Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-03-20
POLITICAL,

the last ISSUE relate almost exclusively to the dis.
cussion of the Kansas question, which Mt present
engrosses the earnest attention of both Houses Of
Congress. There, as elsewhere throughout the
country, the solution Of this vexed question is
deemed of paramount Importance; and while it is
pending, no other measure, however important,
can command q hearing. This is just to our
mind; we would not have it otherwise. Let the
issue be thus presented boldly and stripped Of all
surroundings, and, by itself and on its own mer-
its, let it be decided.
Inasmuch as this is hereafter to be regarded az
the all important topic, we shall not do amiss by
refreshing the mind Of the reader with o resume
of the events which have contributed to make mp
the issue 1t will be remembered that in accord
ance with the provisions of the Kansas Nebraska
Act, the people of Kansas proceeded to organize
Territorial government, and, at the period desig-
mated by their Governor, held an election for
members of the Territorial Legislature. In this
election notwithstanding the vigorous and we'll d-
rected efforts of Abolition Aid Societies, abettel
by the schemes of Governor Reeder, the Free
State party was signally defeated The members
chosen, were known to be, almost without e1cep-
ton favorable to the introduction of the institu-
ton of slavery into the Territory. Again, in ae-
cordance with the law, the Legislature thus elect
ed, after having procured certificates duly attest
ed by the Governor, was convened by his EIcellen-
cy at Pawnee and, among other Acts, provided
for the election by the people of Delegate to the
National Congress On the first Monday in Octo-
ber, the ballottings were held at the several pa-
ces designated, and by well-nigh an unanimous
vote, the election was declared in favor of Mr..
Whitfield, the Delegate now admitted temporarily
to seat in the House of Representatives.
But the Free-Sol party at the North were not
content thus to be thwarted in their schemes. In
obedience to instructions their emissares in Kan
sas brought in question the legality Of the Terri
torial Legislature, repudiated its acts procee-
ded in violation of all law to organize separate
and distinct government. Meeting in Convention,
they determined to take no part in the election or
dcred by the Legislature; but, on the other hand,
appointed another time for the election Of Dele
gate of their own exclusive choosing. Thus Gov
ernor Reeder was chosen, with q unanimity equal
ly marked with that attending the election of Mr..
Whitfield More:-Once under way, they perse-
yered in their violent and revolutionary measures,
until now, after having devised what they term
State Constitution and, in accordance Tithits pro-
visions, having elected Governor and other off,
GERS, they announce their readiness to apply for
admission as State into the Union!
These separate and distinct organizations,-
both claiming to be the government Of Kansas and
both demanding recognition as such, are now be-
fore the bar Of Congress. In the Senate, the
question has been introduced by the majority Re-
port of Senator Douglass, Chairman Of the Com
mittee OH Territories, upon the Presidents Kan
sas Message, in which the affairs of the territory
are reviewed, the legality of the Kansas Legisla-
ture recognized, and the views of the special mes
sage firmly and ably sustained. A minority re-
port has also been submitted by Mr.. Collamer,
"attributng the present troubles to the abrogation
of the Missouri Compromise, asking repeal ofthe
Act, demanding reorganization Of the territorial
government on the free principle, and declaring
the acts of the present Legislature spurious and
imperative" The debates, thus far by Judge
Butler and Judge Douglass on one side and by
Messrs. Seward and Sumner on the other, promi-
ses to he of the fiercest and most vrulent charac
ter: but as far ms the Senate is concerned the is
sue will at last be decided in accordance with the
an:ecedents of that truly conservative and patri-
otic body.
In the House, the issue, involving precisely the
same points, is made to turn upon the decision Of
the election case contested between Whitfield and
Reeder. The Committee of elections, to whom
the matter hal been referred, reported a resolu-
tion several weeks ago, empowering them to send
to Kansas for ''persons and papers" to be en-
ployed as evidence The resolution was not ac-
companied by the usual report detailing the rea-
sons for such procedure, md was accordingly
recommitted. subsequently it was again, SUBJ
mtted with an elaborate report urging the proprie-
ty of the proposed measure. The minority, Mes
srs. Stephens, of Georgia, Smith of Alabama,
and Oliver, of Missouri, made IN adverse report;
and between the two documents, representing the
opinions Of the contendng parties, debate has
sprung up which in all probability is destined to
occupy much, if not all, Of the valuable time of
the House during the session What the end will
be it, is of course impossible 10 foretel with GER
tainty. 1t is probable, however, that, while not
shadow Of reason can be adduced to legalize
the claim of Reeder, the election of Whitfield will
be declared void, and the contest be referred back
to the people of the Territory, with the expecta-
ton that q number of emigrants can be transpor-
ted to the field Of action sufficient to turn the
scale in favor of the Free-State party. In view
of this result, the correspondent Of the Mercury
says
The bill organizing the Territories Of Kansas
and Nebraska, orders the Governor to take CEN
sus of the population; to distribute the number
of Representatives among the districts to appoint
the places and time for holding the election, and
persons to superintend it; and then says that
thereafter the whole power of the subject shall
be in the Territorial Legislature. Thus you will
see, that the election having been held under the
bill, all the power under it, in the hands of the
Governor, has been exhausted Now, if the