The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-02-25

had q distinct understanding win the resi-
dent, and the principle Of selfgovernment
was distinctly understood. He then read
the first letter Of instructions from Gen. Cas-
to Gen. Walker, ordering the latter to keep
sacred the right Of the people TO manage
their own affairs, in their own way, and de-
eide for themselves their own destiny
When he went to the Territory, he thought
slavery was the only question of difficulty,
and that when that was settled all was SET
tied. When be arrived there he found out
that he had made great mistake; be found
q difficulty much deeper in the public mind
"A difficulty affecting the government itself
and the whole machinery Of the Territory
the people were ready to break out into civil
war. He did not deny the statement in the
Presidents recent message that Kansas was
in rebellous state, but in order to do JUS
tice to the people, it was his duty to inquire
the reason for all the difficulties. 1t was his
duty to 90 behind the fact of their rebellous
state, and ascertain how far they were JUS
tifiable or excusable for it. He did not in
tend to Justify the people for resisting the
Territorial government, or to apologize for
any criminal wrong on either side. IL is but
fair to know the real state OF affairs, and
Cen Lane ard the first citizens were among
those opposing the government, because they
were not allowed any participation in the
local elections because the government wa
not theirs, but that Of the people Of neigh.
boring State.
Gov. Walker and himself endeavored TO
persuade the citizens u submit for the pres
ent, and redress their grievances Vt the bal
lot box. We were laughed at TO the face
when we talked TO them Of the ballot-box,
but VIC pledged ourselves to the people in
the strongest language that they should
have fair chance ut the next election, and
distinctly gave them to understand that the
constitution should be submitted to the PEG.
pie. Not one Of these promises 10 made
but what was Immediately communicated to
the President, and had never met | is re
proof or dissent and if il would he respect
iul TO the Chief Executive, he would prove
that the President had said to q number of
gentlemen that he sanctioned the movements
Of Gov. Walker but now, perhaps for the
good of the people, be had seen fit to modify
bis position. Laughter When those
pledges had been given, much complaint
was evinced by the minority, for they saw
that their power was to he wrested from
their hands. After being acquainted with
all the facts, he would have resigned and
thrown his commission in the face Of the
authorities at Washington, had he not de-
termined not to allow the outrages 70 be
continued longer, if he could help it. APP
plause.
He then explained the frauds connected
with the taking of the census The most
populOus counties were on the border OF the
Territory, whilst the interior was mostly
settled by emigrants from the Northern
States, ntermingied with few Southern.
ers, the majority Of whom favor free State.
The incomplete census was the fault Of the
officers, not Of the people. When he had
received returns from nineteen counties he
anxiously waited the returns from the 9th
ers. but, by the requirements of the law,was
compelled TO proceed to the apportionment.
He was not aware, at the time Of the true
state of things II has been said by his OPP
ponents that he should not have made any
app0rtiOnment; but the election was soon TO
take place, and the circumstance seemed 10
demand immediate action. Had he known
the true state Of affairs be never would have
made the apportionment He would have
suffered the whole law 10 fail. because sub
scquent events have shown that the law VIVA
made an engine for wrong and oppression.
He believed that, even il the registration
had been partially fair, the people would
have voted. He then alluded TO the small
number of votes which elected the delegates
TO the constitutional convention 49, thirty
votes for each delegate. II did not occur TO
him that these sixty men would have dared
10 refuse 10 submit their labors TO the con.
sideration Of the people, and he did not
dream that such action would have met with
the Executive sanction.
lie then alluded to the minority bringing
forth q repealed law relative to taxes, and
the refusal 10 have the majority ASSESSED
and further traced the history Of the Terri
tory lie could not believe ia the com-
plants Of the people at the first time. lie
was astounded at the Niece ard Oxford
frauds. and his eyes were opened. He then
no longer wondered that the people were
oaly detained by the army from openly re-
belling against such government. WleD
frat he received copy Of the Lecompton
Constitution, h. Immediately perceived the
strongest evidence Of previous preparation
and determination TO carry the point Of
slavery by every possible means and il,
with q knowledge d all the facts he pos
sesscd he had not resisted that instrument,
he wou,d feel himself disgraced forever. Mr.
stanton then proceeded TO treat Of the last
massage Of the Preziden,. The President
argues that the people had perfect liberty To
agree whether Kansas should b. u free or
slave State. lie did no, wish 10 question
the vcrsc,ty Of the President, bnt be must
say the statement was utterly iscorr'ct.--
lie regretted tina, be was not addresTing n
Southern audience, 40 that be could present.
the true facts t. those honorable and gene
rous people, whom he represented Tor ten
years in Congress. AZ S"uthcrDrr be-
wosd blush to argue, even f0r rnofneDt
tina, the people bad an opportunity % de