The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1857-09-10

Slavery existed at that period, and still
exists in X ansls, under the constitution u
the United States. This point has ut last
been finally settled by the highest tribunal
known 10 our laws. How il could ever
have been seriously doubted Ia mystery.--
n confederation u sovereign States nc
quire ncw territory at the expense Of their
common blood AMI treasure, surely one set
Of the partners can have no right TO exclude
the other from il enjoyment, by prohibiting
them from taking into II whatever is rcc0g.
nilol TO be property by the common consti-
tuition. But when the people the bona
fds residents Of such territory proceed 10
frame State Constitution, then il is their
right To decide the important question for
themselves whether they will continue, mod
ify or abolish slavery. To them and TO
them alone does this question belong, free
from oil foreign interference.
In the opinion OF the Territorial Icgisla-
turc Of Kansas the time had arrived tor en-
terinv the Union, and they accordingly
passed. law 10 elect delegates for thu pur.
pCsc Of framing u State Constitution. This
law WAS fair and just In its provisions. II
conferred the right of suffrage on "evcry bond
6ds inhabitant Vi the Territory apJ for the
purpose Of preventing fraud and the intru.
sion Of citizens Of near or distant States
most properly confined this right 10 those
who had residci therein three months pre-
vioA 10 The election Here u fair 0pportu.
nifty was presented tor a!l the qualified resi-
dent citizens of the Territory, 10 whatever
organization they might have previously be
lOnged. 10 participate Ia the election, and 10
express fhdif dPiliiUts lit thu ballot BOX OH
the question Of slavery.
But numbers of lawcss men still contin-
ucd 10 resist the regular Territorial govern
ment. They refused either To be registered
or u vote, and the members Of the Conycn-
ton were elected, legally and properly, with
out their intervention. The convention will
soon assemble to perform tho solemn duty
Of framing constitution for themselves and
their po~tcrity and In the state of incpicn,
rebellion which still exists 10 kansas, il il
my imperative duty To employ the troops Of
the United states, should this become ncc,s
sary, in defending the convention against vi.
olence whilst framing the constitution, and
IN procuring the bona ME inhabitants"
qualified to vote under the provisions Of this
instrument 10 the free exercise Of the right
Of suffrage when il shall bc submitted to
them FOR their appreciation or rejection.
| have entire confidence IN Governor
Walker, that the troops will not I've employ
cd except 10 resist actual aggression or IN
the execution Of the laws and this not I'M.
I'll the power Of the civil magistrate shall
prove unayailing. Following the wis. OK
ample of Mr.. Madison towards the Hart
ford Convention, Illegal aud dangerous com.
bina,ioBs such NJ that Of the Topeka Con
vent,on will pot h. disturbed unless they
shall attempt 10 perform some act which will
bring them into actual collision with the
constitution and the laws. In that event
they shall be- resisted and pu, down by the
whole power Of the government. In per.
forming this duty shall have the approba.
ton II my own conscience and rs | humby
trust. Of my God
! thank you for the assurance that you
will not refrain from the prayer that the
Almighty God will make my administration
nh example of justice and bcneiicence. '---
Sou can greatly assist me in arriving ut
this blessed contamination. by exerting your
Whu'h'c in "ia.h'S 'hc VA'tHbS Sce'i'1al
excitement On the subject of slavery which
In. bcon productive Of much e,ll AMI no
good and which, IL i, could succeed in at
tanning its object would ruin the slave ~
wcllas his master. This would be IA work
Of genuine philanthropy Every day OF
my HE ! feel how inadequate am 10 per
form the duties OF my high station without,
the continued supper, OF Divine Providence.
yet placing my trust in Him, and Him
alone, entertain good hope TIM, h. viii
enable me- To do equal justice to all portions
OF the mon. and thus render me an hum.
blc instrument in restoring peace and lar-
mony among the people 81 the several States.
Yours very respectfully,