NEWPORT, R. I., September 9, 1850.
My Dear Sir—I regret that it will not be in my power to attend the
meeting of our friends at the Adams House.
I am unwilling to intrude my opinion with regard to the points in
question; but I cannot forbear urging two things of essential importance,
first, our principles; and second, harmony among ourselves.
Nobody would propose an abandonment of our principles; but there may be a
difference of opinion as to the most effective way of maintaining them. For
myself I should incline against any departure from our customary course which
did not enlist the sympathies of all who have thus far acted together in our
movement.
I see no objection, in point of principle, to unions in towns, and also
in counties, such as took place last autumn. Dr. Palfrey has vindicated these
in a manner difficult to be answered, in his 'Letter to a Friend,' recently
printed.
If such unions should take place, it is possible that the general
politics of the State might be changed.
But it seems to me a step of questionable propriety for our State
committee, or any number of Free Soilers, to enter into an arrangement or
understanding with the Democrats as to the disposition of offices.
As at present advised, I should be unwilling to be a party to any such
bargain. All that we could properly do would be to make the unions in the towns
and counties if practicable, and upon the whole deemed best, and to leave the
future to the discretion of the men who should be chosen, without any bargain
of any kind.
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