The Nevada Democrat., 1858-04-07
March 3Oth 1858. Sole Referee.
Letter from Hon. Daniel s. Dickinson.

Letter from Hon. Daniel 8. Dickinson.
Mr.. EDITOR As you have devoted much Of
your paper of late to the discussion Of the Kan
sas difficulty, and have given publication to the
letters of Henry A. Wise, and others whe oppose
the policy Of the Administration on that ques-
tion, request that you will afford room in your
columns for the enclosed brief letter from that
sterling patriot and Democrat, Daniel s. Dick
inson, Of New York. II opinions are to borrow
weight from the shadow of great names, be-
lieve that none will outweigh his with the true
Democrats.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 1858.
GKSrLExKS-I am honored with your kind note of this
morning desiring to evening when can meet
my democratic friends OF the District and others sOourn
ing here and give expression to my opinions upon the
great public questions of the day feengy appreciate
the generous and confdng spirit which suggested
pent 80 gratifying and distinguished regret to add
that while II would afford me the highest satisfaction to
comply with your request the professional engagement
which brought here has just been closed and other
calls Of kindred character at home compel to leave the
city.
Our country, blessed by beneGcsnt Providence with
all the elements calculated to render people prosperous
and happy. destined to be conVused BY internal
strife and disfgured by domestic discord.
or all agitatons which have disturbed repose
regarded and sim regard the Kansas question the
most artificial and causeles originating great degree
in bad intentions and worse actions.
For all present purposes shall not consider the crimi
nations and recrminatons which have prevailed the
allegations Of fraud violence, and treason which signal
lied its unhappy history, but remark that the evils of
which its people complain originate in their BOSOM
and that people they have generally held and
hold full and ample remedy in their own hands, and
that those who refuse TO exercise OF the dearest p
veges and highest duties Of reemenhat Of the elective
franchse-may indulge morbid grief cherish partisan
Spleen but should be especial objects o sympathy
of this Union both
domestic too mighty and diversified to bestcw their time
and energies and sympathy in considering the details of
local constitutions the fairness Of territorial elections
which they can have legitimate influence
troll Had been a member OF the Iecomp on convention
would have urged the submission of its constitution
WHOLE and in all its parts to the people for approval
rejection But unable to perceive upon what possible
sound theory of nonnervention either the President
Congress go behind constitution republican in form
and determine whether people who might have voted for
delegates did vote whether the delegates IN
ton in negecting to submit the details Of the constitution
to the people, Obeyed disregnrded the popular will
whether the constitution was wise or unwf.e nve or free
All these questions belonging exclusively 10 the people
Of Kansas at all times under their complete control and
in which tho federal government cannot intervene without
disturbing the foundations upon which the popular fedora
tive rests II Congress may reject constitution because
its details not submitted to the people Of the Terrific
~, may in like manner anest its disa pprObston be-
cause they II it may intervene t. compel subms
sion TO the people, it intervene to prevent submission
IL reject constitution for the sole that il
thorizes slavery il reject because ii does not and
popular sovereignty becomes but another name for federal
despOtsm.
The Democratic party, through many periods Of vicss
tude and trial. has proved itself to be the guardian Of the
constitution and the Union the preserver Of the public
peace and the foe Of sectional strife and dsunion under
whatever pretense presented Its chart the constitution
its policy progress in the Of and human
regeneration The country looks TO it again in this crisis
to put forth its conservative power and IT, The
administration Of its choice firm in its purpose and
guided by wisdom and moderation. il devOng its beat
energies to procure the admission Of Kansas into the Union
and thus leav the elements which disturb nations
pose and arrest its progress to the correction Of those with
whom they originate II gratifying TO perceive that she
democracy throughout the Union, with great unAnmitv
ralyng 10 the support the alton mon this
great principle and sustaining its policy. This Kansas
question is the aliment Of tho-e who live and
have their being in sectional strife and they will food upon
it and upon others long il be made avail
able for partisan purposes and when he longer
used to stimulate faction " adorn tale" ii will be
discarded worthless and all the clamor for freedom and
the rights Of the people Of Kansas will vanish into thin
No familiar with the Of events doubt the
design the consequences of prolonged existence Of this
controversy the importance to the interests of the
country and its institutions that be brought 10 speedy
conclusion by receiving Kansas at once into the Union
That DONE the question longer remains disturbing
element beyond the confines of the State Thus limited
with the inherent and conceded right of the people to
change their constitution ut will it becomes question of
local restricted interest and or of restricted ara
tion. Beyond that limit while some hay been mi.led nv
the first object Of those politicians who
started this issue and seek to pr0ong its discussion
overthrow Of the democratic party and the administration
Of its chocea party which is identified with the great
interests of the country and which at all rerods Of H.
history has interpose the shield of .ond opnion and nat
rioc action against the combinations of political eneme.
and the assaults Of seconam Let every true Democrat
in and out Of Congress- reflect upon the consequences
at TINS time and under such circumstances that party and
its administration shall be broken down. and all the dis
turbng elements of the late Presidential contest be again
set in motion and let him ask himself If he can be made
auxiliary to such an object and to such consequences
To the citizens of this District loyal to the Union
and its constitutional safeguards am happy the
expressions OF my attachment and respect and TO acknow
edge the qualification that IL affords ma to feel ths still
live in their recollection May adverse influences ever
prevent It from being the great central bond of Union Of
the States Of our glorious republic!
have the honor to be, with high regard sincerely
yours, II IMCK INSoI
JNo +. Ennis. Esq,
President Washing ton Democratic Association
and others. |