The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-01-29
SHALL CONGRESS ABDIcATEr


sues which are forced upon by every changing
aspect of political life. They commenced in 1855, a
fearful bombardment of the democracy upon the
question of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise
demanding unconditional surrender on our part
and the delivery TO them of that old and decayed for
tress of congressional patchwork which they declared
to be the very bulwark of American freedom.
Mr.. Seward rung the alarm bell at Columbus Ohio,
warning the people of all the States and Territories
of the Northwest, and our Canadian neghbors, way
up 10 the north pole to be ready to resist the com
ing of slavery THE great barrier which had more
than thirty years opposed its progress northwardr
had been ruthlessly demolished The Missouri law
was the charter Of the liberties of the North and its
restoration was, therefore, the only guarantee Of
their future freedom.
| These views were cherished by all the republi-
cans We say nothing of the idea they convey Of
the essential weakness of people who depend upon
an act Of Congress- for their freedom and safety
| We refer to these matters only that may point
now to present issues which not enough re-
lated to those severely pressed upon q couple
of years ago to bear claim TO the remotest consan
guinity Those sacred old works" erected in
the fearful nroads of the labor of the South do not
receive even passing notice The great and para
mount question Of slavery in the Territories has been
exchanged for lamentations the political wrongs
of people who for four years, have not only re-
fused to exercise their political rights and duties
| but have endeavored by every means in their
power, to prevent the establishment of government
in their midst
| We are quite aware that when the fire gets tho
great light But are also aware that the more
excessive the heat the sooner will the combustibles
be consumed. Now we have no idea in the world
that the American people can, by the appli-
of party be mised into the belief that the in
habitants of Kansas will suffer by being made soy.
| sregn State Of this Union--by being raised from
condition of dependence to one of absolute free
dom. But told that they don't like their or
ganic law. Then let them amend il. They claim to
have fifteen twenty thousand voters only two
thousand FIVE hundred voted in June last for dele
gates to the convention which framed their constiu
ton Their refusal to vote their refusal 10 reeog-
the territorial gore,nment established by Coagyes
They set up government Of their and de6ed that
which created by federal authority The ques-
ton home then, with irresistible force shall
Congress abdicate disavow the act of 1854, declare
the territorial government void and thus virtually
sanction the Topeka rebellion shall it insist upon
giving legal effect to its legislation and the proceed
ings of the territorial government thereon Shall
we import the Topeka constitution and management
TO Washington! Is rebellion at premium? Are
.t,al. ~ II
We are ready TO anticipate an affirmative answer
TO these questions by the republicans Topeka is the
and foundation of their party; its consti
tuition ia the Koran Of their faith the very seal of
their new covenant. But are yet to believe that
single democrat North or South, East or West,
win be wanting in faith to his country now when its
supremacy ia menaced by mobs, and the overthrow
of its government threatened by concerted rebellion
THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO CHANGE THEIR
FORM OF GOVERNMENT EXPRESSLY RESERVED
IN THE LECOMPTON CONSTITUTION.
One Of the main objections urged against the Le
compton constitution by those opposed to its recep-
ton by Congress is that it contains the following pro-
vision
a. SIC a. After the year thousand eight hundred
and sixty four whenever the Legislature shall think
c.ssary amend alter and change this constitution they
shall recommend the electors at the general cleo
tion wohirds Of the members of each house concurrng
TO vote for against calling convention
This provision it is said is obligatory upon the
people Of Kansas, and necessarily precludes any
change, alteration amendment until after the year
1864 Suppose admit, which do only for the
sake of the argument that the people Of Kansas
bound by the action Of their convention, and that
they only change. alter, amend their constitu
ton in the mode and manner pointed in the clause
just quoted still it does not follow commended by
the opponents Of the Lecompton constitution that
such change alteration. amendment cannot be made
until after the year 1864 On the contrary we be-
lieve the constitution be altered amended or
abolished At any time previous to that period
and that too, easily and readily than at SUBJ
sequent period, for the that prior to 1864
simple majority of the legislature may call conven-
ton to effect amendment change; while subse-
quent thereto, such call only be made by con-
currence of tro-thiyds Of the Legislature This con-
cusion, think, is clearly and naturally deducible
from the language Of the clause under consideration
and in making this distinction the convention was
governed by the very beat The constitution
it knew might be imperfect. and. when reduced to
practical operation. might requires did most. if
I n IL. 4