Mountain Democrat., 1857-10-10

alone, does this question belong, free from
all foreign interference.
In the opinion of the Territorial Lcgis-
lature of Kansas, the time had arrived for
entering the Union, and they accordingly
passed law to elect delegates for the pur-
pose of framing a State Constitution
This law was fair and just in its provis-
ions. 1t conferred the right of suffrage
on every bona fdc inhabitant of the Ter
ritory; and for the purpose of preventing
fraud and the intrusion Of citizens of near
or distant States, most properly confined
this right TO those who reside therein
three months previous to the election
Here fair opportunity was presented for
all the qualified residents of the Territory,
to whatever organization they might have
previously belonged, to participate in the
election, and to express their opinions at
the ballot box on the question of slavery.
But numbers of lawleSs men still contin-
ucd to resist the regular Territorial Gov
crnment.
They refused either to be registered or
to vote, and the members Of the Convcn-
tion were elected, legally Il properly,
without their intervention The Convcn-
ton will soon assemble tO perform the
solemn duty Of framing Constitution for
themselves and their postcrity; and in
the state of incipicnt rebellion which still
exists in Kansas, It is my imperative duty
to employ the troops of the United States,
should this become necessary, in defend
ing the Convention against violence while
framing the Constitution, and in protect
ing the "JOnd. .flc inhabitants" qualified
to vote under the provision of this inStru-
mcnt, in the free exercise of the right Of
suffrage when it shall be submitted to
them for their appreciation or rejection.
have entire confidence in Governor
Walker, that the troops will not be en-
ployed. except to resist actual aggression
or in the execution of the laws and this
not until the power of the civil magistrate
shall prove unavaiing. Following the
wise example of Mr. Madison towards the
Hartford Convention, illegal and danger
Gus combinations, such as that Of the To-
peka Convention, will not be disturbed
unless they shall attempt to perform some
act which will bring them into actual col
lision with the constitution and the laws
In that event they shall be resisted and
put down by the whole power of the gov
crnmcnt. In performing this duty shall
have the appreciation of my own con-
science, and, as humbly trust, of my
God.
thank you for the assurance that you
will "nOt refrain from the prayer that Al
mighty God will make my administration
al example Of justice and bcniliccncc. -
You can greatly assist me in arriving ut
this blessed conSummation, by cXcrting
your influence in allaying the existing Sec
tional excitement on the subject of slave
ry, which has been productive of much
evil and no good, and which, if it could
succeed in attaining its object, would ruin
the slave as we'll as his master This
would be work of genuine philanthropy.
Every day Of my life l feel how made
quatc am to perform the duties of my
high station without the continued sup
port Of Divine Providence; yet placing my
trust in Him, and in Him alone, enter.
tain good hope that lie will enable me
to do equal justice to all portions of the
Union, and thus render me humble in
strumcnt in restoring peace and harmony
among the people of the several States.
Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BrCnANAN.