The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-03-01
PRESIDENT PIERCE ON THE KANSAS AND RHODE
L----------- ISLAND CASES. -


In the speech of Mr. Hale few days ago on the Kansas
question: very dsngenuous but unsuccessful effort was
made convict President Pierce of Inconsistency in his
positions in 1912 in regard to what is known the
rebellion in Rhode Island and his views in bis late Kansas
message in regard the revolutionary character of the
Topeka rebellion" headed by Reeder Lane, and Robin
son. We say II disingenuous effort because are
willing concede that any who has intelligence
enough no matter by what means make his way
the United Stes Senate Is not capable Of comprehendng
the distinction between the Of rebellion" In Kansas
and Rhode Islsnd-in organized Territory and in
sovereign State II singular fact that there has scarcely
been an attempt made involve Cen Pierce in nconss,-
eucy that has resulted in furnishing proof of the
seadiness and fidelity and consancy with which he has adj
hered the great leading landmarks Of constitutional de-
mocraey Mr. Hales attack will be found to illustrate the
truth of this remark,
II will be sufficient in regard 10 President Perces views
the Kansas rebellion to quote the following para
graphs from his late special message the quoted by
Mr. Hale;
Creumsances occurred disturb the gov
ornamental organization In the Territory of Kansas and pro-
there condition 90 things which renders 1t incumbent
on call your attention the subject and urgently to
recommend the adoption by you Of sueh Of ega
ton the grave exgences Of the appear require
" This interference in far it, primary
and its Immediate commencement, Of the In
cdeps OF that perncious agitation the subject Of the
on Of the coored pertons held OF the
which has long disturbed the repose Of
uy, and excited individuals Otherwise patriotic and law
abiding toll with msdreoted real In the attempt to prop
agate their social theories BY the perveon and sbuse Of
powers Of Congress"
One Of the Of the legislative assembly provided Tor
the election Of delegate To the present Congress- and dele
gate elected under that law but subsequently 10 this
portion Of the people Of the Territory proceeded with
authority OF law TO elect another delegate. Following
upon this another and important Of
the same general character Persons consssedy copst
tutng the body polite or all the inhabitants but merely
part Of inhabitants and without law, have undertaken
convention for the purpose Of transforming the
Territory into State, and have framed constitution
adopted IT, and under elected governor and other officers
and a representative TO Congress"
II will be seen from this that President Pierce regards
the resistance Of the laws passed BY the constituted au-
,bortes in Kansas and the unauthorized for the
establishment Of another government 10 dt6ance Of the
government established by Congress revolutionary.
Mr. Hale does undertake TO the
of this conclusion but undertakes TO show that 10 regard
to tho case Of the @Do rebellion" the President held DIFF
erent views with what success he makes the offer the
sequel win show.
Mr. Hale states the position Of Gen Pierce in s42 on the
Dorr question as follows
cannot escaped the recollection Of gentlemen that
about fourteen ago there very noted individual
in this country by the name OF Thomas W. Dorr, who
claimed 10 elected governor OF Rhode Island but the
suit Of his election that he found that he would be safer
any other State than the OF which he claimed 70 be
governor lie left there and fret 10 Connecticut, and
remained there little while, and then to New Hamp-
shire When he arrived in New Hampshire large public
meeting was holden In Concord the lih day Of December
lsi2t and at that meeting General Pierce delivered very
speech Gov. Dorr, and closed with the
presentation Of series OF resolutions, which, they
not long, will read
"n Resoi,s7 That all government Of right originates
from people, IL founded in consent and instituted for the
general good. #
as2 Rs.oirsd That whenever the ends Of government
perverted public liberty manesy endangered and all
other means of redress nescus the people and
Of right ought to- the old and establish form Of
government.
"ts Resoesd, That, nthe friends liberty should for
leave from yron obot tgroHry the day OF free govern
would dawn upon the eyes OF the oppressed mil
lions OF orr
"'i ReolVsd, Thai chen PeoPs act W heir original