Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-08-10

Mr.. Speaker; The question in
VOWED in this report increases in i'm
porlance, and takes upon itself
more portentous look as | approach
it.
A consciousness Of my own inabil-
ity TO meet this question ably, almost
forces me back from The contest
Yet, It's importance does not so much
suppress me, ms the fact that am
called upon, at the very Threshold
OF Kansas legislation, TO defend
principle Of such vital interest, and
whose violation must be visited with
such fearful consequences-I mean
the principle of pure democracy-of
popular sovereignty.
This question may seem a trning
one, a theme of but little moment,
because it affects country but sparse
ly settled, aud interests a people
almost beyond the line of civliza.
ton, yet, although we dwell where
the foot of the white man has but re-
Gently trod, we are within the limits
OF that country over which the con-
stltution Of the United States claims
unfolding sway. To us, living un-
der that constitution, this is a ques-
ton all-lmportant-lts decision will
be the hrst corner stone in that sup
erstruciure, to be reared 10y the legis-
laiive bodies Of this Territory If it
be on one side, that corner stone will
be laid deep in justice, and may sup
port IA monument Of greatness which
shall be the pride of this whole coun-
try.-ll II be on the other side, II
will be but shapeless stone in that
toiienng mass which must soon tum-
Die down upon the heads of ITS build
ers. The consequences Of this deci-
sion will not disappear with the ex-
cltement OF the day-lhey will not
vanish with the morning twilight of
our Territorial existence they will
be seen and felt al noon day and at
evenings flIrcring twilight. Ii needs
not be thought because this question
arises III the Legislature of an infant
and helpless Territory, that it is I'M
important, for it affects country no
less extensive than this vast republic.
Thus report, sir, rises up before me
like a huge monster, sending IT pois-
on into the very vials of our consi-
luton, and corrupling every element
of selfgoyernment. Let US beware
of lis iouch-le, us examine it.
arse, Mr.. Speaker, to oppose the
adoption of this report, and in doing
This, TO maintain my right To a seat in
this House. claim II not as an in
dividual-noi merely as a represent
atlve of a dlslrct-not merely as
representative of paTty-bul as an
advocate OF those rights euaraUteed
TO me and to my constituents by the
organic act OF this Territory. claim
1t, not of choice, not for honor, not
because wish to legislale for the
people of this Territory bat | claim
II because wish TO maintain lndivid-
ual rights, and State rights and also
10 repudmte every act of lawless in
vasIon and all usurpations of power.
| take II, because my constituents
have sent me here, fairly, legally,
consilluIIonaliy. | am to represent
them, to speak for them, to vote for
Them. And in doing this, | ask
beg of This House no privileges, no
IDdulgences. | only ask that those
rights shall be extended to me, which
are guaranteed by that act which au-
thonzes The settlement of this Ter
tllory.
In maintaining my position, | shall
speak candIdIy and frankly--I shall
speak from my own conviction of
right ; shall give my own consiruc-
ton to constitutional and legislative
enaciments; | shall recile those facts
to which ! have been an eye witness;
and shall give my own prophecy Of
the result of this contest.
regret, tina, during my argument
| shall be obliged to allude TO those
events which have given rise TO this
contest. 1t is painful to me to know
! that The sanctily of the elective
franchise has been yoiaied ana ns
guaranty wrested from the citizens Of
this Territory, in consequence of the
agitation of that subject which has
ever disturbed the peace and quIetude
of This Union. Ii is painful to me
again, TO know, that people coming
into this Territory as citizens of the
same country, should foster such
feelings of jealousy and enmity to-
wards each other; but il is still moro
painful to know that people enjoying
constitutional protection and constl-
tutional privileges, should come down
upon US in their might, and taking
advantage Of our weakness, deprive
us OF all means of protection de-
prive US OF that rlgh, which is the
boast Of every American freeman /;
that they are, though this body, for
, the purpose Of sitting the voice and
paralyziug the arm of a certain par
iy in this Territory, taking from the
! whole people that which distinguishes
self-government from anarchy, and
individual protection from mobocra-
: cy; that they are Through this body
seeking TO exiinguish that fire long
since kindled upon the altar of lIber-
~ 10y the trainers of the Declaration
. Of Independence.
After Witnessing all this-aiteI
|, witnessing the intense interest and
. excitement which has attended The