The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1856-01-12
Revolutionary Preoedenss.

1t IS regarded by Gov. Shannon as a
revolutionary movement for the people
of Kansas to organize State govern
ment, without permission of Congress,
and that such course has never been
pursued, except in the case of Califor-
MIA.
Gov. Shannon betrays great ignorance
of history, and even of current events.
The Constitutional Convention of Cali
fornia convened under a proclamation of
Gen. Riley, then Governor of the Terri
tory, who thus anticipated the people.
just about moving in the matter at the
time. Kentucky knocked for admission
before she was invited. Ohio threw off
a Territorial shell before in the same way.
In 1885 the people of Michigan, in op-
position to the Territorial officers, met
and formed State Constitution, and
made application to Congress for admis
sion as State. Congress proposed to
receive her under certain conditions, but
the people of the State refused the con-
ditions, and adopted State Constitution
in the second Convention; elected State
officers and drove out the Territorial Off
GERS, and then she was admitted as aState
in 1887. The truth is, the people of
Michigan and Arkansas had both APP
piled 10 Congress for an act to enable
them to hold a convention and form a
State Constitution, preparatory TO admis-
sion into the Union. Congress refused
to pass the acts, and the people of the
two Territories held conventions by their
oUn authority, formed their Constitution,
sent copies TO Congress PRAYING admis-
sion. They both applied at the same
session of Congress; the people of both
States had already elected State Legis-
lature they had met and acted, and one
had sent memorial to Congress entitled
from the Estate of Michigan" Her ap-
plication and her memorial were both
submitted to the Senate, Notwithstanding
some of the Senators objected to the me-
mortal as purporting tocome from State
which as yet had no existence. But the
objection was considered by others as
only one of form-tbat it might be con-
sidered as coming from The people of
Michigan, and was not material. An
objection was made as to her boundary
also, as being too large. 1t was also OBJ
jeeted, to the manner of her application
that the proceedings of the people
were revolutionary. in forming Consti-
tuition wthouta previous act of Congress,
dc. She had applied two years before
for such an act, was refused by the DOM
inant party in Congress.
In regard to the revolutionary act of
the people, Mr.. Buchanan said Il think
their course is clearly justiiable. Not
being able to be admitted in the way
they sought, they have been forced to
take their OaOn course, and stand upon
their rights-rights secured to them by
the Constitution, and solemn, repeal
able ordinance" "They have formed
their Constitution, elected their officers,
and the whole machinery Of aState Gov
eminent is ready to be put in operation
they are only Awaiting your action
Having assumed this attitude, they now
demand admission as matter of right;
they demand it as an act of justice at
your hands" The bill for her admis-
sion passed the Senate by vote of TWEEN
ty-four to eighteen.
The same objection was urged against
the admission OF Arkansas-that the act
of the people was revolutionary. Mr..
Morris of Ohio said cit is not neces-
sary for the power of Congress, and I
doubt whether Congress has such pow
er, to prescribe the mode by which the
people shall form State Constitution"
The bill for the admission of Arkansas
passed the Senate with but six votes
against her admission. Both bills went to
the House, and were referred to the Com
mittee of the Whole. The same oblec
tons were urged to their admission as in
the Senate. But when put to vote the
Michigan bill BASED by one hundred and
fifty three to fifty. Thus these States
were admitted into the Union.-Pitts
burgh Dispatch.