Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-04-16

they have not taken all this trouble for
nothing. And as the lsame reasons which
induced US to take our position in the begin-
ming remain, and the same circumstances
still exist, why should we not maintain our
position.
Now, the Pro-Slavery party is about
getting up Constitution also. They will
not hesitate to perfect an organisation
under it. Their purpose 10 undoubtedly to
set State government in motion as seon 40
posi- bic. with Stringfellow or Atchison as
Governor, and continue it. either in or out
OF The Union. If ours is allowed to die, all
will then be lost. The House oI Represen-
talives have once, passed bill admitting
it. We are half way out Of the woods
now. But if we neglect to re-elect State
Legislature next August, our Constitution
will eventually die, for all the Offices -u1der
it will become vacant, and there will be no
mrsns of again filling theri Thenswhst is
there to prevent the admission OF the other!
In such u case that would have no GQmpe-
tition. And though We do not participate
in The formation OF theirs, We yet can have
no means or showing this and of proving it
to mere party movement, except by
voting under and tor our own. This will
show our strength.
The Legislature shonld meet sgain in
June, and enact an election law tor the
August election. 1t should also organize
the State into counties and townships, es-
,abiished courts, and provide for the elec-
tior of all the officers necessary to perfect
the Government. and have it ready to 60
into operation at any momeut; and it should
be seen tha. we should have it in operation
little in advance OF our enemies. In
few months we cou id thus have the whole
S,a;e, OF, at least, an lying south Of The
Kansas River, thoroughly o-ganized, enless,.
perhaps, it would be liite cornarh0le
down here, called Lecompton. There would
be no one to prevent this, for the people
would all be with US, aud the people have
right to rule themselves; and it would be the
business of no one else if we did SO. The
Territorial and even the Federal officers
would themselves be compelled to recognize
Us. Suppose the commander of the militia
ry department had business with the people
Of a certain town which had been chartered
and organized under our laws; he whould
call upon the Mayor-caring for none but
the ufficers recognized BY the people, Now,
is there any necessity to create any troubles
IN getting our Government into operation!
A i can be accomplished without any fuss
for there would be no objection on the part
OF the people. Diff, ulties between Free
State men would be taken into our Own
courts, and settled, and Congress or tn.
Pres dent could no more prevent it than
they could mere arbitration. With such
II Government in active op ration, suppor-
TED by an immense majrrit, of prop'e, who
would object to cur admission into the Union
te II you, the first one admitted; nothing
OF earth can prevent it. The President
will not dare again to prevent it with the
army. for he has backed out of the disper-
sion of the Legislature last July, and throws
the whole b,me upon Col. Sumner. Be-
sides, ii he interfered with ours, he must
also interfere with the other, for it would
have no more right. than we until admitted
into :he Union, and that would create
another hopl. There is No law of Congress
which allows the Territorial Government
any power To torn a State. In Michigan
the Territorial Government got up cons,i-
tutiun for State, and was refused adnis-
sion. The people formed one also, but in
the same Way in which we have. and pere
admitted. Suwith California. | was there
with Geary Belore the acquisition of that
State, the people were under the old MexI-
can Government. A new one was formed
by the people, and. when once perfected
nothing more WAS ever heard Of the old one.
Congress admitted them; it could DO zssth
ing else. 1t never can aud never will COM
pei State TO change its con su,ution. No
attempt will be made to estop us, except by
a legal process; and al such We should car
ry up to the Supreme Court, and, before a
decision cou d be got there. we should be
in the Union. What then would be the
need!
All that is necessary for US to keep aloo
from the doings ofthe Bogus Legislature and
keep up our own. Gov. Geary, in his veto
message, said that if we 60 not vote We
must submit to those who do We must
vote, and do SO apart from, and repudiate
the affairs of, the Territorial Legislature.
In this way we can test our strength, and
yet make no acknowledgment to their ty
ranny.
You have now reasons for my course,
which has been 50 much misunderstood. as
well as any views of future policy. | do
not blame you ior condemning it withou: a
knowledge of the facts as have given them.
| should have Ielt just SO myself. {may
have erred in Judgment probably have.
am i,llible, as all men are-I am very
iaIIibIe. But 1t has always been my high
est endesvor to serve the cause of Kansas
to labor for her freedom.
Gentlemen, thank you for the kindness
with which you have heard me.
From the Boston Journal.
Spicy.