Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-12-02

The kANzAs QUESTION AT WASHINGTON.
We find in the New York Journal OF Com
merce of Monday evening, Ca democratic pa
perl the following clear and lucid statement
from its Washington correspondent, of the
position of Governor Walker, the President
and his cabinet, in regard to the action OF the
Constitutional Convention of Kenzas:
"Ihe Kanzas question III its new aspect,
absorbs the attention OF pnhlc men, and of
the administration, aud also of the press.
Before long it Is to come before Congress.
Meanwhile parties are taking their position
in regard to it. Governor Walker has ex-
planned to the President the facts and prince
Piles which have governed his action, and his
present position. He could not without
disregard OF his instructions, Of his pledge to
the people, and of the principles OF tie Kan
zas Nebraska act, and of popular government
itself, have taken any other course than that
which he has taken, and intends, un6oubted-
ly, TO pursues
He was surprised to find, on his arrival
here, that his position in regard to the action
of the Constitutional Convention was not
known, and was the ubiect of doubt and
contradictory statements. He, or his friends
for him, had taken care as early as the 9th
ult., to telegraph to this city the facts of the
case, stating his objections to the act of the
Convention, and apprising the administration
of the approach of a fearful crisis. But it
seems that this information was not received,
or not needed.
Governor Walker states that nine. tenths of
the Kanzas people, including many Of the
pro-slavery Democrats, are decidedly hostile
to the course of the Convention. III so far as
1t preeludes the people from voting upon the
Constitution as a whole. The partial submls-
sion of the slavery question to the people is
entirely unsatisfactory. The people, almost
in mass, are determined to resist the declara-
ton of the Convention, even if backed by the
authority of the administration, and of Con-
gress itself. Almost every man and woman,
too, will refuse to submit to any government
framed in virtue Of this Constitution.
These facts being admitted, it follows that
fearful crisis is at hand, unless the action of
the Convention be, i'll some way, superseded
or evaded by Congress. ltis not necessary for
the Executive to interfere in the matter, at its
present stage. The Administration might
have left the subject for the consideration of
Congress, without any attempt to bias their
decision, which ought to turn their eonstruc-
ton of theNebrsska, Kanzas act, with the adop-
ton of which the present Administration had
nothing to do. 1t was even supposed tor
some days past, notwithstanding the article in
the linton, that the administration would
keep aloof from the question. But it is now
understood that the Union has faithfully rep
resented their sentiments on the subject
1t is very certain that Mr.. Buchanan and
his Cabinet are a unit in opposition to Gov.
Walker views, and in support of the LIE.
compton constitution, and the action of the
convention. They are in favor of the adop-
tlon by Congress of that constitution in the
form in which it may be presented Wheth-
er they have before them a copy of the con.
stiIution is uncertain. Gov. Walker has not
seen ii. 1t is in the hands of committee who
are to present it to Congress alter the 2Ist of
December, when 4 minority ofthe people may
vote upon it for the anti. convention party,
consisting of nine tenths OF the people, will
not vote apon it as submitted
The ground taken by the administration is,
that the Convention was regularly organized,
though not under any authority of Congress,
and that their action ought to be considered
as the action OF the people; and that, if the
Constitution be accepted, the people can, as
they please, in regular mode, alter the Con-
stltution to please themselves. BY accepting
the Constitution. Congress are nd OF the dis
turbing topic, and it win be thrown back
to the people to be settled as a local affair.
But in answer to this, it is contended that
she people have the right of self government
from the start. and that the Constitution is a
nullity, until it is submitted to them, as a
whole, and by them accepted