The Washington union., 1857-11-19
WASHINGTON CITY.
THURSDAY MORNING. nov. 10. 1857
KANSAS AND HER CONSTITUTION.

We published on yesterday tho result of the ac-
ton Of the Kansas convention, and accompanied 1t
with the expression of qualification on this au-
spicious conclusion of an angry and threatening is
sue In this feeling we are confident that We shall
have the cordial sympathy of national democrats
and conservative men throughout the Union We
are grated because it will aay sectional strife and
excitement !; because we see in the action of the
convention the vindcation of the great principle of
the Kansas bill, which submitted the question of
slavery to the decision of majority of the bona de
inhabitants Of the Territory. In submitting to the
people the question, whether Kansas shall be free
or slave State the convention has responded to the
policy so urgently pressed by Gov. Walker and ex-
hibits the gratifying fact that upon this great princ
pie there isl cordial concurrence between him and
the people of Kansas, represented in that conven-
ton Again we tender to the administration--to
Gov Walker--the people of Kansas and Of the whole
country-our heartfelt congratulations upon this
signal triumph of principle over prejudice. We re-
ioice not because Kansas is to be slave or free
State, but because the. people Of Kansas are to de-
eide for themselves through their farlyexpress
ed will, what shall bo the future character of their
State The destiny of Kansas is to be decided by tho
ballot-box not the cartridge-box; by her own cti-
zens, not by foreign influences; and when that de-
cison shall be thus pronounced it will command the
cordial acsuiescence and approval of good men eve
rywhere, whether it be to make Kansas a slave a
free State.
The effort already being made to prejudice the
public mind against the action of the convention, by
the fallacious charge that they had provided for a
provisional government, and thus superseded the
territorial government now in existence, will fail of
its object. No such attempt has been made. Tho
convention provided that the election on the adop-
ton Of the constitution should be conducted by its
own officers. The reason is manifest one. The
form in which their constitution is to be present
cd to Congress depends upon the vote to be
given by tho people, and the duty is imposed
upon their chosen organ to see that it shall be
done in conformity to their directions This is not
unusual and as it docs not in the slightest
conflict with the operation of the territorial govern
ment cannot in any sense be regarded supcrseding
it. 1t is to be regretted that there should be any
more fctous opposition to the action of the Kansas
convention. Instead of looking for new difficulties
and troubles with which to infame the public mind
We should all unto in mutual congratulations that
an angry and alarming issue has found its peaceful
solution in the vindication of great principle.
Those who would have forced upon the people Of
Kansas either a slave or free State, against the
will Of her people, will be disappointed in the re-
suit but all who are willing that Kansas should de-
eide for herself the question Of slavery will commend
and approve the action Of her convention.