The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-10-01

The great leading features Of that Ac, is
the right therein conferred upon the ac-
tual and bona ,fde inhabitants of this ter
ritory in the exercise of self-govcrnment
to determine for themselves what shall bt
their own domestic institutions, subject
only to the Constitution and the laws duly
enacted by Congress under it." TIL
people, accustomed to self government in
the States from whence they came, and
having removed to this territory with the
bona ide intention of making it their fu-
ture residence were supposed to be capa-
BILE of creating their own municipal gov
ernment, and tc be the best judges OF
their own local necessities and institutions
This is what is termed "popnlar sever
eighty" BY this phrase we simply mean
the right of the majority Of the people of
the several States and Territories, being
qualified electors, to regulate their own
domestic concerns, and TO make their owu
municipal laws Thus understood this
doctrine underlies the whole system of
Republican government. 1t is the great
right of self-government, for the establish
ment Of which our ancestors in the stormy
days of the revolution, pledged "thcir
lives, their fortunes, and their sacred
honor"
A doctrine SO emincntly just should re-
ceive the willing homage of every Amer
lean citizen. When legtimaicly express
ed and duly ascertained, the will of the
majority must be the imperative rule If
civil action for every aw-abiding citizen.
This simple, just rule of faction, has brought
order out Of chaos and, by progress
unparalleled in the history of the work,
had made few feeble infant ce,ou,s !,
giant eonfederated republic
No man, conversant with the state Of
affairs now in Kansas, can close his eyes
to the fact that much civil disturbance has
for long time past existed in this terri
tory. Various reasons have been assign
ed for this unfortunate condition OF affairs,
aud numerous remedies have been pro-
posed.
The House of Representatives of the
United States have ignored the claims of
both gentlemen claiming the legal lright to
represent the people of this territofy in
that body. The Topeka Constitution,
recognized by the House, has teen repu-
dated by the Senate Various measures
each in the opinion of its respective ar'
vocates, suggestive of peace 10 Kansas,
have been alternately proposed and re-
jected. Men outside IF tie territory i'll
various sections of the Union, Influenced
by reasons best known 10 them>ol,Cs have
to stir ny intsr.al S;rf,,, and
to array brother against brother W.
In this conflict of opi,jon and for The
promotion Of the most unworthy puri oSes,
Kansas is left TO suffer, her people 20
mourn, and her prosperity is endangered.
Is there no remedy for these evils ?
Cannot the wounds of Kansas be healed,
aud peace he restored to all her horters
Men of the North-men of the South
Of the East and Of the West, IN Kansos-
you, and you alone, have the remedy in
your own hands Will you not suspend
fafricidal strife Will you not cease to
regard each other as enemies, and look
1pon one another aS the children of
eoinmon mother, and come and reason
1oeether2
Let us Danish all outside influences
from our deliberations, and assemble
around our council board, with the Con-
stitufton of our country and the Organic:
{ Z, = 5<,f tt,o rTerritorv nc tho rrn,t charts
for our guidance and direction The
bona tfde inhabitants of this Territory
alone, are charged with the solemn duty
Of cnactiag her laws, upholding her gov
eminent, maiptaining peace and laying
the foundation for "a future common
wealth.
On this point let there be perfect
unity Of sentiment. 1t is the first great
step towards the attainment of peace. Ii
will inspire confidence amongst ourselves,
aRd insure the respcct5of the whole coun-
fry. Let US show ourselves worthy aud
capable Of self-government
Do not the ishabitants 81 this Territory
W understand what donietic iustiu-
@0ited to their condl0 0on--what
g most cendnciye to tbeir pros
81 AaPp than the.eitizens
6 dlI # Fep ighboring Statcss
JiS Telf Regulating our own
1i[ q atten{lllg TO our own busisess
m interference from others, has
I1I lIf<e7 4 to is 6 the law which
Ia61|6 f0fs l,6 organization
This, right Of self.
- 6Fiv i|e8e gnarah ahteed to