The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1856-08-07


which abandon and override the principle Of
popular sovereignty, and contrary to all for
mer precedent in the government Of Territo-
ries, deprise all foreigners WHO have declared
their intention 10 become citizens from voting,
although the organic act organizing the Ter
ritory secures to foreigners this right.
This bill however is made to appear plaus-
ble upon its face, but when closely examined
in connection with the circumstances, It's de-
sign is apparent, though it even at this late
day nulfies a portion Of the enactments Of
the Border Rufian Legislature, the attempt
ed enforcement Of which has caused all the
anarchy and boodshed in the Territory
The passage of this bill would make Kansas
a slave state beyond all question. J his the
pro-slavery men well knew. Itprovides that
at an election to be held in November next,
for the election of members to convention
TO form a state constitution, no one shall vote
unless he "shall have been an inhabitant of
the Territory on the fourth of July, 1856"
except those who shall have absented them
selves in consequence uf the disturbances
therein, and who shall return before the first
day Of October next, and prove to the salts
faction of the Government commissioners
that they left in consequence of the disturb
ances. For some time previous to the pas.
sage of this bill by the senate, free state men
were not permitted to enter Kansas. A body
Of South Carolinians and border ruffians or
ganized into militia companies under the bo-
gus laws of the territory, with government
arms in their hands, intercepted them, even
ii they were so fortunate as to reach the bor-
ders Of Kansas while pro.slavery men were
left free to enter. If anything is wanting to
satisfy any man who is desirous of arriving
at the truth, of the deceptive character Of
this bill, l think it would be found in the fact
that a constitution formed by convention
thus elected under the management of the
present administration is not to be submitted
to the people for their approval. This, be-
lieve, is the first instGnce when a constitution
for state government has been authorized
to be formed and put in operation, without
submission Of its final ratification to the vote
of the people, but to DO so in this case might
hazard the interest of slavery. Hence the
constitution is proposed to be forced upon the
people of Kansas without their approval, and
this I suppose Mr.. Douglas and his colleagues
would have the people believe is Democratic.
and carrying out the principles of popular
sovereignty.
Who would be SO credulous as to believe
that if this bill is passed under such circum.
stances there would 10! be shown to the sat
isfaction of the government commissioners a
pro-slavery majority in Kansas on the fourth
day of July inst. If this bill should become
a law, the only hope for Kansas becoming a
free state will be in congress refusing to adj
NIT her with a slave constitution, obtained
through fraud and yiolence-and this can on
y be accomplished by desisive and firm cx-
preston Of the free men of the North.
Then let every elector who believes that
fine territory situated in the geographical cen
tire Of our country should be the home Of
respectable white latorers, instead Of being
monopolized by slave owners, with all the at
tending evils, cast his vote in manner to
bring about such a result Slavery or Free
dom must have It. It is fallacy to talk
about joint occupancy by white and slave
laborers, unless we are willing to degrade
white laborers to level socially and morally
with the slaves. JAMES MYERS.