The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-11-21
The YeFaIa Of FfeeeoM.
LAWRENCE, X. T.
Saturday Morning. Nov. 21. 81.
TIE Kansas Constitution.

The Chicago Times, the special organ
of Senator DOUGLAS. has the following.-
The editor seemed to be under the i'm
preston that the people would be allowed
a fair vote on the final adoption of that
instrument, but which is not the CASE
The People will never vote upon that in
struTnenf, unless submitted to them by
the Legislature.
The article is important, as showing
how leading Democratic politicians stand
upon the question. The idea of an ena-
bling act is not had one, and 1t is very
probable it will be adopted by Congress
1t would be better, however, if the ques-
ton could be definitely settled before the
spring emigration SETS forward, as itwould
materially change the aspect of affairs. if
settled. as we all know it Will be, in favor
of freedom. But TO the article:-
The convention assembled in Kansas to
frame State Constitution is in session,
and has framed large portion Of an in
strumenf. The committee upon the SUBJ
ieot Of slavery has reported a provision,
which has been adopted by the eonven-
tion, though it has yet to be voted on as
forming part of the whole. We give the
provision entire; it is rs follows:
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE on SLAVERY
Section l. The Legislature shall have
re power to pass laws for the emanoipa-
ton OF slaves without the consent of their
owners, or without paying their owners,
previous to theiremancipation 4 full equiv
alent in money for the slaves so emanci-
pated. They shall have no power TO pre-
vent emigrants to the State from bringing
with them such persons as are deemed
slaves by the laws of any one of the Uni
ted States, or Territories so long as any
| person of the same age or description shall!
be continued in slavery by the laws OF
this State; provided that such person or
slave be the bona fde property of such
emigrant; and provided also that laws
.nay be passed to prohibit the Introduction
into this State of slaves who have commit
ted high crimes in other States or Terrific
/ ries. They shall have power TO pass laws
t to permit the owners of slaves to e1aan-
cipate them, saving the rights Of credit
ors. q I'd preventing them from becoming
/ a public charge. They shall have power
! to prevent slaves from being brought into
! the State as merchandise, and also TO
oblige the owners of slaves to treat them
with humanity, to provide for them ne
cessary food and clothing, to abstain from
all injuries to them extending to life and
limb; and in case of their neglect or re-
fusal TO comply with the direction oi
siiell laws, to have such slave or slaves
sold for the benefit of the owners.
SEC 2 In the prosecution of slaves fol
crinesof higher grade than petit larceny,
the Legislature shall have 10 power to de-
lrive them of an impartial trial BY petit
jury.
SEE 8. Any person who shall mali
ciousiy tIismember or deprived slave oi
life, shall suffer such punishment as would
be inflicted in case the like offence had
been committed on frce white person
al1 on tie ike proof; except in case oI
instruction Of such slave.
HUGH b. MooRE. Chairman.
1 As there seems to be no doubt of thi;
provision becoming a part of the Censti-
! / tuition; aud IS there is q majority of tht
Convention n favor OF submitting the
/ Constitution to the people for ratification
or rejection, We think that there can h
hui little donht as to the. fste Of suci
tsoastitution before the people. The pro.
vision as it is reported recognizes SLAYER,
| Is existing legally and in fact IN Kansas