The Kanzas news., 1858-02-20

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held in the city of Lawrence which had for
its ostensible object to hear speech from
Jim Lane on the Presidents Message and
to devise ssways and means" to harmonize
the .great Free State Party The nett re-
suits of this "Biinneolean Harmonium" are
graphically described by our Lawrence cor
respondent, .Felik.' - The meeting was
large and in consequences of the recent ad-
Ijournment of the Legislature, different parts
of the Territory were well represented, at
least by the politicians. 1t was, in fact pre-
eminently politicians convention in contra
distinction to the people. Lane made his
speech and then the business of the meeting
commenced.
a committee ON resolutions had been ap-
pointed, who reported in favor of organizing
committee of thirteen TO manage the cleo
ton of Delegates to the Constitutional Con-
yention, and an Executive Committee of FIVE
persons to act in case of the passage of the
Lecompton Constitution. The report was
opposed by Judge Conway, W. A. Phillips,
VIM. Hutehison and others, on the ground
that as the meeting was not delegated body
it had no right to appoint such committee
and would be giving to an irresponsible
clique the entire control of matters: and al
so that there was regular committee now
in Office. The meeting failed to come to a
decision or even a vote on the subject.
After the adjournment of the meeting a
mass convention was called with Mayor Ad-
ans in the chair Mr.. Whitman introduced
resolution in favor of putting the Topeka
Government into motion if the Lecompton
swindle should be admitted. An important
discussion arose on it, which threw some
light on the future policy of the ''subter-
raneans.'' The resolution was, of course,
bitterly opposed by that class and indeed its
friends had no desire to secure its passage,
as the only object was to elicit the express
sion of opposite views, and having succeed
| ed, it was withdrawn.
During the discussion the very important
fact was brought to light that the boilers
had no idea of redeening their promises of
not working the Lecompton Government
providing they obtained possession of it.
Mr.. Heath, who is used by the more eau
tious "to bell the cat" introduced some res
olutions which he supported in speech
looking to an organization of the Lecomp-
ton government in Free State hands, the
election of U. S. Senators under it, and also
pledging the party to assist in getting the
boilers their seats even if we had to fight
for it. His policy. which is also that of
those with whom he acts, is simply this: to
get possession of the Lecompton Govern
ment and then proceed to enact laws and
doing all the works of government. Mr..
Pomeroy spoke boldly out and claimed that
the Lecompton Legislature should proceed
to make one or a hundred laws as it saw fit.
Mr. Ewing was in favor of the Free State
men going into that Legislature even if they
were in minority.
This policy was earnestly opposed by G.
B. Lines, of Waubonsa, Col. Phillips and
Judge Conway. They were in favor of the
Constitutional Convention called by the
Territorial Legislature and advocated going
into the election Of Delegates, the framing
of new constitution and the organization of
government under it, which should be the
means used to resist the Leeompton sWindle,
Let US make good instrument and adopt
ing that as finality stand by our action.
These are the two lines of policy indica-
ted at the meeting alluded to above. Let
the people choose which they viii have.
The one implying struggle for the Offices
under Lecompton, in order that the power
under that instrument may be put in the
hands of some quasi Free State men. with
out any limitation as to how much or how
they shall use it. Be it remembered, that
| if we once organize there can be no.bar put
in the way of legislation, and the result viii
be a complete foisting upon US of that in
fernal instrument, with all its imperfections
and iniquities. But itwere mere act of folly
to throw this brand into our already
distracted ranks, if the design was not pur-
posely to divide and dismember US for, we
have not got, nor are we likely to get, pos
session of the offices, should the swindle be
admitted by Congress.
The other course, which is also the one
once most Justify clamored for by the men
now leaning openly or covertly to the other
position, is the one to which all our Repub-
lican friends in Washington and the States
are advising US. Our Delegate to Congress
writes urgently in favor of the Convention,
and the anti-Lecompton men wait anxiously
for the reception of the Constitution which
may be framed They viii keep off the