The Kansas herald of freedom., 1858-01-30
From ne National Era.
Kan.as-Ths Position Of the Question.


contained startling accounts from Kan
sas, got up in the most approved style of
sensation typography, announcing Treason,
Rebellion, Civil War, Sieges, Battles,
Bloodshed, and Cenfagration. Who
originated sneh reports, or what was their
object, unless to make newspapers sell
readily, we do not know. AT first, the
Washington Union, giving full credit to
them, talked ef a Black Republican re-
bellion, of the Territory being plunged
into civil war by the Black Republican
Party, and it insisted more than ever on
the vast importanceof recognizing instant.
" the Lecompton Constitution as the
only remedy for the mischief. But sub
sequent accounts throwing discredit on
the fearful rumors, it turned round, and
began to charge the Black Republicans
with getting up the imaginary horrors for
the purpose of keeping the Public mind
excited! A perfect wind mill is the
Union round and round it goes, grind
ing the same grist, no matter from what
quarter the wind bloweth.
1t is consolatory to know that there has
been no rebellion, no civil war, no battle
between Lanes militia and Harney's reg
ulars.
This week, We publish a letter from
Erastus Heath, of Kansas, giving an ac-
| count of the division among our friends
in the Territory in regard to voting. As
to the election ordered ON the 21st of De-
cember, there was little, ifsany difference
of opinion among them. They saw that,
| if they voted at all, they must vote for
the Constitution and therefore refused to
take any part in the election. That was
right. But the Legislature, at its special
session, having provided for submitting
the whole Constitution fairly to the peo-
pie, the Free State men agreed generally
to vote. And that was right. a fair op-
| portunity being presented on the 4th of
January for the expression of the peoples
| will for or against the Constitution, we
have no doubt that the people voted, and
the returns, when reported, will show on
which side lies the majority.
But, another question arose The
President is committed to the Lecompton
Constitution-stands pledged to use all
his influence to secure its recognition by
Congress, in each House, of which his
Administration is sustained by majority.
There is danger that despite the opposi-
ton of the Republican members and the
protest of Mr. Douglas and his friends,
the Pro-slavery instrumentmay be adopt
ed. Calculating upon this event, the
Convention that framed it, ordered the
election of State officers to be held on the
4th of January. Now, if we suffer this
election to be carried BY default, and
Kansas be admitted into the Union as a
State under the Lecompton Constitution
the government of the new State will be
in the hands of the usurpers; Pro- Slavery
United States Senators will be elected
and the prospect of a new Convention to
amend or substitute the Constitution will
be indefinitely postponed. But, if we
take part in this election, choose the
Governor, the Legislature, and members
of Congress, and secure the Representa-.
ton in the United States Senate, we car
rid ourselves of the vile Constitution and
the rule of usurpers without delay
There is no danger that our motives can
be mistaken, should we vote. We shall
not thereby recognise the Convention thai
framed the Lecompton Constitution, Oh
approve of that instrument, or give any
countenance to the President, but, our &C.
ton will show that we are determined tc
prevent, so far as In us lies, the hateful
consequences of the recognition of such
an instrument through the evil counsels O
the President and the indefensible actor
of Congress.
The question was discussed, as we learn
in delegate Convention of the Free
State men, but they were unable to agree
and division took place. Those in favol
of voting, nominated ticket, and the
policy found favor in most parts of the
Territory-to what extent, it is impossi.
bic to say, until the returns of the election
shall be received. We regret that there
was any division. 1t would have been
well if our friends had united as one
man in support of ticket of their own
so as to have provided for every contin.
gency. Had they done this and elected
their candidates, it would not have abated
the zeal of the opponents in Congress o.
the Lecompton Constitution, while il
would certainly have been an induce.
ment to those who have been its support.
ers, to agree to the policy of an enabling
act.
Meantime, there seems to be genera
disposition to await the returns from al
the elections in Kansas-not only that o.
the 21st ult., but those of the 4th Jan
The President and the new Governor re
cognized them all as legitimate, although
the former has avowed his purpose to b
guided by the vote (partial as we know
. isl of the 21st December.
; The Union (the Administration organ
! from day to day urges the recognition o
: ! the Lecompton Constitution as test mea
+ sure, and decides upon the fidelity of
; supporter of the Administration by hi
1 adherence to that measure. MIR. Toomb:
it is understood, sustains it, but decline
: | to become its leading champion in tn
Senate. Mr.. Brown of Mississippi, afte
having been twice arrested in a speecl
intended as areply to Mr.. Douglas, ayow
his purpose to postpone it, until furthe
] returns from Kansas shall present prae
: tical question. Governor Wise, of Viz
# ginia, in a letter to the Tammany Hal
: Democracy, New York, differs both fror
i the President and Mr. Douglas, and seem
: to support the policy of Mr.. Pugh, VIII
= would have Congress recognise Che Le
It compton Constitution, with proviso fo
4 submitting the question of Slavery to
It fair vote of the people.
i The New York Herald, the princips
: champion of the Administration, goes fe
u the Lecompton Constitution, without qua
o ifeation. Ie holds up to the South th
n new free States of Minnesota and 0regoI
II and insists that there can be no objectio
b to the admission of Kansas as slay
I. State. It stimulates the STAKEHOLDER |
adhere to this policy: il does not beliey
; they viii submit to the rejection Of Ka1
e sas; and it tries to frighten the conserv.
e tive and Commercial interest Of the Mort
= with predictions of violence, civil broil
secession, should the Lecompton Const
v tuition be set aside. Doubtless the AZ
o ministra.isn Is willing to have the fears
: IL A. - = IL.