The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-12-05
BIRTH OF REPUBLICAN PARTY.
Interesting Letter From Cassius NJ. Clay,
the Kentucky Statesman.


SEATTLE, Dec. 4, 1891.
To THE EDITOR: There is quito controversy
among Eastern Republicans as to the time and
place of the birth of the Republican party, and
who first suggested the name. Either A. Z.
Bovsy, of Wisconsin,; Horace Greeley, of New
York, or Joseph Medill, then editor Of a Cieve-
land paper, il entitled to the credit Of frst sug-
costing that the new party be called "Repub-
ncan." This was in 1928
At Jackson, Mich, on July 6, 1854 at q con-
vention previously called, the new organization
was first formed and formally christensd tho
Republican party" But to that courageous
and eminent statesman and orator, the Hon.
Cassius N. Clay, of Kentucky, belongs the
honor OF first suggesting the ends, aims and
principles OF what afterwards became that
powerful political organization. Mr. Clay, who
is new living in White Hall, KY. at the age Of
80, was the first abolitionist among the slave.
holders of the South, and at great risk of his
life, advocated anti-slavery principles. Here
with find letter from Mr.. Clay that no DOUBT
will be Of interest to the numerous readers Of
the PosT-INTHLLIaEscER II. w. DURAsl
WHITE HALL KY, Nov. "A, 1891.
Dear ssr: Your favor OF the 18th Novem.
sanizsd the Republican party, But a. you
make the enquiry can haie fact, which are
natter: Of history; In Is.s established the
.
purpose of forming . party Tor the overthrow
of slavery in Kentucky. This party creed en-
bracsd all the principles of the after kepub lican
party. Again in 1854, at Chicago, I delivered
the Fourth Of July grafton, by invitation of the
liberals OF all parties, At the park near Chicago,
to an immense audience. in which reiterated
all the principles Of the kentucky party of
liberty to ali, and invited national uaion in the
common cause, 30 far as the constitution and
state rights would allow. Every principle OF
the Republican party was then advocated, and
on the same evening or next evening a meeting
was called of ali liberals holding the same
views at the fremont house, where think DR..
party was organized, embracing all the prin-
eiples OF the Republicans. Whether any name
was used, or what name, II any, don't renem-
ber-eut the thing was done.
believe this was the nucleus of the Republi-
can party, and the first ever organized. The
Garrisonfsn or abolition party was precedent to
this, but IL was non political and nou-voting
was founded previous TO 1854, but claimed TO act
over slavery and its abolition in all the states;
whereas and the Republican party claimed
only the right to abolish slavery in all places of
national jurisdiction.
Alter the war broke out, in 1851, the Rspub bill
and myself aud others, exercised the war power
OF liberation against rebel states-a power
higher than the federal constitution-and thus
by force and avowal slavery fell.
That was right and Garrison and Birsey
wrong is proven by the fact that all finally
united on my basis OF political action, and ndsr
that banner We triumpksd
The union of all lovers OF Justice and liberty
and constitutional law formed the flag which
bore from lo4o 10 the end. With great respect,
CAssIUs NARCELLUs CLAY.
ID. ". Durant, Esq, Seattle.