Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-03-13
Popular Sovereignty in its true Sense.

In its true sense very few intelligent II n
are opposed to the doctrine of popular
sovereignty and for the sufficient reason
that it IS the principle upon which the
whole theory of our system of government
rests. All sections of the country, and all
parties and subdivisions of parties, seem
disposed to admit that it would be well
enough to let the actual settlers in Kansas
determine the character of their own inst
tuition, provided they can really be permit
ted to shape them without outside interior
ence Gov. Stewards domestic organ con-
cedes that under the operation of such
rule Kansas will certainly be free. Not
an intelligent Republican press can now
be found which takes issue against the prtn-
ciple. 1t is the ingosion of the principle,
against which their batteries are directed.
Their course Of argument comedies the
soundness of the doctrine if faithfully ear
ried out. At the North, the outcry Is tina.
the Missouri borderers Overrule by vio-
lence, the sovereignty of the actual resi-
dents Of Kansas From the South, the
alarm cry is raised that New England Mis-
sionaries, and land spectators, calling
'Sharp's rifles to their aid, are folestalling
the sentiment of the Territory, and sitting
the voice Of the permanent occupant Of tie
soil. From neither quarter of the Union,
is the complaint against the doctrine of al
lowing the real settlers to govern them
selves, but against the abuse of 1.-THE vi
olation Of it.
This is very significant, and indicates
clearly enough the true remedy to be APP
plied-a remedy too long delayed. The
rights of the actual settlers-the doctrine
of popular sovereignty in its true sense,
should be vindicate6 The arm of viz
lence whether raised within the Territory
or outside It's borders. should be stricken
down. The public peace should at every
hazard, and if necessary, Ee the aid of tie
whole power of the general government,
be preserved. The actual settlers should
act without ons;raint, and in the language
of the organic act be left free to regula.e
their domestic institution in their own way,
subject only to the Constitution of The
United States We are gratiiei to See
indications of a stern determination on the
part of the President to prevent a rccur
renee Of violence in Kansas, and we trus.
he w II adhere to it with unalterable rc5o-
luton. Doubtless he must regard the gov
eminent which has been put in operation
there under the law of Congress, as the le
gal government He has no other altern:-
tive, except to recognize revolution, and
this neither the laws under which he acts
nor his official oath will permit. Bat he
should employ the whole power legally a
his command to defend the citizens Of
Kansas from INVASION from without, ana
from violence within their borders, 50 tina.
they shall be 'left free to govern them
selves in their own way Thus shall we
have popular sovereignty in is true
sens, which Mr.. Potter says in his lei
ter he is mot opposed to, and with Sena-
tor Stewards domestic organ processes 10
be content We seem to be approachinga
solution of these difficul.ies-at all eyea.:
we have remarkable concurrence. of opin
ion in favor of popular sovereignty IL
its true sense. ---K6any 1Aas d, -lrgas.