True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-03-24
BIZ MaGNE7YC TELEGRaPA
Congressional.

| WASHINGTON CRY, MARCH l7.--Sen-
ate-Mr. Cfitenden spoke on the Kansas
bill. He referred to the right Of the
people 10 govern themselves as a great
principle, and applicable TO the present
circumstances. The President, he said,
has recommended with unusual earnest.
ness, the admission of Kansas under the
LecOmpton Constitution 1t was ques-
tion in his mind only Of facts, whether
the Lecompton Constitution comes with
such authority and sanction as to obIige
US to recognize it as the constitution OF
Kansas. He thought it did not. 'Fhe
evidence Of Gov. Walker and Mr.. Stanton
show that it is against the will OF an over
whelming majority of the people.
Mr.. CrittelIden recapiulated the state
ments of various frauds at the elections,
and then examined the legality of the
Lecompton Constitution, declaring that il
was not the constitution of the people Of
Kansas, but only of the Convention
which framed it. The vote Of ten thous.
and on the 4th Of January. shows that it
was not the Constitution of The people,
They tell you that it is particularly obnox.
ious tolhem, because tainted with fraud;
it is one of series of frauds insligated
for the purpose of getting and keeping
possession of the government Of Kansas,
from the first election carried by armed
invaders from Missouri. down to the
present day. Hence. he concluded that
to impose it on Kansas would be plain
and palpable violation OF the rights Of the
people 10 govern themselves; but con.
Iinued Mr.. Crtenden, Lecompion carries
on its face evidence of corruption. Those
who framed it knew it contained provis,
ions that the Free Stale men could not
assent 10 +; therefore none we're allowed
to vote, unless sworn to support its slavery
provisions and all the six thousand votes
shown IN favor of it were put in with the
view Of exhibiting suitable majority,
and in order not 10 make the fraud too
monstrous. They went just beyond the
line, the fraudulent intent was apparent
throughout; and how he asked, can
gentlemen ignore these frauds in the face
of internal evidence and concurrent
testimony. The people of Kansas say
that it is not their constitution, and they
ask US TO send it back to them to be
submitted to the vote of the people. Can
we, he asked, refuse such request9 Can
the Senators turn from such evidence 10
legal techncaiiies and presumptions of
laws. They ought to look to truth and
principle without looking TO presumptions
and precedents. Holding the principles
he did he could not put his hand to the
admission of Kansas under the Lecompton
Constitution. Mr. Crittenden then asked
what can the truth gain by the admission
of Kansas under that Constitution. No
Senator believes tnat she can be slave
state. The laws of climate and geogra-
ply forbid it. In support Of this view he
quoted the sentiments of several members
af Congress, including Mr.. Keiu
Mr.. HammoId-Did Mr.. Keitt say
so?
Mr.. Critlenden-It was so reported.
Hammond-Mr. Keit, quoted passage
10 that effect, but did not endorse il.
Mr.. Crtienden resumed, contending
that majority of the people of Kansas
should be allowed to make such a
constitution as they please; that, he said,
is the great American principle /; that is
the principle of the south itself. He was
according to the terms now used, a
Southern democrat he had lived all his
life in southern climate, and was ready
to defend his rights there, but the same
resolute spirit in which he would defend
his own rights he would defend the rights
of others. He repeated that he did not
believe that Kansas could be slave state.
The south was deceived in that respect.
Referring to the Missouri Compromise,
he said it would have been better to let it
stand. The south could gain nothing by
it, nor the north, but it was hallowed as a
bond of Union. . .'. ..# y.
House--Mr. Quitmah appealed to the
House to take up the Army Bill and
debate upon it until it was disposed of,
which he supposed would be tomorrow
Mr.. Pendleton advocated an increase
in the regular army, stating its necessity
if we expect the Executive to perform
efficiently the duties invested in him by
the Constitution. M 5. r..H. j.
Mr.. Pendleton spoke forcibly of the
necessity of defending our extensive
possessions against the Indians, some OIL
whom are enlisted to war by the Mormons
who are themselves in rebellion. Incl.
dental 10 the present necessity, Mr.
Pendleton referred to the future. wher
these possessions will be largely extend
ed by the acquisition Of Cuba, Centra
America. Mexico, &c. He thought i
was the duty Of the government to demand
peremptorily from Spain indemnity fol
the past, and security for the future, ant
for failure to give it' to take Cuba. Th'
other countries alluded TO would all COM
in good iime ' at ra t
Mr.. Humphrey Marshall replied tc
to Messrs. Faulkner and Pendleton
complimenliug the regular army for it
bravery, and chiyalry, and sense Of honor
but favoring the employment Of volunteer
in The present emergency as the mos
ready and efficient force. .alhl
Mr.. Bingham was opposed both to III,
majority bill for volunteers, and Mr.
Faulkners substitute for additional regu
lars as at present advised, and would vol
against the proposed increase either 0
volunteers or regulars, for he did no
believe that the condition of affairs j
Utah, Texas, or any where else require
il. The Mormons were told by tn
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