The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-10-25

settlement Of the question, should require greater
knowledge OF the actual state OF airs in that Terri
tory TO enable me TO decide.
Withthese answers to your interrogatories might
here csosc this letter, except that infer you desire
TO know how far my opinion in regard to Governor
Walkers conduct may effect my course towards
the administration. What are the precise vie ss
o. OF the he. President upon these questions !
lar course But should he differ with me upon these
matters, do not zee how any practical issue can
arse between him and those OF his friends who en-
tertaln other opinions in regard to Governor Walk
er's course. say do not see how any practical H.
sue could arise out of this matter between the Pre-
sdent and those who might differ with him in regard
TO these things, because do not believe for mo-
ment that he would aid in an attempt to reject the
State, If Kansas sbosd apply for admission merely
because ts Convention did not choose 70 submit the
constitution to the people for ratification. upon
such question as this, in regard to the right OF
Congress TO limit the power OF people TO form ther
State constitution according to their own pleasure,
provided it be republican in its character, should
think there could be no division of opinion amongst
Of the Union. There could not be, if they remain
true 20 what i understand as their profess
sion OF faith. To establish the great prin-
cipies Of the equal rights of the States to
United Staes, which no act OF federal le-
gisation can constitutionaly abfidge or destroy,
and OF the right of the people Of eacc State to de-
termine the character OF their oWa dom estic ilsti
into me Union the democratic parry has submitted
TO losses and sacrifices which could only have been
Justified by the successful accomplishment of great
ohecJ. To obtain a common ground upon which all
might rally for the defence of the constitution and the
peace Of The country, against the enemies of roth,
did constitute such An object. And nov thst the
portion has been conquered, after so arduous
struggle, sho supposes that the democratic party
would volunteer Q retrogaue movement and renOunce
the traits OF hard won victory? To abandon either
81 these positions now, by q retrograde movement,
won5 te ar act Of ts0 de SO in the party, and not
merely ioLy, but crime for which pos,erity would
never fugsg il. FOR these reasons do not believe
the demO .ratic party, the President whom 1t has
chosen will aid in any attempt to restrict the power
OF the people of Kansas, acting through their Con-
yentioD, 20 form constitution according 10 their
Owl pleasure both in manner and substance, pro-
yided IL be republican in IFS character.
Having now answered fully your Undergraduates.
need proceed no further; but as you ate kind
enough 20 say that you question me not because
you doubted ne yourself. hut to save me from mis-
construction by others, feel that ought not to con-
clude withous thanking you for your generous mo-
,tives:: To those who are disposed TO misconstrue
eme have only TO say, that the past course OF
lwh0 has served the State in public Capacity long
as have, affords no sufficient guaranty as to his
future conduct ii if idle to seek for fu tier security
in professions Of faith. My past course affords the
best evidence OF my principles of public action, and
these are the tests bv which as an honest man, am
bound 10 judge every administration. If, therefore,
i should differ from an administration because it dis
sented from these principles, should be blamed, II
blaneabe al all, not for The act of differing with
President but because Of the false principles which
l am TO Judge him; 90 that il is by these that am
to be tried, after all. IL is true, that when new
questions arise, one may be fairly and properly
questioned as to his opinions. But what is there
new here? The principles Of the kansas-Nebraska
act, by which have been Just testing Governor
Walkers conduct, and the right Of the peo pie, act
ing through their Convention. to form constitution
of rpuo lican character, according 10 their own
pleasure without prejudice to their claim of adnis
sion State in the Union, have all been discussed
heretofore by myself and others far fally than
would be consistent with the limits Of this letter.
Nor have expressed any opinion here in regard TO
ted long since f,then, i repeat sentiments which
have before declared you will excuse me, as do
it in difference TO your request. Very respectfully
and truly yours, X. nj. I. HUNTER.