Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-09-29
s. B. ROW, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR
CLEARFIELD, PA, SEPT. 20, 1858.
GILLIs AND LEcoMpToN.

Two years ago. when James l.. Gillis was
soliciting the votes of the people of this Con-
gressional district, he was held up as advo-
cate of the doctrine of popular sovereignty
and friend of Free Kansas His own Pied
ges and those of his supporters, to this effect,
were of frequent repetition-in almost every
school house and from every stump in the dis
trict this announcement was made. And how
were those promises carried out? Did Mr..
Gillis, when the time came for him to act,
faithfully redeem the pledges made by and for
him? Did he stand by the principle of popu-
lar sovereignty Did he, by his acts or votes
in Congress, favor the admission of Kansas as
Free State, and fair submission of the con-
stitution to vote of the people of that terri
tory? Nol emphatically, Noil His pledges
were violated-his promises were disregarded
the principle upon which he was elected was
forsaker-his constituents misrepresented-
and his vote given in favor of the English bill
half threat, half bribe, as it has been appro-
priately described-which required but 50 900
of population to admit Kansas as a Slave
State, but demanded %, 400 if she sought ad-
mission as Free State.
We have the charity to believe that Mr.. Gil
lis, at the time of his election, was disposed TO
do right; but, unfortunately, it would seem he
was not proof against the communicating infiu-
cnces of the National capital. Washington
City is bad place, wicked place, corrupt
place-we say ii with regret but it is true.
Then the Establishments, and smiles, and IA
vors of power are peculiarly fascinating and
ha, ilr-b
ordinary individuals; and we o not wonder that
Mr.. Gillis, fondled and fattered, carressed and
smiled upon by the President and his friends,
was carried away from the path OF duty and
fell a victim TO the wies OF designing politi-
cal charlatans.
Mr.. Gillis' desertion of the great principle
upon which he was elected, created some sur
prise; and recently the motives which actua-
ted him have been made subject of inquiry.
And, indeed, it is nothing more than right
that his constituents, whom he is now asking
to re-elect him, should inquire about the mat
ter. We last week published an article from
the Pittsburg Gd-ettc, which stated that when
the contract for supplying the Utah army was
given to Russell & Majors, it was generally
supposed they would contribute literally to
the financial wants of the Administration man
agersi that during the tendency of the Le-
compton bill drafts of Russell & Majors, gem
orally of $4,000 each. were plenty about the
capitol; that it was currently believed in Wash
ington they were used corruption money
and that on his way home from that city, af-
ter the adjournment of Congress, Mr.. Gillis
offered two Of these drafts in Pittsburgh and
got them cashed. Now, what inference are
we to draw from thisl Are we 10 suppose
that these drafts had anything to do towards
inducing Mr.. Gillis to favor the Lecompton
swindle! Are we to believe that he could be
persuaded by such considerations to vote for
the English bill 2 We would rather not and
yet it remains for Mr.. Gillis to explain-to
vindicate himself if he can. The draft trans
action has been circulated all over the district,
and We have yet to learn that lie can show it
10 be all right and honest.