The Kanzas news., 1858-10-16

Shall the Free State Party be Re-or-
ganized?
We think that by this time it has become
apparent to even the most superficial obser-
yer of the complexion of political affairs in
Kansas. that the Free State party cannot
long exist on its present basis-that its OBJ
soIete platform and lack of fidelity to prin-
ciplss is fast bringing it into contempt and
discredit. In the fewest number of the
Legislative Districts of the Territory were
candidates nominated on the Free State is
sue. To be sure, they all claimed to be
Free State men. but then the real test ap-
piled in the nomination, was fidelity to the
cardinal principles of the Free Labor or
Republican party on the one hand, and de-
votion TO the National Democracy on the
other.
The most sanguine of the friends of the
Free State party admit that it is in process
of disintegration. Various reasons are as
signed for it, but the more honest of its ad-
herents must admit that the real reason of
its growing weakness is the lack of a vital
issue upon which to go before the people.
The anti-slayery element of its compost
ton is in open rebellion. The National De-
mocracy still pretend to fight under its ban
ner, while working strenuously under the
leadership of James Buchanan and his
agents. Each of the different elements or
parties of which it is composed, is seeking
its own kind and going back to old party
affiliations and issues.
The question now presented is whether
the old Free State ship shall be deserted en-
tirely to the rats and vermin of the camp,
or whether it shall be renovated and re-or
ganized upon platform of living issues
This is now the real question-dodge and
fix it how we will. Either the Free State
party must have new platform or it goes
to pieces. The issue then is between the
Free State party under new organization,
or the various parties which would spring
up on its ruins.
For our own part we prefer re-organiza-
tioD of. the Free State party at the present
time to It's unconditional dissolution. We
are satisfied that this course will be the bet
ter one to adopt until change from Terri
ritorial to State form of government shall
have taken place. This course, too, we are
satisfied. would do more to advance the in
terests of Republieanism as opposed to De-
mocracy. than the adoption of the name
REPuBucAs. If We desert the Free State
flag entirely, and take up with the name of
Republican, the National Democracy will
adopt our abandoned flag and prostitute it
to Democratic uses, until they are sufficient
ly strong to throw it aside and show them
selves in their true colors. The Democra-
cy would undoubtedly be much the gamers
from an organic change at this time-and
whatever strengthens Democracy strength
ems slavery-which, We take il. is not the
design of Republicans of any school.
The new platform. to be successful. must
be affirmative and comprehensive-re-afirm
the old platform and add the new pianks
which the necessity of the times demand
placing it in fair and square opposition to
the infamous National Democracy. and in
favor Of preserving the Territories to Free
Labor-setting its face against Judicial and
Federal usurpation--in favor of Free Ter
F:tory In Kansas aoso as well as Free State
IN the future. These are among the impor-
tant amendments of which the Fres State
platform will admit. and which are impera-
lively demanded.
There are doubtless few disafected men
in the party who win oppose it. They are
mostly. however. hangers on of the Demo
cratic camp. waiting for an excuse to go
over-as though any respectable person car
ed whether they went or not The mass
of the party viii. we are satisfied. fully en-
dorse such a change. They all must real
ise the pressing necessity for it and We ap-
prsheud no difficulty from ,hem-
We are satisfied that those who have
strenuously urged the immediate organiSa-
tion of the Republican party win oppose no
objection. They must see the folly of it.
and The wisdom of pursuing milder or less
radical course. 1t viii not do at this june
ture of affairs TO precipitate matters. Let
us have plenty Of time to discuss these ques-
tions, and the result viii be>far more satis-
factory than rssb course could possibly