Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-12-24

most was TO submit 1T 10 the people for
acceptance, or rejection. He could not
admit that a constitution forced on peo
pie against their will, was Republican
constitution. 1t is of no use to say it
was a good constitution. Congress has
no right to force the things down their
Threats against their will The Senator
from Maine, argued the Importance of ter
minating the controversy now. He
douglas, would do anything that was
right and just to terminate it. He would
sacrifice everything, but principle, honor
and country, to close this unhappy con-
troversy, but how are we to do it? 1t
must be done upon the principles of JUS
tice and truth, or it will not stay closed
Congress must terminate it upon the
principles of self government, or they
will not have republican form of gov
eminent. No system of catching up and
trickery, will settle this question. In
stead of having peace, it would be only
the beginning of a new controversy, and
it would be necessary to increase the ar
my, and use the military power. if the
majority were to be subjected to the op-
preston of the minority. He trusted
there would be no outbreak or violence,
but he feared such result, if the major
ity of the people of Kansas were to be
coerced into admission, to the will Of the
minority.
Mr.. Douglas then argued that the peo-
pie of Kansas could not change their
constitution, if adopted, till the year
1864, and then only by convention
called by two thirds of the Legislature.
This was not to be regarded as an admin
istration move. Every man on the floor
of the Senate was at perfect liberty to
vote for or against it, without sundering
his party ties. The adoption of the
measure would not only rend asunder the
Democratic party, but endanger the per-
pituity of the Union. The President
was frank man, and he did not believe
he would ask the Senators to run their
necks into the halter of disunion or civil
war before he was ready to lake the lead
and point out the way. Then let us re-
store peace to the country by ignoring
these regular conventions at Lecompton
and Topeka, and authorize the people of
Kansas to go forward and form a consti-
tuition and State government for them
selves. That, he believed, would restore
peace in ninety days.
Mr.. Green responded. arguing that
Convention could at any time be called
to make such changes in the Constitution
as the people might desire.
Adjourned.
HoUsE-The House met in the new
hall. A communication was received
from the clergymen of Washington, ten
dering their services to open the daily
sessions with prayer.
Amid much confusion the members
proceeded to select their seats by tally
ing.
Mr.. Dallas, of Indiana, will offer res
olution as soon as he can get the floor,
authorizing the Speaker to appoint Sc.
lect committee Of to report on Pacif.
ic R. r. bill.
Savage, Of Pa, has bill prepared and
will introduce it to morrow, If possible,
granting pensions to the officers and SOL
diers of the war with Great Britain in
1919, and those engaged in Indian wars
during that period.
Special instructions have been sent tc
the commanding officers of the troops in
Kansas, directing them to call together q
sufficient Military force at every election
precinct in the Territory, when there is
any likelihood of disturbance, and that
no organized force, accidental or pre-
meditated broil shall prevent the full and
free vote of the people. The troops will
act upon the requisition of the civil au-
thorties.
No decision will be made by the War
Department upon the plan of the cam
paign against the Mormons, until Gen.
Scott arrives, which will be in the course
of a fortnight.
Mr.. Jones Of Pa, reported a bill for
the payment of invalid and other pen
sions.
Memorials were presented contesting
the seats of Davis and Harris of Md.
/ The printing committee reported in ia
vor of printing 10000 copies of the
Presidents Message and accompanying
documents.
Mr.. Cox showed his hostility to the
Lecompton Convention. He went for the
submission of the entire Constitution to
the people, stating his views at some