The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-05-05

NoW1 ii tuis 10 tight inherent IN tDe
people, inaiienable and indefeasible, exist
ing at all times, then take it that no pro.
vision whatever in the constitution could
possibly affect it, or restrain its exercise
But in the constitution OF Kansas no attempt
is made 10 restrain this right; but, OH the
contrary, it is expressly reserved and ac-
knowledged. The natural of political rights
of All individual or community cannot be
divesied bet by express, positive law; but
here seems 10 be right which is above
laws and constitutions; the owners cannot
part with il; constitutions and laws cannot
defeat it. There is, however, no attempt in
this constitution to interfere with this right.
It is true, there Is in this instrument an ar
hcle, or section, regulating amendments af.
ter the year 1854; not amendments by the
people, but by The Legislature WIN II pe
asked why this section relating to amend
ments was introduced, if not 10 prevent
amendments in any other manner than
therein expresseda answer, the LegisIa.
ture has not, except by constitutional grant
any power over the constitution, either to
make, alter, amend, or abolish; and this
section was inserted for the purpose of CIV
ing 10 that body this power. But the grant,
regulations, and restrictions contained in
this section apply exclusively 10 the LegisIa.
ture, and do not in any manner affect, limit,
or restrain the rights of the people, Uuder
this grant, the Legislature may, after 1864,
alter and amend the constitution as therein
provided. Prior to this time no such power
can be exercised by that body; for even if
the power TO alter and amend did not depend
upon the constitutional grant, still the fixing
of day after which this power may be ex-
ercised would, by implication, preclude the
exercise of the power prior TO that day
And surely, during this period which must
elapse between the time of State orsaniza
tion and the year 1864, no exercise of the
power OF the people, in the way of making
amendments or alterations, can conflict with
any legislative powers, for no such powers
exist. How is it after 1861? do not see
any difficulty even after that date. Suppose
the Legislature, after 1864, refuse 10 amend
the constitution in the manner therein pre-
scribed, which requires two-thirds voc :;
and suppose, by majority of that body,
law is passed providing for the election of
delegates TO convention TO amend, and in
this manner the constitution should he
amended; would this act of the people con-
fict in any way with the legislative right :?
The Legslature-refuse to-act in,the premis
es in the manner prescribed by law, and
then the people, in the exercise of their or.
iginal inherent power, act for themselves.
] see no inconsistency, no conflict of pow
er.
MIR. Chairman, there are a number of
other matters connected with this subject
which | desire 10 notice, but time will not
permit. The subject of frauds, on which
SO much stress has been placed in the dis
cussion of this question, might properly
claim little more consideration than have
been able to give it. can, however, mere
ly allude to it again. | do not pretend that
there wore no frauds perpetrated by the sue
cessiul party in Kansas. On the contrary,
have no doubt there were frauds, gross
frauds. and wrongs, perpetrated there by
individuals OF both parties-such as must
forever disgrace the parties who parlicipa.
ted in them, and forever render them un-
worthy of the confidence and respect oi
honest men. That these frauds and wrongs
were not confined 10 either party, cannot
now be denied; that few lawless men in
Kansas, aided and encouraged by men
equally lawless outside of that Territory,
have not only disgraced themselves, and
disturbed the peace and retarded the pros.
perity Of her people, but have agitated the
whole nation, will not be controverted; and
that the great mass of the people there real.
ly desire a cessation of these evils, and will
gladly accept of the opportunity which a
Stale organization will afford them, of rid
ding themselves of the power and influence
Of these "pestilent fellows" is, believe
equally true.
Mr.. Chairman, | have now presented al
that time will permit, in defence of the i'm
mediate admission of Kansas as State
under the constitution which she has pres
ented TO us. Imight add many other con
siderations which have their influence upor
my mind; but will here briefly say, shal
vote Tor the admission of Kansas, becaus,
l believe that the people of that Territory
of all parties, really desire to have Siat'
organization, as has been sufficiently indi
Gated, not only by the direct vote upon tha
question, but by their applications mad
here for admission. Bucause believe tha
she has the requisite population, that tn
interests OF Kansas and of the nation reguir
it. shall vote for its admission under tn
Lecompton constitution, because it is In
only instrument presented here with he
/ present application. Because believe tina
the proceedings, so far as we can judge
under which that constitution has been pre-
pared and adopted, have been conducted j
conformity with the requirements of law
and in such manner that the people of Kan
sas have had full and fair opportunity /
participate "through their representatives
in its formation, and that it must be regal
ded as the legal expression of the will {
the people. Because it will place the pee
| nlo or Yoosas IN a nondition IN have the