The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1857-07-11
For the Herald of Feadan.
The Frea S4zta Par,v

4ac 4Ice SLAlc GhIys
Much is said about the policy of the
Free State party, and about the party
compromising its position, and what the
party should or should not do at the pre-
sent juncture. We venture the perhaps
somewhat startling assertion that there is
as yet no Free State party in the Terri
tory, which, as an organization, reflects
the sentiments of that portion of the peo-
pie who prefer freedom to thraldom, and
free institutions to the institutions of sla-
very. There is no organization of the
Free State men of the country. The ele-
ments are yet in chaos; the policies are
underlined. The party which hangs on
to the anchor of their safety it is true is
organized, but how small proportion of
the Free State men are committed to this
policy!
A vast majority of the people of this
Territory belong to no political organiza-
ton, and are simply, in principle, in favor
of securing the admission of Kansas into
the Union as Free State,
The Topeka party is composed Of its
original elements. There has been no
adoption of its policies by the people.
They only agree with this party on the
general principle of free institutions for
Kansas Let us ask those who are so
boisterous and boastful of their party
plans, if this is not so? The same objects
are desired by every true and earnest
friend of free institutions in the Territory,
but the measures by which these objects
are to be gained may be a subject of prop
er discussion, and because there is diff
ference of opinion in regard to politics by
which to secure given end, argues no in
fidelity on either side as the real principle
involved.
There being no determined line of pol
icy adopted by the Free State men of
this Territory at this time, all should de-
sire and make the proper effort to secure
thorough organization, upon such basis
as will meet the approval of every Free
State man regardless oforiginal party af-
finities. Organization is necessity; there
must be concert of action. The Demo-
cratic party, which is our adversary, has
ali its forces marshalled, and although in
the minority, with the discipline it has,
it may nevertheless be found able, it is
imperative on the part of the Free State
men to have all understanding as to their
plans that their full strength may be
brought out.
1t is pretty generally conceded now
that the policy of keeping up the State
organization for operative purposes is not
what a majority of the Free State men
approve. There is no way made clear for
it through which to get out of the existing
embarrassment. If this organization is to
be preserved for the mere purposes of
being in readiness for an exigeney there
may perhaps be no objection to it. We
do not object to the principles of the Con-
stitution, and would be glad to have it
| adopted, with some slight modification,
by the whole people of Kansas, and the
State admitted under it. And we do not
sympathize wsth those men who feel that
keeping the thing alive is either necessary,
or matter of pride and honor which
should in no case be compromised
But we attack the practicaJility of the
plan of removing the embarrassm ent I'M
der which the people of this Territory
are laboring. There seems to us to be
but one way to accomplish this, and that
is through the Territorial Legislature.
This power once obtained and then what
can hinder the people dong as they may
desire, and where is the objection to adj
Knitting Kansas under any constitution
the people may adopt? Now this policy
we arc satisfied, is the one the people APP
prove. Why not organize upon this
basis? Until this is done, or some other
policy equally as fell of premise of good
results is adopted, the Free State clements
will remain in confusion, and there will
be no party truly representing the Free
State sentiment.
The assumption of the Topeka men,
that they are the Free State party, is en-
tirelv baseless, and the assertion that none
but those who approve their measures are
honest, and earnest in their faith to free
principles, is as impudent as it is unwar-
ranted. If they desire the glory of past
conflict, or desire a share in future tri-
umphs, they had better beware what tests
are imposed to party membership, and be
prudent in their adoption of cOunsels and
policies. Some little respect is due the
opinions of those who, from accident Of
absence during the contest, look upon tho
existing state of affairs without intense
feeling or excessive prejudice, and who
are none the lessstrong in their sentiments
of freedom, for reason of a desire to SET
these matters finally and speedily set
tied. FREE STATE.