Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-11-06
From the Abingdon Democrat,
GOVERNOR WALKER-HIS REJECTION OF
THE RETURNS FROM THE OXFORD PRE-.


THE RETURNS FROM THE OXFORD PRE-.
CINCT.
Since bis entrance into the Territory, as Governor
of Kansas, Robert j. Walker has, perhaps, been the
theme of more political articles in the party press
than any other ten in the country. he has been
distinguished among the able and energetic states
men of the United States for number of years
But at no previous period in his history has he ever
been 80 conspicuous during his career in Kansas
The attacks of his enemies at the North and at the
South, together with the reproofs apologies and e4
plantations of those who have never been disposed to
visit him with any severity Of censure, have rem
dered his words and acts objects Of especial attention
throughout the Union. He had barely commenced
bis course, hardly entered fairly upon duties, or de-
veoped his policy, before there outcry against
him in the South. At rst 1t seemed that the remon
STRANGE would soon become universal In the slave
States against hia conduct It was originally under
stood. Those who were anxious, and on the alert
for some plausible pretext to make war upon Mr..
Buchanan, embraced the opportunity afforded them
with avidity and evident delight. They opened their
batteries them and have obstinaely refused to listen
to any explanation siuce.
Those Southern Democrats who were, and are still,
firm friends of the Administration, also expressed
their dlsapprobation but they were willing TO await
evidence either to convince them of their missppre-
henson or to confirm their fears which the intelligence
already received, had aroused. Such testimony was
soou produced to convice us that Governor Walker
had been misrepresented, and misunderstood. The
endorsement Of his course by the pro.savery party OF
Kansas, and bis official explanation of his Topeka
speech to the State Department, though they could
not, of course prove that he committed no errors
and ndiscretions, were conclusive Of the honesty OF
his policy and the fairness OF bis intentions. There
are nevertheless, numbers Of Democrats, and untal;
terng friends of Mr.. Buchanan too, who have never
been dvested of the preudioes produced in their
minds against Governor Walker by the early and in
accurate accounts of the commencement OF his Ca
reer. They have, however, unlike those who were
predetermined on opposition 10 the Administration,
INDUCED in no demonstration against the policy Of the
President.
Governor Walker has been surrounded by circum
stances, which, no doubt, at this distance, we have
never been able to appreciate properly In order to
attach to them accurately that degree OF influence
which they must necessarily have exercised upon
his conduct. That be has made false steps-that he
has said much that should not have been said, and In
,ome instances done what ehould have been left un
DONE there is reason to believe. But his position
has been pecular he has had obstacles to overcome
conflicting elements to reconcile, and difficulties to
conquer which few men could encounter with any
sort of success. His predecessors faied and ne had
every thing to discourage and embarrass him. AUD
vet he has go discharged his delicate and dangerous
duties as TO be continued in office by the Admins
tration, notwithstanding the camor and threats OF
the rebellous malcontens.
James Buchanan has condded in him, and where
s the Democrat, except the most furious of the fire.
eaters, who would charge the President with wishing
to betray the interests Of the South II walker mas
been guilty Of traorous conduct in Kansas why has
he not been recalled by the Administration! why
have not the Southern members of the Cabinet de-
manded his removal Those gentlemen surely have
ample opportunities 10 investigate the facs; and II ne
has proved false 10 the slave States, why have they
not Joined in the out-cry against him Whatever er'
ror be NAV have committed and whatever prejudices
NAV have been eneendered against him by the ms-
Interpretation of his Topeka speech We believe that
Governor Walker honestly endeavored to act in con-
formiiy to the Kansas Nebraska bill and the Consti-
tuition TO quiet the conflicting elements and render
law and order supreme in that distracted territory
II he has not why is it that MIR. Buchanan has COD.
tinued him in Office
That Governor Walker has trauscended bis official
function in rejecting the returns from the Oxford pre-
cpct We have some doubt but that there was an in.
famous effort at ,tupendous fraud We have none
II would however, we think, be premature to pro-
pounce Judgment now, without all the evidence be-
fore us. The provisions Of the law quoted by
Governor Walker and Secretary Stanton, do not,
in our opinion very clearly invest them with the au'
tbority which they have exercised in rejecting the
Oxford votes. But on the ground that the returns
were invalid because informal, they may be enabled
70 ,ustfy their conduct in legal, as we have little
doubt they will, 10 moral point Of view.
According to the telegraphio dispatches, the ques.
ton was to have been considered yesterday, by the
cabinet 1t will doubtless be thoroughly investign'
ted: and We are confident that Gov. Walker will be
recalled if it lie proved the satisfaction of the Ad
muistretion that he was not prompted by sense o'
duty snd of justice. Although bis rejection OF the
Oxford returns may materially lessen the pro'savery
strength In the Legislature it would nevertheless oe
contradictory to the principle Of popular sovereignty
10 tie letter and spirit of the Nebrssks Kansas BILL TO
Justice and fairness for fraudulent votes to be receiv
Cd The South would sooru ssch triumph.
The s0Vthsrp people may b. assured that II GOV