The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-11-26

Last night, we had thunder storm, which
turned into snow stern, and has been snow
| ing all day, with very cold west wind, and lie
altogethet the most disagreeable day ever
witnessed in November.
Politics ore at stand still in this region
the financial panic having overriden everything
else. 1t is very strange, but it is an undenable
fact, that the panic has helped the Bogus De-
mocracy to a triumph in Ohio. Nothing short
OF another outrage On the rights OF the work
ing men will bring the people to the polls in
their strength.
The Kansas Imbroglio, &c.
Washington, Nov. 2O.-The hopes which
have beeo entertained Of speedy and final ad
justment of the Kansas difficulties, by lccalizing
and taking out of Congress and national poll
tics the question of Slavery, are likely to be
disappointed. These hopes were founded upon
superstition that the Convention would sub
NIT the entire government to the people, in
conformity with the principle assumed by the
Kansas. Nebraska act, that the people should
be " perfectly free to form and regulate their
domestic institutions in their own wav." This
being done, it was believed that the Free State
party would abandon their wanton project.
which was illegally formed at Topeka, and that
matters would take a regular and peaceful
course.
| 1t seems, however, that the Free State party
will organize an opposition to the Constitution,
and will, at any rate, refuse to take the cath
required as preliminary to voting, to wit
that they will support this Constitution if adopt
ed. They take the ground that it cannot be
| adopted except in opposition to the wishes of a
large majority of the inhabitants and that it is
| intended to fasten it upon then in violation of
the organic act constituting the Territorial Gov.
ernment. As they will not take the oath re-
quired by the l4th section of the schedule, they
will be excluded from voting. Again, the cleo
tons which are to be held under the direction
of the authorities constituted by the Conven.
tom viii as the Free State men assume, be 50
conductsj as to defeat the popular will, as
would have been done in regard to the late
election IF members of the Legislature and a
Delegate to Congress, but for the interposition
of Gov. Walker and Secretary Stanton.
1t doe not matter whether these objections
are reas1 enable or not. The fact is not to be
question ID that the majority Of the Kansas peo-
pile inteEi to maintain them, even in opposition
TO the General Government, should it take part
with the Convention. This majority may be
misled, and may act even under factious inhu-
ences; but still they claim right to frame
their Constitution in their own way, instead of
adopting one that is framed for them by the
|
small minority of the legal voters of Kansas.
Who shall settle this new and serious diff
Guilty? 1t is beyond Gov. Walkers skill or
province to do it. The Administration WILL it
is said, maintain the action of the Convention.
But it is more likely that they will leave the
matter - the judgment of Congress. Governor
Walker. it is said, fully concurs with the Con.
vention. he is expected here in day or two.
as the resignation of Mr.. Stanton does not take
effect TIL the 2lst of December. Mr.. Stanton
will till that day act as Governor during the
absence of Gov. Walker.-Cor. Ball. Sun.
1.-The Approaching Congress, &C.
Washington, Nor. 23.-Congress is at hand
We see many signs of the session, and it cannot
fail to be one of much interest The season
point of view, notwithstanding the pressure of
the times, which, by the way, is little felt here,
or BY those who ordinarily contribute to the
gayetiea and socialities of this city.
We are to see what effect the salary law is
to have on the length of the session. Some
have supposed that it would prompt Congress
to an early and perhaps premature adjourn
ment. 1t would be well for members to con-
slider the chance of being called back, in
special session, at their own expense, if they
close the session too early. In the present state
of the worlds affairs, and indeed of affairs near
to us, events may arise very suddenly which
may red uire the attention of Congress. If Con-
gress sdjourn in June, to enjoy their ample
salary t home, it will be in anticipation of 20.
ktical contingencies which might require their
presenfs.
| Gov rnor Walker had arrived at Boonville,
on his Jay to this city, according to advices yes
] terday, received. Whatever may be his position
.upon I ,e subject of the action of the Constitu.
tional Convention, it will command 80 much re-.
spect ON all parties to the question as to de-
termip :, it before Congress and the public. 1t
! is bell we'd that he supports the course of the
Convection, though possibly he may have OBJ.
jectioos to portions of the Constitution and
schednIe. The acceptance by Congress of the
Consultation which may be presented will take
this Troublesome subject out of that body, and
out of general politics. This is great object,
| and it ought not to be defeated by any unrea-
soIsble objections on the part Of the Free State
rnel of Kansas.
| Whether the Constitution suits the wishes of
the maj ority or not in every particular, is of
little Importance to them, considering the fact
that they can alter it within a year, and every
year thereafter, to their entire content, through
sher Conventions, called by their Legislature
They deride, 1t is said, the provision of the
schedule which authorizes amendments to the
Constitution after the year 1864, well knowing
that If it prohibits amendments before that time,
it 10 nugstory. But that is not the legal con.
struction of the provision; Its meaning being
that after the year named j: shall require two
thirds of the Legislature to call Convention.
Until that year, therefore, the Legislature may,
hy bare majority, &C. upon the subject.
1t was supposed that the British press would
pour out food of abuse upon Americans and
their institutions, a Ia Sidney Smith, in conse,
quence of the financial embarrassments of this
country. But the superstition is not entirely
vsri6ed.-Corr. Bak. Sun.