At this moment, while the country is pained by the heartless conspiracy against Freedom in Kansas, we are startled by another effort, which contemplates not merely the political subjugation of the National Government, but the actual…

Alas! the needful tool for such work is too easily found in places low and high,--in the lanes and cellars of Boston, on the bench of the judge, in the chair of the President.

The Slave Oligarchy does it; the Slave Oligarchy does it all.

The people of Kansas are, many of them, from Massachusetts,--bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh; but as fellow-citizens under the Constitution they are bound to us by ties which we cannot disown; nay, more,--by the subtile cord which…

The fetter which binds the slave in Kansas binds every citizen in Massachusetts.

Thus are we prompted to their rescue, not only to save them, but also to save ourselves.

The tyranny which now treads them down has already trampled on us, and only awaits an opportunity to do it again.

In the choice of men we are driven to the organization of parties; and here occurs the practical question on which hinges immediate duty,--By what political party can our desire be accomplished?

There are individuals in all parties, even the Democratic, who hate Slavery, and say so; but a political party cannot be judged by the private opinions of some of its members.

The party that we select to bear the burden and honor of our great controversy should be adapted to the work.

Wedded to Freedom for better or for worse, and clinging to it with a grasp never to be unloosed, it must be clear, open, and unequivocal in its declarations, and should admit no other question to divert its energies.

It must be all for Freedom, and, like Cæsar’s wife, above suspicion.

But besides this character which it should sustain in Massachusetts, it must be prepared to take its place in close phalanx with the united masses of the North, now organizing through all the Free States, junctæque umbone phalanges, for…

Men do not gather grapes from thorns, nor figs from thistles; nor do they expect patriotism from Benedict Arnold.

A party which sustains the tyrannies and perfidies of the Slave Oligarchy, and is represented by the President, through whom has come so much of all our woe, need not occupy our time; and such is the Democratic party.

How, then, shall I speak of the late powerful Whig party, by whose giant contests the whole country was once upheaved, but which has now ceased to exist, except as the shadow of a name?

They are the Rip Van Winkles of our politics.

Crier, stop the noise in Court!” The thunder would not be hushed; nor will the voice of Freedom, now reverberating throughout the land.

Some there are among these who openly espouse the part of Slavery, while others, by indifference, place themselves in the same unhappy company.

Let no person who truly loves Freedom join this company, tempted by its name and old associations.

It is a personal party, whose controlling idea is predilection for a man, and not a principle.

Whatever may be the private sentiments of some of its members, clearly it is not a party wedded to Freedom for better and for worse, and clinging to it with a grasp never to be unloosed.

While professing opposition to Slavery, it also arraigns Catholics and foreigners, and allows the question of their privileges to disturb its energies.

It is not all for Freedom; nor is it, like Cæsar’s wife, above suspicion.

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.