Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-12-02

nit the Onueis vi slaves 10 emancipale
them from becoming a public charge
They shall have power TO revent slaves
from being brought into this State as
merchandise, and also to oblige the own
ers of slaves to treat them with humani-
Iy, TO provide forthem necessary food and
clothing. 10 abstain from all injuries to
them excepting TO life and limb; and in
case of their neglect or refusal TO com
ply with the direction of such laws. to
have such slave or slaves sold for the
benefit of the owner or owners.
SEC. 9. In the prosecution of slaves
for crimes of higher grade than peti, lar
ceny, the Legislature shall have no pow
err to deprive 'hem of al impartial trial
by petit jury.
SEC. 3. Any person who shall mali
ciously dismember DR. deprive a slave OF
life. shall suffer such punishment as
would be inflicted in case the like offense
had been committed on a free white per
son, and on liks proof, except in case of
resurrection of such slave.
But this, it seems, does not amount TO
q prohibition of slavery, for the schedule
provides that even should the people
vote out the slavery" clause, the Leg
stature shall not even by emancipation
and compensation interfere with the
rights of property in slaves. which rights
of property it is declared now exist in
Kansas; and in order to make assurance
doubly sure, it is further provided that
no proposition for a change of constitu-
ton, shall be considered until after the
year 1864, and ever then. ii a majority
of all the citizens OF the State shall vote
for q second Convention TO amend or re.
wise the constitution. that mo alteration
shall be made to affect the right Of pro
perty in slaves" so that any alteration
is prohibited for ten years. and all in
reference with slavery, which it declares
actually exists in the State, is tarever
prohibited.
This action does not allow of that eI-
preston of approval or disappvoval TO
which the people of Kansas are entitled.
And we reiterate what we have said be
fore, that Congress will have this ques.
ton before it. whether the constitution
with which Kansas asks admission, con
tains the expression Of the will of that
people. to whom the country has given
its sacred pledges. that it shall have the
opportunity TO regulate its own institu
tons in its own way. The opinions Of
the press, both in the North and South,
are worthy of attention."
The Chicago Times (Douglas' organ
says:
The question arises what is to be done
next? There is something said of a call
ed session of the legislature of the Ter
If that body be convened, it will
doubtless submit in some form or other,
constitution TO the people. These two
rival propositions will come before Con-
gress for action. We suppose the Free
State men will not vote upon the ques-
ton submitted to them by this conven-
ton, and that the friends Of this consti-
tuition will not vote at the election or
dered by the Legislature.
These whole proceedings have been
irregular. The Topeka Constitution had
authority. nor has the present cons,i-
nor will the constitution which
may be formed b. order of the present
Legislature; neither OF these instruments
can possess any authority until recogniz-
ed by Congress. Congress, therefore.
sill probability will have three consii-
Iutions before it, each irregular in its
and esch representing tie
of \ portion of the people OF the
Territory. The only regular mode Of
providing for the admission Of new States
IS the formation of = constitution in pur
suance of an act of Congress defining the
of The new State, and fixing
he terms, manner &C., of electing the
members of the convention.
At all events, it should be remember
I'd that in 1854, the solemn pledge was
made 10 the people of Kansas. that they
should be free to regulate their own do
nestle institutions in their own way. and
hat when they, the people Of Kansas,
nad passed q constitution 10 suit the m
Kansas was 10 be admitted into
he Union. All action by the Democra-
ic party must have in view the faithful
Of that pledge.
From the philadelphia. Press.
H QUESTION OF 8 EMISSION.