Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-02-11

proper to submit the whole of this constitution
to the popular vote, but did submit the question
whether Kansas should be free or a SlayeState
to the people.
This was the question which had convulsed
the Union, and shaken it to its very CENTRE
This was the question which had lighted the
flames of civil war in Kansas, and produced
dangerous sectional parties throughout the con-
federacy. 1t was of character so paramount
in respect to the condition of Kansas as to rivet
the anxious attention of the people of the whole
country upon it alone. No person thought
of any other question. For my own part,
when instructed Gov. Walker in general terms,
in favor of submitting the Constitution to the
people, l had no object in view except the all
describing question of slavery. In what man
her the people of Kansas might regulate their
other concerns was not the subject which attract
ed my attention. In fact, the general provision
of the recent State Constitutions, after an ex-
perienee of eighty years, are so similar and ex-
cellent that it would be difficult to go far wrong
at the present day in framing a new Constltu-
ton. I then believed, and still believe, that
under the organic act the Kansas Convention
were bound to submit this all important ques-
ton of slavery to the people.
1t was never my opinion however, that in
dependently of this act they would have been
bound to submit any portion of the Constitu-
ton to a popular vote, to give it validity. Had
| entertained such an opinion, this would have
been in opposition to many precedents in our
history commencing in the very best age of our
Republic. 1t would have been in opposition to
the principle which pervades our institutions,
and which is every day carried into practice,
that the people have right to delegate to the
representatives chosen by themselves, their SOW
ereign power to frame constitutions, to make
laws, and perform many other important acts,
without requiring that these should be subjected
to their subsequent appreciation. 1t would be
most inconsistent limitation of their own
power, imposed by the people upon themselves,
to exclude them from exercising their sovereign
ty in any lawful manner which they saw prop
er. 1t is true that the people of Kansas might,
if they had pleased, required the Convention to
submit the Constitution to popular vote, but
this they have not done.
The only remedy, therefore, in this case is
that which exists in all other similar cases. If
the delegates who framed the Kansas Constitu-
ton have in any manner violated the will of
their constituents, the people always possess
the power to change their Constitution or laws
according to their own pleasure.
The question of Slavery was submitted to the
election Of the people on the 2lst of December
last, in obedience to the mandade Of the Consti-
tuition. Here, again fair opportunity was
presented to the adherents of the Topeka Con-
stitution, if they were the majority, do decide
this exciting question in their own way and
thus restore the peace of that distracted terri
tory but they again refused to exercise the
right of popular sovereignty, and again suffer-
ed the election to pass by default.
heartily rejoced that wiser and a better
spirit prevailed among a large majority Of those
people on the first Monday in January, and
that they did on that day vote under the Lc-
compton Constitution for a Governor and other
State officers, and members of the Legislature.
This election was warmly contested by the par
ties, and larger vote pollcd than at any pre-
vious election in the territory. We may now
reasonably hope that the revolutionary Topeka
organization will be speedily and finally aban-
doned, and this will 60 far towards final set
Element of the unhappy differences in Kansas.
If frauds have been committed at this election
by one or both parties, the Legislature and the
people of Kansas, under their constitution
know how to redress themselves and punish these
detestablc but to common crimes without ouI
|
interference.
The people of Kansas have then in their own
way, and in strict accordance with the organ
ic law, framedsa constitution and State govern
ment-have submitted the all important ques.
ton of slavery to the people, and have elected
Governor, II member of Congress, the State
Legislature and other State officers and they
now ask admission into the Union under thii
constitution, Republican in Its form.
1t is for Congress to decide whether they will
admit or reject the State which has been created
!, For my own part am decidedly in favor of it,
admission, and thus terminating the Kansas
question.
This will carry out the great principleo of non
intervention, sanctioned by the organic act
which declares in express language in favor o
the non-intervention Of Congress with slavery
in States and Territories, leaving the people
!, perfectly free to form and regulate their domes
tic institutions in their own way subject only
to the Constitution Of the United States.
lntthis manner, localizng the question o
slavery, and con fning it to the people who arr
immediately concerned every patriot anxious
ly expected that the question would be Danish
ed from the halls of Congress, where it has al
ways exerted a baneful influence Throughout
the county.
1t is proper that should refer to the elections
held under the act Of Territorial Legislature
on the first Monday of January, on the Lecomp
ton, Constitution. This election was held afte
, the Territory had been prepared for admission
into the Union us sovereign State, and wheI
no authority existed in the Territorial Lcgsla
} ture which could possibly destroy its existenc
OF change its character.
| The election, which was peaceably conducted
under my instructions, involved strange ncon
= sistcncy: A large majority of the persons whC
f voted against the Lecompton Constitution wcr
: at the same time and place recognizing its valio
: existence in the most solid and authentic man
0 ner by voting under its provisions. | have a
\ yet received no official information of the result
0 of this election.
t 1t may be wise to reflect upon the benefit t.
I Kansas and the whole country that will result
t from its immediate admission into the Union, a
t well as the disasters that may follow its rejec
Y ton.
Domestic peace will be the happy conse
| quence of the admission, and that fine Terrific
e ny, hitherto torn by dssensons, will rapid
4 increase in population and wealth, and speed
9 realize the blessings and comforts which follow
A agriculture and mechanical industry. The PEG
ohOn Will NC eoNcIciSH, anu cttn TtSSuiute tucl
own affairs in their own way. If the majorit
of them desire to abolish domestic slavery with
e in the State there is no other possible mode b
e which it can be effected 50 speedily as by it
: prompt admission. The will of the majority
4 supreme, and irresistible when expressed in a
orderly and lawful manner. 1t can make Con
= situations at pleasure. 1t would be absurd t
!, say that they can impose letters upon their ow
r power which they cannot afterwards remove
h If they could do this they might tie their ow
: hands just as well for hundred as for tie
+ years.
e These are the fundamental principles {
} American freedom, and are recognized in som
l. form by every State Constitution and if Cor
l. gress in the act of Admission shall think proI