To The Liberty Party And The Public

To propagate truth is the privilege of every American citizen. To combat error is equally his right, notwithstanding that error may be elevated into the highest places of our nation. Having been unexpectedly called to the superintendence of a public journal, we shall endeavor to conduct it with candor, but with an uncompromising adherence to the principles of justice, irrespective of creed or color. THE MICHIGAN LIBERTY PRESS will be devoted to the measures of the Liberty party, believing them to be founded upon the principles of true Democracy, and advocate the abolition of American Slavery. It will also give the news of the day, notices of Agriculture, Science, &c., with a general diffusion of useful knowledge and literature. Our motto is Progression; our age, our country demand it. Civilization and refinement, with her high political stand, have rendered our country conspicuous among the nations of the earth. The degraded and oppressed of other lands have sought refuge under the ample canopy of our Republic, and to them we have extended the right hand of fellowship. We hail with acclamation the day on which our forefathers declared that "all men are born free and equal." This is the platform of our National Independence, - the fundamental principle of our free institutions - securing to all social, civil and religious liberty. How inconsistent with these principles is Slavery! and yet its blighting influence hangs over our country like the star of its evil destiny, infusing its poison more or less into our councils, and incorporating itself with our national character. It is surprising that prejudice in favor of such an institution can be so interwoven into the education of men enjoying such ennobling privileges, that they can look with complacency, and even approbation, upon its enormous evils, which, under other circumstances and considerations, would meet their unqualified denunciations. But when these true American spirits can be aroused to a candid and close examination of these evils, they soon become converts to the principles of right, and the warmest supporters of reform. We rejoice to see an increasing spirit of freedom in our national discussions upon this great and momentous subject. Community are becoming too well informed with regard to it, and are too deeply interested in the prosperity of our nation, to allow it much longer to pollute our otherwise happy soil. We believe most Anti-Slavery men are becoming satisfied that "kindness is power," and that reasons fairly and clearly adduced will meet the more elevated feelings and convince the better judgment of their opponents; while on the other hand Southern men are less exclusive, and more inclined to grant free discussion and investigation. There are some most noble, fearless spirits among them, who are advocating with "tongues of eloquence and pens of fire" the cause of the oppressed, and are willing to defend and extend our free institutions, however it may conflict with their personal interests or popularity. Does not this augur well for the glorious cause of emancipation? As our object is to exalt the standard of moral principle, and elevate mind, we shall adhere most tenaciously to this maxim - that as gold is of not less intrinsic value when found in the smallest particles amid earths' rubbish, than in the rich or of its native mine - so we shall acknowledge truth as truth wherever it may be found. While we expose the deleterious effects of Slavery, we shall enforce the doctrine of immediate emancipation, in the true spirit of christian Philanthropy. Already the Liberty party has attained a high position, and wields a mighty influence in the political affairs of our country. Already the advocates of its principles are listened to with calmness, and treated with attention and respect in the councils of our nation. The voice of seventy thousand freemen tell at tale at the ballot box that cannot be misunderstood. - Oppression trembles to its very centre, and stands appalled at the coming events. The die is cast - the isue must come. Discerning men must see that upon this great question, slavery or freedom rests the best interests of our Republic. The Anti-Slavery movement was at the first considered by teh great mass as a daring and fanatical experiment, which would be productive of evil consequences, by introducing sectional interests, dissention and insurrection, then sink back into obscurity, save its evil effects. Such reasonings have passed away, and left it standing erect, supported by the pure principles of truth. It is worthy of remark, that our party has been sustained by an increasing accession for a series of years, notwithstanding the animadversions of its enemies, who have made every attempt to overwhelm it with odium - every artifice has been resorted to to shake its fidelity; but its integrity remains unmoved, and its advancement secure, as manifested by electing members to both branches of our National council. Where their courteous but decisive course has excited the administration and commanded the respect of their opponents, confirmed the confidence and fully answered the expectations of their friends. Composed as our party is, of men education under different political influences, and affected by early prejudices, (altho' there is a great similarity of sentiment,) it cannot be expected that they will harmonize on all questions of policy, important, or unimportant, which are agitated by the dominant parties of our country. But in one point they agree, in this they are actuated by principle, not policy. Let them rally around this standard - impress the doctrine of human rights upon the thinking community. Once gain the attention of the American people, and their suffrage will give them the ascendency, then every measure will follow in its proper place, for the good, not of a part, but of the whole. Our political power consists in our devotion and adherence to the one idea of Slavery and its extinction. By introducing extraneous questions we weaken the influence of an effort that is intended to strike at the very root of corruption and injustice. Our forefathers claimed representation with taxation, and in this one principle, was involved the very existence of their liberty. This obtained, all other measures were duly considered. Thus, in liberty and equality centre the greatest interests of our government. We claim no more as a party than our institutions grant. We do not confound the Federal with the State Governments. We fully understand the position of each, and openly advocate their respective privileges. Nor do we propose to interfere with the laws of sovereign States, or their institutions, except by moral suasion; but we firmly contend for the prerogative of the Federal Government to regulate all matters under its jurisdiction, and that slave territory cannot be extended consistent with the principles of our Constitution. To those abolitionists who involve other subjects in their creed, who wish to obtain the same end with ourselves, by different means we would say "God speed." We will give the right hand of fellowship while we travel the same road; and when we separate all we ask is the boon we are free to grant, the privilege of effecting the object in our own way. If we cannot unite in our measures, let us at least be wise, and not by open hostilities retard the progress of reform. To those who vote one way and act another, and to those who do not vote at all, we would remark, that we consider the means to redress grievances are at the disposal of the people, as under our institutions every man would form a component part of the government; with the majority rests the interests of the nation. There is one specific remedy - one effectual antidote - where aggressive or oppressive measures are legislated into existence - the free suffrage of an enlightened people. In coming before our fellow citizens as an edit, or we ask of them a thorough investigation of our principles. We consider no man suitable to advocate or discuss publicly any question that involves the general interests, unless he is willing to submit to the criticisms and scrutiny of public opinion, reserving to himself only the privilege of an American - to speaks independently in his own defence. After defining our position in a manner which we think cannot be misunderstood, we tender to our friends our acknowledgment for the confidence they have reposed in us, in calling us to the responsible station of Editor of our State organ. In return we would claim of them forbearance, and a helping hand in this great and glorious cause. Of the ability and efficiency of our Associate Editors and Correspondents, proof is too well established in our State to require comment. To them we would observe - vigorous action is required to move on this great barque of reformation against the opposing current. We have need of all our forces. "Then come to the rescue" - "In union there is strength." We have ample evidence of the onward march of freedom. Then let us "press on." Determination and perseverance will ensure us the consummation of our enterprise - the downfall of Slavery - a nation's blessing.