The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-07-15
KANSAS AFFAIRs- coNTINuEp.

KANSAS AFFAIRS CONTINUED.
We have demonstrated that in the appointment of
Gov Walker and Secretary Stanton, and in instruct
ing them in relation to the performance Of their du
ties the President conformed to the principles as
serted by the democratic party and avowed by him
self No appointments were ever cordially CON
Cured in by his political friends. Except with those
who desired to continne agitation, his adyersa
ries conceded that they were wise and proper
On arriving in Kansas Secretary Stanton, as act
ing governor, issued address to the people Of the
Territory in which he appraised them Of the purposes
of the government in relation to the formation and
adoption ola constitution, preparatory to applying
to Congress for admission into the Union a State.
We extract the following from his address:
'Ihe government especially recognises the territorial
act which provides for assembling convention with
view to making application TO Congress for admission
State into the Union.
III do doubt however that in order to avoid all
pretext for resistance TO the peaceful operation Of this
law the convention itself will in form provide for
submitting the great distracng question regarding their
social institution, which has SO long atted the people OF
Kansas fair vote of all the actual bona tide residents of
the Territory with every possible security against fraud
and violence If the constitution he thus framed, and
the question of difference thus submitted To the decision
of the people believe that Kansas will be admitted by
Congress without delay of the sovereign States Of
the Union, and the territorial authorities will
be Immediately Withdrawn.
~ need scarcely say that the power of the territorial
executvew be exerted with entire mparality to pre-
vent fraud and suppress violence and To cit
izen fair opportunity for the safe and peaceful exercise
Of his elective privilege 1t will be no less the duty than
the earnest desire and great pleasure OF the governor q
acting governor of the Territory TO out in good
faith the policy ayowed by the President OF the United
States in his inaugural address.
This address was extensively published in all
parts of the country, and met with cordial approval
and with no dissent in any quarter except among
those who chung to the Topeka abortion for the pur-
pose of continued agitation. Mr.. Stanton highly
complimented upon his manly and fair address in
numerous quarters. Nota murmrr of complaint
heard from a friend Of the administration. All ap-
peared to be, and doubtless were, satisfied with his
address.
Soon after his appointment, in speech at the
Astor House in New York Gov Walker is reported
to have said
s.Ihc people of that Territory had clear and I'M
questionable right to decide for themselves upon the
adoption Of State constitution, and any attempt the
part OF any convention any other body OF men, how
ever respectable and influential they might be, to impose
upon the Territory constitution not sanctioned by the
popular vote would be usurpation and wrong which
could not be tolerated for moment So far as the ut
most exercise Of his official powers and his personal in
fuence would go that result, Governor Walker
said he was determined that the people Of Kansas should
have an opportunity for full free, and solemn express
sion of their will upon the adoption OF any constitution
that might be framed after fair and satisfactory
OF all the bona tide inhabitants who might be in the Terri
tory Mt the time He considered this due to them II
was part of their inherent and naenabe sovereignty
This address was widely published and applauled
by all who desired the restoration Of peace and har-
mony in Kansas and wished that Territory to be
admitted VA State The principles avowed are those
of liz ...cnnati Convention, and the Presidents let
ter Of acceptance and inaugural. They in har-
mony with the instructions Of the President which
actually imbody that part of the inaugural relating
to this subject.
On arriving in Kansas Governor Walker issued
an address to the people from which we extract:
~ see in this calling the convention improper
unconstitutional restrictions upon the right of suffrage
see in it tcstoat other similar provisions objected
to in relation to previous laws but clearly repealed
pugnant the provisions of this act far regards the
election of delegates this convention II said that
fair and full vote win not be taken Who safely pre-
dict such result Nor is just for majority, they
aege to throw the power into the hands of minority
from mere apprehension trust entirely unfounded 4
that they will not be permitted to exercise the right Of
suffrage IT, by fraud violence, majority should not
be permitted to vote, there is remedy, it hoped, in
the wisdom and Justice of the convention ITSELF acting
under the obligations Of oath and proper RESPONSE
blity to the tribunal of public opinion There is rem
cdy also ii such fics he demonstrated III the refusal
of Congress to admit State into the Union under
stitution imposed by minority upcn majority by fraud
or violence Indeed cannot doubt that the convention
after having framed State constitution will submA it
for ratification rejection by majority of the then
tlal bona fde resident settlers of Kansas
with these views, well known to the President and
cabinet and approved by them, accepted the appoint
OF governor of Kansas My instructions from the
President through the Secretary of State under date of
the 30th of March last sustain he regular legislature Of tie
IrrogI in assembling contention 10 FORM constitution
and they express the opinion of the President that iLe
such constitution shall ie submitted 10 he people Of Me Territory
tey be protected he erereise Of their rg Of rosng
against that instrument; and he jar eprc-.on Of The popular
naN mua not be interrupted BY frGud or riolf,ee
Z. repeat then my clear conviction that unless the
actual resident settlers of Kansas and the election be
fairly and Justly conducted the constitution win be- and
ought to be, rejected BY Congress "
This not only conforms 10 the instructions Of the
President, but is in harmony with the great prn-
ciples of justice and free government, well with
the practice and precedents, under similar crcum-
stances, throughout the Union. 1t accords with the
genius and spirit Of our American institutions.
No one will deny that protection TO the voter and
delegate is duty which the government is bound
to extend to them. Is there a rational doubt in any
mind that the constitution, when prepared, should
be submitted to the bona ds resident settlers of Kan
sas II there is candid consideration of the sur