Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-03-27


This letter will commend itself to the reader by ito
sound practical sense and by the clear and correct
view which it presents of the present condition OF
the Kansas question. The Richmond Enquirer has
paid Col Biggs the high compliment of copying the
letter as embodying in the clearest and best man
ner its own views on this absorbing question.
As Col. Biggs truly observes, lin the admission
of Kansas the South only obtains recognition
of principle which can never be surrendered with
out dishonor; p" and he informs the Northern peo'
pie, calmly and firmly, that the South will never
to admit her inferiorty to them on account
of the institution of slavery. But we are OBTAINING
our readers from this admirable letter which is as
follows: 5.s fa ~.
LETTER B1ees TO THE BALrrMorE MASS
MEETING
SENATE CHAMBER,
Washington, March, 3, 1858.
GENTLEMEN: I cannot conveniently attend the
mass meeting in Baltimore, to which l am kindly
invited by yours of Goth ult
The object of the meeting 1 cordially approve
President Buchanan, in my opinion, should not only
be publicly approved, but he deserves the affection
of the people for his bold and patriotic position IN
the face of an unprincpled opposition and the de-
lection of some democrats from whom he had reason
to expect better things
candidly confess that the state Of affairs in Kan
for the last three years has not given me very
exalted opinion of the character OF that people for
an enlightened self-government; bu: they partake
of the characteristics generally of our border popu-
lation, who, drawn together by specializing mania
and desire and expectation to make themselves
speedily rich, are not very scrupulous about the
forms of law.
But what have we in the Lecompton constitution
under which it is proposed by the President to ad-
nit Kansasp 1t is constitution emanating from
legal authority and in its adoption all the necessary
forms of law ascertain the peoples will have been
observed 1t is no doubt true that there have been
fraud, violence. and great irregularities in the action
of all parties in Kansas; and suppose as is charged,
there was fraud at the Delaware Crossing or other
precincts, yet it cannot be denied that, deducting
this and all other fraudulent votes they ought to be,
with the emphatic condemnation and denunciation
of all honest men, still there is overwhelming
legal majority of the people of Kansas voting for
delegates and approving the constitution. II, how
ever, it be admitted that majority Of the people
in the Territory refused to VOTE then to make that
an excuse for refusing admission is to encourage
taction and rebellion against lawful authority.
1t may be seriously questioned whether we do
not make dangerous precedent in admitting
State with such a small population; but, upon the
whole, it is evident to my mind that the contest now
is one between law and order and faction and rebel
lion; between peace and agitation: between the
supporters of the constitution and constitutional
rights of all the States and those disposed to stir up
civil strife and test the strength of the Union for po
ltical aims and ends. And, in the language of the
President believe that " the speedy admission of
Kansas into the Union would restore peace and qui.
ct to the whole country Already the affairs of this
Territory have engrossed an undue proportion of
public attention. They have sadly affected the
friendly relations of the people of the States with
each other and alarmed the fears of patriots for the
safety Of the Union. Kansas once admitted into
the Union. tho excitement bsco"'ee 'oca''Heu, ana
=; for IF oil
1t is palpable that in the admission Of Kansas
the South only obtains the the recognition of prn-
ciple which can never be surrendered without dis
honor. 1t cannot be doubted that if the leading
doctrine of the opposition-"no more s!aveholdng
States shall ever be admitted into the Union "--be
practically enforced, it will necessarily work disso
luton Of the Union-that Union which is the fond
est hope of the patriot hereof the friend of free
institutions everywhere. That the South will ever
consent in the practical administration of this gov
eminent to admit her inequality because of the in
stution of slavery in the States, is to suppose her
greatly degenerated in moral instincts and courage
and totally unworthy of political association. How
can any honorable man calculate that she would
tamely submit TO such position Of inferory which
would humilate her in her own estimation and dis
grace her in the eyes of the civilized world? Let
all be assured that the most conciliaory at the South
and those who deprecate dissolution as Of the
greatest calamites that could befall US, (o whom
profess to be one will never yield to this disgrace
full alternative.
do not thus write in spirit of idle alarm. The
breach between the extremes is wide. An es-
arrangement of feeling begins to develop itself among
the most prudent and moderate, North and South,
and it becomes important for them now to UNDER
stand each other distinctly, calmly to survey the
tendency of things that they may act together
promptly and efficiently to avert the catastrophe
which threatens us, and which is idle and Grimm
al to treat with dersion.
into fho Of tbo
ton, and obtain candid answer, would they not
promptly respond:
eff the constitution of the United States were
now for the first time to be formed, l would never
consent to insert certain provisions therein contained
touching the question of slavery, and would insist
upon other provisions which would secure the en-
tire extinction of slavery in the States"
If they would not make such an avowal. then
their present professions hypocritical and nsin-
cere and if avowed, does it not inconteStably es-
ablIsh that their opposition is not merely to the tol
Grafton of slavery IN the Territories but that they
arc radically opposed to the constitution ITSELF
And will northern men, protesting to be demo-
Gratis give sanction to such sentiments and encour-
agement to such party? And yet with pain do
witness daily this tendency in few-one at least here.
toore looked to and relied upon as rampant Gas we
had hoped,) prepared and designed to protect the
sacred chart of liberties and stay the wild tide OF
anaticsm which threatened the stability of the Un.
ion. But if personsal disappointment and Oh agrin,
experiments for political promotion seduce many,
may congratulate ourselves that in the President
we have one who, with Roman frmness, will not
permit the State and constitution to suffer detrment
under his administration.
You do well, therefore, gentlemen, as you pro-
pose, publicly to hold up the hands of the Presi-
dent to approve and defend his course the just and
grateful reward of faithful public servant
l have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, ..
Your obedient servant,
ASA BIGGS
Messrs. B. H. Richardson, B. G. FRESHMAN, and
j. j. Graves Committee of Invitation.