Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1858-04-17
The LATEST CONSTITUTION OF KAN.
SAS.

The Kansas Constitutional Convention complet-
ed its labors and adjourned on the 81 inst. The
correspondent of the Missouri Democrat, speaks
in terms OF high commentator of the sohriety
aud ability of the majority of the members of the
Convention. And they have proved themselves
superior in honesty and moral courage TO anv pre-
ceeaing Constitutional Convention in the terri
tory, or even in the states, "a their action in gran,
ing to cOlored men as we'll as others the right to
vote on the adoption Of the Constitution clearly
shows. All previous conventions have deliberate.
ly sacrificed the franchise of the colored man to
poplar prejudice. This had the courage and jus
tice to concede his right to a voice in the govern
ment under whicb ne lives. The Buchanan pro-
ject Of forcing II constitution upon the white peo'
pie against their will, seems to have been highly
useful in developing these excellent traits Of char
acter in some of that class in Kansas.
Speaking of the action of the Convention on
this point, the correspondent of the Missouri
Democrat, under the date of April Sd says
Within the past two or three days, earnest ef-
forts were made by the conservative members. to
introduce the word white" into the instrument,
but every attempt was n complete failure. Every
male citizen of the United States. twenty-nne years
old, and upward, and Foreigners who have been III
the country one year and have declared their in
tention to become citizens. are qualified electors.
The question OF universal suffrage, is to be sub
mitted by the first Legislature, 10 Il popular vote at
the first general election under the Constitution
Schools are required to be established. open ard
tree to every Guild in the State In the declara-
tion of rights. the rights of all men 10 the control
Of their own persons. is asserted to he prior to law
and mailer able. aud the right of trial by jury IL
declared To extend 10 Versons OF every condition
These are among the liberal provisions of the in
strument. and those over which the struggle he
tween the liberal and conservative elements in the
Convention, was net earnest.
Thus at length. Kansas seems to have got II Con
s~titution, worthy in these respects Of adoption by
her free citizens. But she will, find desc excel
lie Mt provisions made null and void by the power
within the pale of its authority, Taen sho vii
n ~scertain that the Fugitive slave law and uthe'
kin !red enactments nay more. even the nationa
Constitution itself. will deny tho right of n por
ton of their free citizens, 10 persona liberty ant
self government A fitting and honorable subse
quent to the adoption of tbs constitution by thu
people of Kansas, would lie IL resolution TO sta,
out OF n union at war with the fundamental prin
ciples Of her state government.
The writer in the Democrat adds that u. NJ
Walden. chairman OF the committee on an addres,
to the American public. submitted a repor, of thi
document. The Daily Times saws; this all,
state paper is from the pen of Mr.. Walden. 1t i
admirably written, earnest, calm, conclusive. ]
has in it the fire of the spirit Of the revolution
and it's wisdom. 1t will be read by the people q
the republic because it is a noble defence u
the rights and liberties of the people"
"The policy recommended to the people of kan
sas by this address. is that they give the Leaven
worth constitution a hearty ratification. and refus
to accept Of any organic law which may deriv
it's origin from the ~Lecompton constitution or go,
ernment. IL was distinctly understood by it, TIM
the convention would not tolerate the policy {
any Free State men qualifying under the LecomT
ton constitution. should it be received. This prC
voked an earnest and protracted discussion, f.
/ there are a few persons who think that thore ma
be II contingency, in which il may be necessaI
a for the officers under Le,ompton TO assume :hei
. functions.
e Tho address as adopted by the convention, doe
not recognize the possibility of %Lecompton becon
e ing the fundamental law. even should Congre,
nj receive it, inasmuch as without the sanction of tn
{ reople, it will be, in fact, null and void"
n GOVERNOR WIsE.-The New York Times, say
D Governor Wise lie preparing himself for tn
/, that he is to appear as it's advocate. Saul is NJ
: yet among the prophets.