The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-11-28
Sound Democratic Doctrine.

Strange as it may appear we quote from
the Washington Uuion to sustain our views
of the Kansas question. The Washington
Union in November, 1857, arrays itself
against the rights of the people, but we ask
| the attention of our readers to the following
article from that paper of July 9TH, 1857
1t then said:
eve repeat that the constitution of Kan
sas must come from the people of Kansas.
OTHER POWER To MAKE sucu AN INSTRUMENT
THERE Is NONE UNDER HEAVEN.
"But the Georgia Convention, without
denying this great principle seems to think
that the constitution Of Kansas ought not to
be submitted to direct vote of the people
in their primary capacity. We admit that
this is not in all cases sine qua nan. 1t is
fair presumption Of there be no circum-
stances to repel iO that a Constitution Of de-
legates chosen by the people will act in ac-
cordance with the will of their constituents.
When, therefore, there is no serious dispute
upon the Constitution, either in the conven-
ton or among the people, the power of the
delegates alone may put it in operation. But
sUc& is not tie case IN HGnsGs. The most
violent struggles this country ever saw, upon
the moss important issue which the Consti-
tuition is to determine has been going on
there for several years between parties so
evenly balanced that both claim the majority,
and so hostile to one anather that numerous
lives have been lost in the contest. Uader
these circumstances there can be no such thing
as ascertGiHiag clearly and aeihoat Doubt The
toijt IF tie people an any ray except By tieir
oioR diTect oppression Of II at tie polls. A
constitution not su5jectsi to Mtt test, no
matter rhGt Il contains, aciU nerer be dcLno1r-
ledged By its opponents to be any thing bit a
.fraud. a plausible color might be given to
this assertion by the argument that the mem
beTs of the convention could have no motive
for refusing to submit their work to their
constituents, except consciousness that the
majority would condemn it. " oatcSs
tlat lre sLo4M fad Sonte diJicuity IN cns,rer-
ing tits. What otAeT notice could they
lure"
- We do most devoudy believe that, unless
tie constitution Of Kansas be submitted to a
direct vote Of the people, the unhappy con-
troycrsy which has heretofore ragged in that
Territory will be pro onged for an indie
finite time TO come. We are equally vel!
convinced that the will OF the majority,
whether it be for or against slavery, viii
finally triumph, though it may be after years
Of strife, disastrous, it may be, 20 the peace
and safety Of the whole Union.
Again: This movement Of the Territorial
authorities to form a constitution is made,
not in the regular way, in pursuance of an
enabling and authorizing act Of Congress,
Jnt on the mere motion OF the Territorial La
g;sa:urc itself Nay, il has been begun and
carried on in the teeth OF refusal ov Con-
gross to pass such al act. This .rregularity
Is not fatal. There are other cases in which
it was overlooked. But it can be waived
only in consideration Of the fact that
the tie pcopls haze erpTessSR THAR ,cjH IN
lamiItaiie IlHguage. II We dispense with
the legal form Of proceeding we must have
the substance.
We think. for these reasons, that Gov.
Walker, in advocating a Submission Of the
constitution to vote OF the people, acted
with wisdom and justice, anl followed the
only line Of policy which promises to settle
this vexatious question either rightly or sat
is:actorily.