The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-09-17

moved to the newly-erected " Republican Build.
ing" corner Of Indiana avenue and Second
treet.
THE PRESIDENTS LETTER IN THE SOUTH
The effect of Mr.. Buchanan's letter in the
South must crafty the Administration. The
Extremists are satisfied with it, and take this
opportunity to swear allegiance to the Admins.
tralion. Several of the heretofore dissatisfied
journals are generous enough to say little or
nothing about Gov. Walker, while others exon
crate the President while they bitterly condemn
his appointee. The Southern journals which
have supported the Administration through the
storm which has threatened to ruin it, are prob
ably also pleased with the novel document put
forth by the President. 1t is, however, barely
possible that come Of them are not 30 thankful
for it at this juncture as they should be- for it
may have placed them in false position before
the people. At first, these journals-we speak
only of few-condemned Gov Walker as lust.
lily as the Charleston Mercury itself; but when
they discovered that Walker was not to be dis.
missed, but defended in the Government organ.
they also became the apologists of Walker, and
defended the right of all the people of Kansas to
vote upon the proposed Constitution. The Pres
dent's letter shows that they went little too
far, and it also shows how necessary it il thar
Administration organs, or supporters, should
be informed at least six months beforehand what
course the Government will take upon a giyen
L. II II
commendabe truth, of this class of politicians
"They sustained Walker merely because thew
believed the Administration sustained him.
They denounced those who denounced him
simply because by so doing they believed thew
we're doing the Administration service. Their
course IN the whole controversy was based upon
he assump tion that Walkers conduct and mol,
cy were determined by his instructions from
headquarters, and they were eager to signalize
heir attachment to the Administration in anv
aud all contingencies. But it appears they
we're deceived IN regard to the views of Mr. Bu.
chanan and his constitutional advisers Their
recourse is simple enough. They have but one
rule of conduc'. Follow the powers that he
9 the cardinal maxim of all professional
politicians. 'As the veering wind shifts, shift
our sails"
The South itself, however, exhibits a little
inconsistency. 1t took strong ground against
submitting the proposed Constitution to the
people, saying, July II, "that the Convention
has no power to report the Constitution to the
people for ratification, except by direction of
the Legislature;" and subsequently, that the
Legislature did not authorize any such act.
Since the publication of Mr.. Buchanan's letter
it quotes the following passage from it:
The Convention will soon assemble TO per.
form the solemn duty of framing a Constitution
for themselves and their posterity; and in the
state OF lnclplent rebellion which stil exists in
Kansas, 1t is my imperative duty to employ the
troops OF the United s ates, should this become
necessary, in defending the troops AGAINST VIC.
lence whilst framing the Constitution. and in
protecting the bona f3e' Inhabitants. 0,taljfsd
to UOte under the provisions of that inst, ument
IN the free exercise Of the right of suffrage.
lChen II shall be submitted to them for their an,
probation or rejection"
1t adds:
"Tbis is all thatthe Southern Democracy have
ever demanded, and, in enforcing this noi;cv
The President viii have their cordial and midi.
vided support"
The South, then, is no'o willing that the Con-
stitution should be submitted to the qualified
voters in Kansas. Northern readers will mot
wait Long to see the cause of this change. II
was formerly supposed, and Gov. Walker prom
ised, that a far election would take place in
October, and this the Southern extremists op
posed. But an election under the recent ap.
portionment and Judge Cato's decision is unite
another matter. The South says of the Presi.
tents letter:
Since the publication of Mr. Buchanan's
letter to the forty-three pious humanitarians of
New England, 1t is natural that there sbouId
be some curiosity excited in regard TO the
course which the devoted apologies of Roberr
j. Walker would now pursue. There ia no
longer room TO cavil about the position of the
President. We have it from his own Inns tba,
the conduct and policy of the Governor of Kan.
Sas, which have called forth the indignant re
monstrance and stern condemnation of the
southern Democracy, are repudisted by the AID
neutrality-suspicious. by the authoritative
announcement of the true policy of Govern
nent IN reference to the affairs of the Terrific
~ Inns document meets our unqualified ap
prooauon. Every position which we have
maintained III the warm controversy occas;onad
by the unwarrantable usurpations of Walker
y IN exact accordance with the views of the
Onlet Executive. How is it, on the other hand
Sitn the ardent defenders of Walkers Kansas
policy? They have gone to the extremes
point n IN advocating his cause. They have
ocular, the true test of loyalty to Democratic
principles, and denounced all who censnra his
Official acts as enemies of the Administration ;,
The South speaks the mind Of all the nItra
Pro Slavery journals, we think The extremists
hen may be safely set down as satisfied with
Mr.. Bachansn's letter. If we believe III.
leading Northern Democratic journals, so ar.
Northern Democrats. Is this not a singula,
'actT Toe two classes heretofore dsagreeing
are now united-the ultrsists of the South ano
he moderates of the North are in harmony ?
Which wing of the great party has given way
made cOneessions-forsaken its old position Z