W[illia]m H. Newby to Frederick Douglass, April 17, 1856

FROM OUR SAN FRANCISCO CORRESPONDENT

SAN FRANCISCO, April 17th, 1856.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS, ESQ.:—A Republican Party is being organized throughout the State. The Evening Journal, a paper published in this city, has, by a series of well-written articles finally succeeded in stiffening the Northern "back bone." I regard the election of N. P. Banks as the omen of a succession of victories to Republicans. There are no vital issues in either of the old parties. The cohesive power which prevents their dissolution is the "spoils." The repeal of the Missouri Compromise has concentrated and consolidated the Anti-Slavery sentiment, which, before its repeal, had no party expression. That foul consummation caused the germ to take root which has now become a stately tree, whose branches must overshadow this Union.

Why is it, that Radical Abolitionists still persist in keeping up a distinct organization? They are not willing to assist in undermining the structure which they are vainly endeavoring to annihilate at a single blow. The only difference between the two parties, Radical Abolitionists and Republicans, is that while one is willing to modify its sentiments so as to produce something besides an enteral parade of principles, the other resolutely refuses to swerve an inch, when by so doing, they could accomplish indirectly and remotely, what they never can effect immediately, and by direct means.

Anti-extension is the only practicable ground for Anti-Slavery men to stand on. To occupy any other, is to become an enemy to the very cause they advocate. To simply poll a Republican vote, will not necessitate an abandonment of principle. I believe that the man who steals to keep his family from starving, is as honest as the one that would let them starve before he would steal: such honesty would be characterized

as madness. Every reflecting person will agree, that to prevent Slavery from being extended into Territory now free, is to make war with the "local institution." The South are well aware of this; and this accounts for the fact that men like W. H. Seward are more hated and feared by the South than such as Gerrit Smith. The most radical of the two does them the least harm. A rat will destroy a ship that an enemy's broadside cannot.

I am led to these observations, by reading a call from a "Convention of Radical Abolitionists," to be held in Syracuse, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Presidency, and Vice-Presidency. I do not know the number of votes polled by this party, but think they they must be considerable, and it is now proposed to scatter these to the four winds, when, by uniting with the Republicans, they might, in the event of a certain contingency, enable them to elect their candidates. Should it so happen, that for the want of a few hundred or thousand votes, the Republicans are unable to carry the election to the House of Representatives, I think none will so regret their distinct organization, as the Radicals themselves. I hope this will be discussed in the Convention as I am anxious to see what arguments the enemies of the measure can produce to show that it is not entirely consistent with their principles and a duty they owe to the slave, to strike an effectual blow for his deliverance.

Our churches here (Methodist) are not what they are in the Atlantic cities. No "revivals of religion;" we have had one protracted meeting, or rather distracted meeting—as the proceedings were so tumultuous that the inmates of the adjoining house sought to ally the fever of their excitement by the introduction of copious draughts of cold water, which, strange to say, had a most magical effect. The whole thing was duly chronicled in the papers the next morning, with comments that savored more of enjoyment than indignation at what had taken place. We have three first-class Preachers, Messrs. Stokes, Moore and Ward; but the people do not pay them any salary, and they are,

therefore, obliged to engage in business which prevents them from study, and you must take a rehash of some old sermon which has nothing in it calculated to instruct or edify. If the Methodists would employ fewer preachers, and require that they should be thoroughly qualified in every respect, and then pay them liberally, so that they could not only support themselves comfortably, but save something yearly out of their salaries, they would find themselves spiritually, and sometimes pecuniarily, much better off. I am informed that the Rev. Mr. Clark, of Pittsburgh, is to minister to our spiritual necessities. I am glad of it, as he is represented to be a very able and good man. I hope he will demand a salary sufficiently large to keep him from all secular avocations.

The times are unusually hard at present, in consequent of the long drought, just interrupted by a couple of days rain. Gold cannot be obtained without water, and when the miners are idle, the whole State, every branch of business feels the pressure.

The Legislature adjourns on the 21st inst.—Our petition remains in statu quo, and will probably do so, as the day for adjournment is too near, if they were disposed to respond favorably. I commend it and our cause to that God whose "justice will not sleep forever."

Respectfully,

WM. H. NEWBY.