The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1851-03-27

Government is practicaItning mace
for the happiness of mankind, and not to
furnish out a spectacle to uniformly
crafty the schemes of visionary politi-
clans. The business of those who are
called to administer is to rule and not
to wrangle.
Great errors have arisen in comparing
Territorial and State governments -
While the latter is comparatively per-
mancnt and fixed fact, suited to the
wants of an extended and settled popula-
ton, and government oftheir own enact
ment, the other is but a government OF
expediency-a temporary organization,
preparatory imitation Of a community
still in its minority, and subject to super
visory and annulling power of the parent
government from whom it derives its
authority.
Viewing the subject in this plain and
apparent light, conceive that the rule
of our action should be the organic act,
and that we should not go beyond it to
look for the authority or question the
wisdom Of the statesmen who framed it,
and who doubtless were well versed in
all constitutional questions, and the spir-
it, intent and genius of the American
constitution, and the wishes and wants
Of all those, whether native born or Cit
liens by-adoption, who have the fortune
to live under its Egis.
The organic act of this Territory and
Oregon are precisely alike in all that
relates to representation.
They provide that the legislative pow
err shall extend to all rightful subjects
consistent with the constitution of the
United States and the provisions of the
organic act. Well, the Congress ofthe
United States provides that can appor-
tionmcnt shall be made in each county
and district, giving to each section ofthe
Territory representation in the ratio of
its population, Indians excepted. And
it provides that every free born male in
habitant, Sc, over 81 years, shall have
a right to vote, &C., Sc, until otherwise
provided for by law" BY whatlaw? The
statutes Of the legislature, which laws by
another section of the same act are made
subject to the approval of Congressman
| leave it to the candor of gentlemen, is
it probable that Congress, after having
once sanctioned a general representation
throughout the Territory, would approve
ofany act condemnatory Of their legisla-
ton, any act that deprives one American
citizen Of that boon which all Of us so
highly value, and which has tended as
much as aught else to the rapid settle
ment of the West.
| The organic act further declares, that af-
ter the first election the qualifications of vo-
tiers shall he such as is provided by law. By
what law? The law enacted by the lesisla-
ture ofthe territory which laws by, anoth-
or section OF the same organic act are made
subject to the approval Of Congress. Con-
yress reserves the right OF annuling any law
passed by this legislature, which it disap-
proves of, or which may conflict with the
rights of Congress or, that is not in strict ac-
cordance with the constitution of the federal
government And yet il has been said, and
openly said by individuals. too, who talk of
the progress Of the age, that they entertain
&C institutional scruples as to the right of the
counties west Of the Mississippi, to the cleo
tive franchise
II 1t was thought expedient and just, and
in accordance with the spirit Of the age, and
the genius of the American constitution, to
make no sectional distinctions at the first
elections to be held under the organic act.
BY what species of causuistry can any por-
ton of the territory be excluded at any sub
sequent election! Can we pass any law that
will be approved of, even by implication if
it conflicts with the organic act.
II would indeed he strange anomely in
legislation, under the Egis Of the constitu-
ton, to grant all the rights and privileges Of
voters to any portion Of a country for one
session, giving that legislature the power,
,yranic and uni u,t one, to draw a line of
denarkatiOn leaving out a portion unrepre-
scented. This would he like Saturn devour.
ing his own children.
The elective franchise is right inherent
IN every Aperican citizen, he cannot dvest
himself oft, except by high crime.
1t has been said that the comparison Of
Minnesota, Oregon and Utah will not hold
good.
| Before the organization Of this territory,
where was the embryo Minnesota and near
| ly all its inhabitants? west of the Nlissis-
sippi they continue there still, and true pO-
neer of the American north west. Has il
| occurred to gentlemen that One-third Of the
| o'S Sc"'I's'SSN thSSC
Limits!
Who are these men you would disfran-
chise! The first aud early settlers of the
territory. The hunters are the true po-
neers of The whole north west. Commerce
has ever been the precursor of civilization
and christianity from s'lndus to the pole"
With these you will include nearly all the
labOrers in the missionary field, men who
endure and have endure. for fifteen years a
full share Of the prvations and trials of
missionary life.
Should this new doctrine go into practical
operation, and | have no fear that 1t will,
what would he the result, apart from the
injustice Of DISTINGUISHING one-thirI Of the
territory! the greater number Of whom are
native horn and citizens of the territory; and
so far as those of mixed blood are concerned
it has been said in the Senate of the United
States, at this session:
"They are an industrious and moral peo-
pie. Some Of them nre members Of the
territorial legislature. Many of them are
voters"