The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-12-30
THE PAST ISSUE IN KANSAS.

We are beginning to receive some accounts of the
election which was held in Kansas ON the 2lst Not
enough yet known to enable to judge accurately
of the number of votes cast the decision of the
jorty OH the question submitted. But, whatever may
be the result of the ballotng the great fact remains
true that the question of slavery has been submitted
to the popular determination. 1t was submitted,
moreover, by competent authority. The conven-
lion might have submitted the whole constitution
had it preferred to do so and this would have been
clearly legal submission. Equally legal the
submission of part of the constitution and the
people of Kansas, therefore, had legitimate oppor-
tunity to determine the slavery question the 2lst
instant beyond dispute or cavil Ex-Gov. Walker de-
clares that this question settled in Kansas be-
fore he went there. Judge Douglas protests that it
has no special interest for him and those who take
their cue from these distinguished gentlemen repeat
with one accord, that slavery in Kansas is an obso
lete idea. We will not inquire how far these
declarations correct but since the slavery ques
ton was submitted to the people on the 2lst, we
see no good reason why it should not then have been
adjusted. If it was obsolete before, it must be
doubly obsolete now, and we sincerely trust that
there will be no further attempt to create excite
ment about it.
Unhappily, however, whatever may be the con-
diton of the slavery Issue in Kansas the Topeka
agitators there are still busy in their work of mis-
chief and sti endeavor to interrupt the business of
the country by creating disturbances in that Terri
tory. This is too bad and it is quite time that the
process should be interrupted If it is in the power
of handful of disorderly men in Kansas, who have
no grievance to complain of, who have fertile lands
almost given them, and the benefits of good gov
eminent within their reach--if these men can peri
odically convuse the country, and rebel with impu
nifty against the government, then, indeed, do we
present sorry spectacle to the world. Here we
are with great questions affecting the whole confed
eracy Of States pressing for solution with events at
home and abroad claiming utmost attention
here we are indulging in metaphysical speculatons
about sovereignty and indivisible' and wasting
words on issues declared to be obsolete
The whole population of Kansas does not yet equal
that of a suburb Of one Of our popuous Atlantic
cities yet the interests of handful of agitators in
that Territory, who are now playing soldiers, colo
nes and generals, with bowie knives in their sleeves
and revolvers in their belts, absolutely usurp a
prominence in affairs beyond that Of onr foreign
policy, our financial condition, and our widespread
commerce.. 5
Why should Kansas continue to be in the way Of
all other business before Congress? Why should a
few thousand men, not all of them chosen from the
most substantial farmers and business people Of the
country possess the faculty of changing great fed
eral issues order to crafty individual ambition at
The expense Of the harmony Of the Union?
Let us get rid Of this Kansas imbroglio as fast as
possible !! Let the people of Kansas regulate their
domestic affairs in their own way, as they can
best do after being admitted into the Union let Kan
sas to be apresidental questions and let that
happy Territory become, as early possible, peace
full and prosperous State Kansas" (says the Pres
ident in his late message) has for some years oc-
cuped too much Of the public attention. II is high
time this should be directed to far more important
or with or without slavery, the excitement beyond
her own limits will speedily pass away, and she viii
then for the first time be left, as she ought to have
been long since, to manage her own affairs in her
own way If her constitution on the subject of
slavery or on any other subject, be displeasing to
majority Of the people, no human power prevent
them from changing it within brief period. Under
these circumstances, il may well be questioned
whether the peace and quiet of the whole country
are not Of greater importance than the mere tempo
rary triumph Of either of the political parties in
Kansas. !"