has
been a protectlonist from boyhood. Has he
not been so persistent in advocating a tariff
as to provoke the hostility OF many OF his
party friends, and incur the charge of pig
headedness7 When did he ever show any
sign Of wavering upon that question? II II
alleged, but most unfairly, that his accept
ance of the Cincinnati platform is a waiver
for the sake of office, of his lifelong views
upon this subject. If there lisa waiver, /
was made long before he accepted the Gin
einnati nomination. Was he not one of th'
founders of the republican partyY And die
he ever insist that that party should com
nit itself to his doctrine Of protection
Did he not, in his devotion TO the princi
pies and objects of that party, welcome fret
traders to its ranks and frequently supper
them for Officer His attitude in respect :,
the tariff is unchanged, save that whereas
the republican party often paltered with
that question in a double sense, using Ian