The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-06-13
VIVA. Is the Policy?

in the future?1 1t is an important ques-
ton. and demands candid answer.
Looking over the country and seeing 1t
as it is to-day, it is time we were all exam
lining our political bearing, that if the
magnet is not pointing Alright We may |
correct ourselves at once. The period /
SUGGESTED by us in February last, when
we asked the Topeka Convention to be
adjourned until we could learn the policy
of the new administration before we
should attempt to define our position, has /
arrived. Now we can see where we are,
and if we are disposed we can shape our
course accordingly. The mariner keeps
his eye upon the compass and the chart,
and varies his course to meet the contend
ing elements, always keeping in view his
destined port Now he glides along, wind
and wave bearing him each moment
nearer his desired haven; an hour after
he sends before the storm, under bare
poles, intent on saving his little craft from
being engulphed beneath the angry surge.
The successful general does not rush on
into the lannon's mouth; but adapts his
position to that of the enemy, advancing
or retreating, approaching in front or rear
as will promise the victory with the least
loss of his command. 1t is precisely thus
in the political world, if we would tri-
umph. A course of policy marked out
10. our guidance yesterday, may be the
height of folly for us to pursue to-day.
While man is fallable and circumstances
are ever changing, no permanent line of
policy can govern States, communities or
individuals; but, as circumstances change,
if we desire success, we must change with
them.
At times, in the past, we have thought
it might be advisable for the Free State
party TO take the tools the pro-slavery
party had framed for our permanent en-
slavement, and with them work our
emancipation. The arguments of the
National Era, n. Y. Times, and several
other prominent journals, urging the Free
State party to vote, seemed almost ire
futable. And yet, there were the stub
born facts looking us in the face which
repeated in our ears, "There is no use:
we cannot get justice. Every avenue for
the people to the ballot-box is closed
against them, and it is hoping against
hope to look for relief in that quarter
Allthls time our unwavering faith in the
triumph of the right told us there was a
way which would be opened to u.s. That
kind Providence who directs the course of
individuals and of nations, will open up
an avenue through which we can escape
from our present dilemma. As the curtain
of the future has day by day been unroll-
ed, we have seen one after another mode
ofescape, until now not doubt obstructs
our pathway. All is as clear as sum-
mer's sun, and our future is luminous |
with hope.
There is no longer anything TO be made |
by following phantom. 1t would do |
until we could geta reality-something
that was tangible; if that is presented let
us grasp it, and rejoice at our success.
The policy of Gov. WALKER is policy
the people of Kansas have reason 10 hail
with delight. 1t will release them from
political thraldom; it will give them pos
session of all their God-given rights. The
Territorial Legislature laid plan to per-
petuate their power, but will signally fail.
1t is clearly our duty to keep away from
the bogus polls on the 18th inst Nothing
can be gained by approaching them, un-
less it be to watch their frauds. For any |
other purpose, it would be but to give
them as much greater importance as our
numbers would add to theirs, and make |
them appear moro prominent. Keep |
away from the polls, not in the districts |
only where the registry is fraud, but /
everywhere, even where no registry is
attempted. Keep away, and let them
appear as insignificant as they are in fact
Keep away, and leave the future to adj
wise the future
Gov. Walker unequivocally tells us
that the Constitution framed shall be sub
United to vote of the whole people; not
those whose names are registered, or
those who have been residents six
months, or three months, but those who
are residents when the Constitution is ]
submitted to vote of the people. 1t ;
shall be submitted, not by parts only, but !
as an entirety, and as such it shall be ,
voted upon, and as such itshall be rejected /.
or adopted
The PEOPLE will vote at that election. !;
We shall vote, and no political conven-
ton shall tie up our hands SO as to prevent !
us from voting. And our friends shall
vote. if they choose to, and they shall ,
not be read ont of the Free State party.
either. for voting, though denacoques do
command differently. How we shall vote
Is another affair-one which we do not
care to make public now.
1.-THE Constitution is adopted by vote ,
OF all the people who are now or NAV be
at that time residents of Kansas. it will be
less exeeptionable than is the Toneka
Constitution. II, on the contrary. it is
defeated. we have nota shadow of doubt
but Gov. WALKER, with an ardent des;ra 8
to have this question settled pacifclv. Il
and by the people, should they demand
orrequest it by public meetings and in pri- y
mary assemblies, viii call a new Conyen-
ton, after taking a new census under his l
own supervision, and he viii allow the a
whole people to elect from the different
localities, governed only by the organic
act new delegates, who win meet in
convention and frame a State Constitu-