New-York daily tribune., 1857-09-07
Netp1lork DAILY @ribm,tt
KANSAS.
THE CONVENTION.

from Orr Special Correspondent.
GRAssHOPPER FALLS, X. T., Aug, 81, 1857.
The Convention Just assembled at this place was
respectfully attended, although not very large ore.
Some confusion had been created owing to the
awkward character of the call. 1t was designed
in the first place to have only Mass Convention OF
the people. This was for the purpose of making
il appesr that it was not movement of the Free
State party. Subsequently an amendment was IN
troduced by which it provided that there should
be also Delegate Convention t. make nominations,
provided il WIS determined TO 60 into the election.
As matter Of course there was some little e0nfu.
sion as to the relative functions Of the Mass and
Delegate Conventions. Judge G.. W. Smith was
elected Chairman; Messrs. Ross, Miller, Elliot and
KOb were elected Secretaries. Committee OF
Business was appointed, Of which Gen. Lane was
Chairman. Some discussion ensued as to how the
Committee should be raised. Gen Lane, in making
the motion for the Committee, proposed That ~ %
of two persons from each Territorial Council Dis
trict Objections were urged against taking bogus
arrangements in any case. Gen. Lsne said ne did
not want this Convention to be regarded as Free
State Convention. An eilsrt was made by some TO
get the Delegate Convention organized ~ once, 50
that il could assume all the business. This failed,
however large portion OF those present were
delegates.
In the afternoon the discussion began. Two
speeches were delivered prior to the introduction Of
the report Jas. Redpath, esq, and the Rev. r. b.
Foster Of Nebraska spoke. Mr. Foster dwelt on the
interest manifested in the Kansas struggle else
where, and of its importance. Mr.. Redpath said
that tie Convention must decide three things:
First, should the people 90 into the election
SecoId, if they went in, on what bssis they would
go in-whetber the apportionment, the taxes, and
the other bogus qualifications would be required
and lastly what use would be made of this legisla.
tive power, if obtained. Whether the Territorial
Government should be perpe.uated, or If 1t should
merely be destroyed to make way for the Topeka
Constitution.
Gen. Lane reported for the Committee. The
report WAS explicit on one polnt-ths COnVe entlOn
Dc eide to 60 into the election; but was vagse on
all others. Ne steps were taken to secure a fair
representation in case the election should be carried
under the bogus appOrtionnent. No provision was
made to secure vote independent Of paying taxes.
DR.. Davis Of Leavenworth moved that the report
be at adopted, the design being to cut of de-
bate. Judge Conway objected. On division. the
report was thrown before the Convention Judge
Conway took the stand, and made an able and elo-
quent speech against the report and against the
policy Of voting. We were abandoning all our old
ground. We were sacrificing principle fos doubt
full e1pediency This was the position that the
enemy bad been laboing all sbng to make us take,
and if the people thoroughly understood it, they
never would jeopardize this position.
Gen. Lane was called On the stand. He made 8
erest effort in defense Of the report aud ye. hs sd
mt,ed that under the circumstances its eIpediency
WAS very doubtful. He lkened this movement 70 an
attempt at escape through the filth slulces Of a
pri.oD. They should ponder carefully wha. action
thew took. The safety Of the cause OF Freedom de-
nended on the issue. The speaker Wen. Of from
ths ,ubect under discussion during the course OF bis
remarks. Lately be (Lane) had been prevented
fcn speaking in At.bison BY band Of rider
Rui,p,, Who bad threatened his lie IN ease hs ~.
! ienIp,ed 70 speak. sops few Vi 'he PeNPIe oi