Squatter sovereign., 1855-07-31
Lexington Pro-slavery Convention.

Lexington Pro-slavery Convention.
Too late for publication IN our last is
sue, we received an outside impression of
the Southern Democrat, containing full
and reliable report of the proceedings Of
the Pro-Slarery Convention held a: Lex
ington, NO., on the 18th ultimo. We re-
gret that our limited mail and other faciii-
ties for the procurance of important mat
tiers, often places US behind the times. But
we shat not be long laboring under this dis
advantage, as we hope soon to have
speedier and more frequent mail commu-
nication. We glance at the important lea-
lures of the proceedings, but publish the
resolutions entire, for the benefit of oHr
readers IN Kansas. who, doubtless. are
more or less interested in the movements
of their neighbors.-
Delegates from twenty-four counties
were in attendance, embracing the leading
talent of the State Gen. Atchison and
Col. Doniphan were both present, as del
egates, and though solicited, very prudent.
ly declined addressing the Convention.
Some symptoms of qualmishness were man
tested by few of the particularly cautious
and conservative, though the resolutions
passed unanimously.
During the Convention, President Shan
non, of the State University, at Columbia,
at the request of the meeting, delivered an
address, which was received with marked
appreciation, and is universally accorded to
have been mastery effort. Without en-
tering into an investigation of the abstract
question of the power of Congress over
slavery IN the Territories, he exposed the
suicidal position Southern men occupy, who
without thoroughly examining the subject,
carelessly yield up this power. A minori-
ty, as he correctly argued, have mot the
right, under our Republican form of gov
eminent, to revolt against any Censtitu-
tional measure that may be enacted, but that
minority have the right to resist any act of
Congress that has not the sanction of the
Constitution. Admit the poaUer, and you
destroy the right to resist. The Presi-
dents remarks on this point were well cal
culated to produce mature deliberation with
those who have too indiferently treated
this power test. 1t is the practice of too
many to lightly eschew the abstract question
of power; and they will yet reap the fruits
of their ill-advised continuation. The ad-
dress will be published in pamphlet form,
when We hope to lay it before the reader
The convention was in session two whole
days and portion of the third. On the
second day, the following resolutions were
reported through Judge Napton, Of Saline
chairman of the committee. They beal
the impress Of that profound and clear.
headed jurist, and are such as reach every
object desired, without exhibiting a spirit
of recklessness, useless bravado, or unnec.
essary rancor. They speak in calm, en-
phatic and resolute tones the unfinching
position Missouri is determined to assume,
despite the croakings and jesuitical teach
ings Of the-political hucksters and journals
of St. Louis, and elsewhere, who have thus
soon given intimation of their hostility to
the principles set forth, though they have
not as yet the hardihood to denounce them.
They have first to feel the pulse of their
deluded adherents, to ascertain how far
they may venture.
Comment from us upon this platform is
unnecessary. 1t is clear and comprehen-
sive, and will be regarded with approba-
ton by our Kansas as well as our Missouri
readers.
WHEREAS, This Convention have OBJ
served deliberate, and apparently syste.
matte effort on the part of several States
of this Union to urge a war of extermina-
ton upon the institution of slavery as II
exists under the Constitution of the United
States, and of several States, by legisla-
tive eLactments annulling acts of Congress
passed in pursuance of the Constitution,
and Incorporating large monied associa-
/ tions to abolItionise Kansas, and through
Kansas, to operate on the contiguous
| States of Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas
this Convention, representing that por-
| ton of Missouri more Immediately affect
ed by these movements, deem it proper to
make known their opinions and purposes
of the whole State, and to this end have
agreed to the following resolutions:
1. That we regard the institution of AT.
rican slavery, whether relating to its social
moral, political, or economical aspect. sole.
ly and exclusively a question of State ju
risdiction, and any agitation of this ques
ton In the Congress of the United States
or In States where it has no existence, witt
a view to affect its condition, or bring abou
its destruction. is direct and dangerou:
attack upon the reserved right of the seve
raj slaveholding States, and is an imperti
nent interference in matters nowise con
corning the agitators, and If persisted il
must sooner or later destroy all harmon,
r 4