The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-07-11
KANSAS AFFAkn6 No. 2.


We have shown that Mr. NUehanan and the demo
cratic party stand upon precisely tho same ground
in relation TO the principles of sef-government in
Kansas. Their republican adversaries DANGEROUSLY
denounced both and have strenuously resisted every
effort fairly made to carry out those prl0ples. The
President called upon to fill the vacancy in the
Office of governor occasoned by the resignation OF
Geary. The peace, quiet, and general welfare OF
Kansas depend2d.upon wise selection Under or
binary circumstances il may not be difficult to
cure the services of person competent and adapt
ed TO the place. But the good of Kansas and the
welfare Of the country required that man Of
perior capacity and character should be placed
in charge of the territorial administration. The Pres
ident anxiousy sought person Of this description
His attention was turned towards Mr.. Walker, who
had long represented Mississippi in the Senate of the
United States, and had been his colleague in Mr..
Folks administration and whose capacity for the per-
Torrance of executive functions had been recently
vonched for in an emphatic manner by numerous lead
ing southern statesmen, who recommended him as
worthy and deserving to be placed at the head of
department to aid the President, among other things
in carrying out the views and wishes Of the demo-
cratic party in regard to Kansas. If qualified for
such position, it would not only be safe, but wise
and prudent, to intrust him with the executive
authority of Territory. If he had been stranger,
instead of having been associate for years in the
Senate and through ono presidential term as a
constitutional adviser Of the Executive, he would
have been justified, upon recommendations from the
South, in appointing him to the Office conferred
When first rendered the place it declined but,
- -
acceptance Mr.. Walker showed that he concurred
with the President and the democratic party
ing the policy proper to be pursued in Kansas He
said
~ understand that you and ell your cabinet cordially
in the opinion expressed by me- that the actual
bona @ residents Of the Territory of Kansas BY fair
and regular VOTE unaffected by fraud violence must
be permitted in adopting their State constitution to de-
eide for themselves what shall be their social institutions
This h the great fundamental principle of the act of Con-
gress organizing that Territory, affirmed by the Supreme
Court of the United States and is in accordance with the
views uniformly expressed by me throughout my public
career. contemplate peaceful settlement of this ques
ton by appeal to the intelligence and patriotism Of
the whole people OF Kansas, who should all participate
freely and fully in this decision, and by majority of
whose votes the determination must be made the only
proper and constitutional mode of adjustment.
This declaration Of principles met with approba-
ton everywhere except with the republicans, who,
called by them constitution. Democratic ncwspa-
pers in all quarters, congratulated their readers upon
the Kansas matters being finally committed to safe and
proper hands, with the cheering prospect of an early
and satisfactory adjustment. A leading democratic
paper in Kansas, after describing the qualifications
which governor ought to possess, said " man
of this stamp is Robert j. Walker, recently appoint
ed by President Buchanan to the executive chair Of
this Territory long and intimate acquaintance
with Mr.. Walker enables us with the utmost con
fdence and certainty, to make this statement The
President deemed it fortunate for the country and
particularly for Kansas, that he had been successful
in obtaining the services of one deemed by all demo
srats and many others suitable for the position Of
governor of that distracted Territory.
The hope of securing to the people of Kansas
every right and advantage to which they might be
entitled induced the President to search with equal
for secretary in whose ability and integrity all
would confde. Mr. Stanton had long represented
Tennessee in Congress- and had acquired widespread
reputation for talents a business man. He was
identified with the principles of the Kansas BILL and
known unhinching democrat. Both he and Mr.
Walker had represented southern constituents 10
their entire satisfaction. Mr. Stanton like Mr. Walker
accepted Office rather to crafty his democratic
friends and the demands of duty than because he
desired the place conferred. The personal and po-
litical characters of both gave ample that
the laws in Kansas would be ably and faithfully adj
ministered.
Under these circumstances, not disposed to
be queruous could fail to approve the Presidents
appointment of these gentlemen and least of all could
q southern man do 50.
Has the President, since these appointments, in
any respect changed his ground in relation to Kansas
affars2 Certainly he has not His instructions
show that his former avowed opinions still controlled
his action. On this subject he said:
The regular legislature of the Territory having au-
thorized the assembling Of convention to frame con-
sttuon to be accepted reectcdby Congress under the
provisions of the federal constitution the people of Kan
have the right to be protected in the peaceful election
Of delegates for such purpose under such authority and
the convention itself has right similar protection in
the opportunity of tranquil and undisturbed elaboration
When such constitution shall he submitted TO the peo-
pie Of the Territory they be protected in the exer-
else Of their right of voting for against that nstr
ment and the fair expression of tho popular will must not
be interrupted by fraud or violence
copy of these instructions was furnished Mr.
Stanton for his guidance, as he preceded Mr.. Walker
by several weeks in reaching Kansas Surely no
candid mind will arrive at the conclusion that the