The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1857-09-07
Mr.. Huchennn,s Letter.

tons Of the wisdom and prudence Of the
President. Its tone and views do not
correspond with his elevated position.
The country will support him in his en-
deavors to uphold legitimate govern
ment, and vindicate the constitutional
authority Of the Union. The people feel
that il is time we had some test of the
real sovereignty Of the General Govern
ment. Its authority is nominally ac-
knowledged every where, but in every
practical assertion of its power, it is de-
feated. People begin to doubt if it has
any positive strength, and demand a test
The people do not dispute about the
duty Of the President, to uphold the legal
authority, and to execute the laws in all
the Territories. The question is, in
regard to the means and manner Of
doing it. Wisdom and good sense may
accomplish it without difficulty or blood
shed. Folly and rashness may involve
the country in civil war, and rend the
Union. A Washington or Madison
would encounter the present crisis, pass
it, and leave the country in sunshine and
peace. Mr.. Buchanan may approach
it-and by lack ofjulgement--by one
false step--involve the country in I'M
utterable woes, and consign his name to
eternal execration; and yet he may
attempt no more than to maintain the
admitted constitutional powers Of the
government 1t was the mode ol'proceed
ing by the British Ministry, more than
their unconstitutional claims to power,
that brought on tie Revolution. 1t was
the sending over Of armies, and the
quartering of troops upon the inhabitants
that brought on the conflict. The policy
of gathering large military force in
Kansas, to keep the peace, is very
Questionable. When, was any portion
of the American people awed or frighten-
ed into quiet, by the display of military
power? Is not the sight and presence
Of such power, exasperating to every
American feeling and sentiment :? The
simple assertion, that the troops are
/. gathered there to suppress revolt, is Of
itself cause enough to provoke a revolt,
and bring on conflict. If Mr.. Bu-
chanan is anxious to vindicate the law
and authority Of the Union, his councils
and his measures must be guided by
consummate wisdom, prudence and
moderation. His merits will depend
upon the way in which he executes his
duties, that he is to perform, in accord
ance with his oath;--the show ?" is the
important matter. The country now
asks why the government is so strenut
Gus for the vindicaton of its power in
Kansas, while it is abdicating its whole
authority in Utah, which is splitting upon
and spurnlng its representatives, and
plotting treason to the Union in every
territorial act. Why gather an army in
Kansas, and abandon Utah to rebels
A year ago, squatter sovereignty was
the only authority, that was to be recog-
nized beyond the confines Of the States
now the whole power Of the Union is
to be marshalled, to enforce the sovereign
authority of the Union over the same
regions. Some better persuasions than
threats and rifles, must be found, to pre-.
serve peace in Kansas, and secure the
applause and benedictions OF the wholg
country to the present administration.
He commenced by stating that from tho
distinguished source whence it proceeds, as
well as its peculiar character, he has deemed
it prudent to depart from his general rule in
such cases. and give it an answer. He then
argues: You first assert that the fGndamen-
tai principle of the Constitution Of the Uni
ted States and our political institutions, i:
that the people shall make their own laws
and elect their own rulers. You. then. ex-
, press grief and astonishment that / should
have violated this, and through Gov. Walker
have employed the army, one of the purpo-
, SEES of which is to force the people of Kansa:
to obey laws-not their own. nor of the Uni
ted States, but laws which il is notoriou,
and established upon evidence. they never
made, and rulers they never elected. and a
corollary from the foregoing, you represen
that am openly held up and proclaimed t,
the great derogation of our national charac
, ter as violating, in its most essential parteu
lar, the solemn oath which the Presiden
has taken to support the Constitution of thi.
Union.
These are heavy charges proceeding from
, gentleman of your character, and if wei
, founded ought to consign my name to infa
my, but in proportion TO their gravity, com
b. mon justice, TO say nothing of Christian cha
, racter. requires that before making then
!, you should have clearly ascertained the.
1 were we'll founded. If no., they will re-
= bound with whitening condemnation upoI
their author. Have YOU performed this pre-
limnary toward the man who, however un
) worthy, is the Chief Magistrate ofyour coun
try! If so, either you are, or | am laborin.
under q strange delusion. Should tins prov
E to DC your case, it will present a memorable
example of the truth that political prejudice
is blind even to the existence of the PLANES
and most palpable historical facts. To thes
facts let US refer.
When | entered upon the duties Of tn
' Presidential office on the 4th of March last
what was the condition of Kansas' This Ter
ritory had been organized, and the Govern
\ ment in all its branches was in full opera
ton. A Governor, Secretary Of Territory
' Chief Justice, two Associate Justices, a Mar
, shall and District Attorney. had been appoint
9 ed by my predecessor. and were engaged il
discharging their respective duties
7 a code of laws had been enacted by tn
, Territorial Legislature. and the Judiciar