Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-03-13
BALTIMORE LECOMPTON MEETING.
lReported for the Star

Pursuant to call published In the Baltimore
papers, meeting OF citizens was held in Tenn
perance Temple In that city last evening The
attendance was very large, so much so that the
capaciOus saloon was not sufficient to accomMo-
date all who came
The audience comprised very many of the lead.
ing men OF the city and was not confined to men,
bers of the Democratic party, though the MAORI
ty were of that class. We observed a consider
able number present, however, who are known
as "Old Line Wings" and have eschewed poll
ties and political meetings since the Wing party
was disOrganized.
We also noticed some in the assembly who
Were once active partizans of the American party.
All these elements combined to swell the crowd,
and seemed alike enthusiastic in the expression
OF their approval Of the course pursued by the
Administration OH the Lecompton question.
There was, indeed, a unity Of sentiment about
the meeting which we have rarely seen excelled
in any political gathering Of any character.
The meeting was called to order by Hon Joshua
Vansant; on whose motion, Hon. John Nelson was
chosen to preside
On taking the chair, Mr.. Nelson thanked the
meeting for the distinction, remarking that he
was proud to occupy the position in relation to
thls expression Of the sentiments Of citizens Of
Baltimore in favor Of the course of the Chief
Magistrate on the Kansas imbrogliO. His judg.
ment approved the object of the meeting heartily
He alluded to the history Of the agitations in
former times, and especially that when a none
tary monopoly attempted to control the Govern
ment. That attempt was frustrated, and the mo-
nopoly broken down, by the frmness of the Hero
Of the Hermitage; and this excitement would be
similarly quelied by the determination Of the
Sage Of w heatland.
Mr.. Nelson proceeded briefly to review the
Kansas question, and made an able arg ument in
favor Of Lecompton.
When he concluded, the Vice Presidents and
Secretaries were selected
Mr.. Vansant then read a series Of resolutions.
which we have not room to publish. They
are ably prepared, and express in strongest terms,
adherence to the principles of the Cincinnati
platform and to the views adopted by the Ad-
ministration.
Hon. Mr.. Toombs, Of Georgia, was then intro
duced and made remarkably cogent and earnest
speech In favor Of Lecompton. He reviewed the
entire history Of the slavery excitement in this
country, and contended, in the language Of MIR.
Jefferson, that the enemies Of freedom, to get
themselves into power, had always made use Of
sectional issues
The doctrine originally held from 1890 down
to 1870 was that new States should have a right
to organize governments for themselves, and ex-
cept In the cases Of the States formed out Of the
territory coded by Virginia under the obligation
that slavery should not exist therein, Congress
had never attempted to legislate on the subject,
until the application Of Missouri for admission
made.
The Compromise which grew ont Of the then
agitated opposition to slavery extension was next
noticed, and the talented Senator said the South
had agreed to it under the influence Of devoted,
and he almost feared foolish regard for the Union
But the North would not remain true to the terms
Of that compact. They repudiated it, and laugh
ed at the Southerners when they referred to II as
a bargain.
He illustrated the hypocrisy Of the Freesoilers,
and said he would as leave approach these Free
soil members Of Congress, as anybody else, with
request to form partnership in importing a
cargo of slaves.
The Kansas question proper was next taken up,
its history given, and the views Of each side ex-
planned Mr.. T. urged that her constitution was
entirely legal, and that it was without the prov
ince Of the United States Congress to refuse her
admission.
Henry Clay Pate, Esq, Of Kansas, was also
introduced, and gave facefious description Of
Kansas, Kansas shrieks and shriekers, and the
d" Border Rutfians " He also gave the public
history of the 60 five Governors
The hour being late when he concluded, the
meeting adjourned, after giving several enthu-
siastic cheers for President Buchanan, Senator
Toombs, the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and the Le-
compton Constitution.
large number of letters were received and
ordered to be published