The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-12-10
KANSAS AFFAIRS,

In an editorial, two weeks ago, we took the
ground that the People of Kansas ought not to
vote on the fraudulent question submitted to
them, but call upon the Governor to convene
an extra session of the Legislature, so that
through that body they might give an authori
tative expression of their views. Reports from
Kansas say that Mr.. Stanton, acting Governor
proposed to call an extra session, provided he
could have an assurance that the Legislature
would refrain from general legislation. Another
report states that Governor Walker hesitated al
such step, because he was uncertain whether
the new or old Legislature would meet under
such call. These reports are unsatisfactory
The House of Representatives is elected for
one year, and the Governor certainly ought to
know when its term of service begins and ex.
pires. If it does not expire till the first of Jan
usry ensuing, simple statement of this fact
would justify his refusal to call an extra ses.
sion. But, if this be the fact, what are we to
think of the report that the Acting Governor
was willing to issue call, provided there should
be no general legislation
Meantime, we are assured that Gov. Walker
persists in his opposition to the action of the
Lecompton Convention, and is determined TO
do all he can to defeat it. He thinks he will
be sustained by majority of the Democratic
Party, and O majority of the People Of the
country.
The position of Mr.. Douglas is a subject of
various speculation. The Republicans may
be assured of one fact-he will not act with
them, or separate himself from his Party but
in his Party, his ambition is always to be a
leader. If he do not sustain the course of Mr..
Buchanan in relation to the Lecompton Con.
stitution, he will endeavor go to manage
his opposition as, while saving his inter
ests with the Northern Democracy, he shall
lose nothing with the Southern. His re-
lations to the former constrain him to on.
pose the action of the Calhoun Convention, but
there are many questions Of equsl if not greet.
er interest to the Southern men, on which his
co operation with them may be all important.
1t may be desirable TO organize as State
New Mexico, which has elected delegate
on the Slavery issue, and which is believed nv
the Slave Power to be controlled by its sur.
porters. 1t is desirable to organize two or three
more Territories in the slaveholding section. a.
the germ of future States, Arizona and the In.
dian Territory among them. Now, suppose
Mr.. Douglas should embrace oil these subjects
in his programme, would the South take deadly
offence at an act enabling the People of X ansas
to form State Constitution
The People Of Kansas thus far are acting
wisely. They seem cool, but determined. We
do not believe they will injure their cause BY
violence. The time for the last resort has no.
ye. come. They have the numerical force
they have the Territorial Government; it is no
certain thu. Congress will accept the Lecomp
ton Constitution; the probabilities on the whole
are against it at ali events, it cannot be forced
through both Houses until after the first of Jan
uary, the time fixed for the meeting of the new
Kansas Legislature. The Free State men
therefore, have every reason to be calm, hope
full, AID resolute. They will not vote at the
election ordered on the 10Th December; nor &c
we bsIieve thar they will resort to any violent
measures to prevent it; but, we trust that they
will appoint Committees of Vigilance at all the
polls. and be out in foil force, to take notice
exactly of tchdt is done, and to expose what
ever fraudulent transactions may be attempted
The Legislature which will meet In January