Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-11-24
THE KANSAS FREE STATE CONVENTION

The members Of of the Convention who have
assembled to form a Free State" Constitution for
Kansas, are developing their ideas Of freedom in
Il manner not at all creditablc to themselves. First
they placed an unprincipled Hunk ,r (who voted
for the Douglas bill in the last Congress at their
head as president Of the Convention. And as a
reward for their honor, President Lane is laborine
to brig the Convention to indorse that bill, and
to make it the foundation of their State organiza-
lion. Thus endorsing President Pierce and his ad-
ADMINISTRATION. In this a majority OF the Convention
do not harmonic with Lane and his Pierce associ-
atcs. Bur in regard to the right of free suffrage,
Lene and a majority of the Convention are in
entire harmony.
a proposition was introduced limiting TIE right
of suffrage to white male citizens. The following
sketch Of the discussion and the vote on this prop
osition will show what kind of a Free State they
intend to make of Kansas.
Mr.. Lane retorted on the language used about
perjury. He declared himself in favor of black
laws, and said that in defending these he was de-
Tending the Free State Party of Kansas.
Robinson Of Lawrence replied. lie had also de-
ciared it purj ury to vote for black laws, but be in
tended to say that thuse who understood such
laws, and felt them us he did, would periure them
selves by voting for them. lie alluded sarcasticnl-
ly to those who were going to support such laws
from policy, and said he would call for the yeas
and nays on the question, SO that the record Of
those who had sustained them should 60 down to Il
time when the odious character Of such laws should
be felt and condemned.
Smith of Franklin did not care for black laws.
but hoped the report would be sustained, as suit
able to the wishes of the people.
Wakefield of Bloomington did not say he would
vote for black laws, but his preference for them
was apparent.
Emery Of Lawrence was in favor of the black
laws on policy. lie alluded to Dr.. Robinson's
declaration that he would call for the yeas and
nays, aud assured the convention that be had no
objections,
Parrotof Leavenworth did not wish to stir par
ty questions here, but was in favor of, and would
aim to ueaGe into his constitution tie policy al
ready taken. lie was a Democrat. Alluded to
Delahay on Massachusetts,, and complimented
Massachusetts,, and especially Cambridge, the clas-
sic shades of which were still dear to him. lie
thought Emery's quotation from the Declaration of
Independence very inappropriate. Did not think
"all men are created equal" but admitted they
should be. Was in favor of universal liberty, ire
spective OF color, as an abstract proposition,
bat did not want negroes here, free or slave.
Brown of OssawattOmie moved to strike out all
about color and simply insert the word
. citizen" leaving the Legislature to decide the
matter; thought this proposal woald harmonic
conflicting opinions The amendment was voted
down.
Cutler of D~oniphan wanted to know if this con-
Vention was to be abOlitionized If the %constitu.
tioa was to be made Abolition, let's 90 it if not,
lets not.
Schuyler of Council City protested against the
course the committee Of the whole was pur.
and urged en- the members the propriety Of
combining the members to the business before
Robinson's amendment 70 emit the word white,
seven votes against tairty-fve in favor
Of deciding L mans right 70 selfgovernment by his
complexion.