Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1858-05-06
THE LECOMPT0N vILLINY.


who had hitherto put themselves on the
record as opposed to Lecompton, now
attempted to justify themselves for vot-
ing for Mr.. English's substitute, will be
particularly notieeable... such shabby ex.
cuses for change of opinions, in most
discreditable.
Washington, April so.
HoUsE.-Mr. English called for the
the regular order on the Kansas report.
from the Committee of Conference.
Mr.. Clarke, of New York, had inten-
ded to give his reasons why he should
vote against it, but a nights sickness
had left him physically unable to under
take the task. He would therefore now
merely say that he regarded this new
scheme as eminently Objectionable in
form, and still more dangerous in SUBJ
stance, so he would seek the floor on a
future occasion to deliver his views.
Mr.. Shorter said he had, with five or
six other democrats, uniformly resisted
the previous question. >,He wanted time
for discussion, in order to arrive at a cor
rect construction of this bill. He now
found that the general construction oft
did not refer the Lecompton Constitu-
ton back to the people of Kansas. If
he believed it did, he would vote against
it, even with the Black Republicans
The gent from Geogia, Mr.. Stephens,
said the constitution was not to be sub
mitted, and the gent from Indiana, Mr..
English, by his silence, acquiesced in
this view, therefore he(Shorter) wouldco-
operate with the friends of the measure,
and vote for the previous question.
Mr.. Campbell said his colleague, Mr..
Cox at the commencement Of the SEES
sion took the banner of popular sover-
eighty in his hand, and triumphantly de-
Tended it, but now, in full view of q
glorious victory, he beat retreat.
Mr.. Cox wished to say that he thought
the amendment which the House op-
posed the best, as this could not become
law. He was coveting to take the
next best under the circumstances.
Mr.. Campbell now sked Mr.. Cox
whether he understood the bill of the
committee of conference as submitting
the Constitution to the vote of the peo-
pie.
Mr. Hughes Of Indiana, objected to
having Mr.. Cox answer the question.
Mr.. Cox replied, although the Consti-
stitution was not submitted directly, vet
in effect the people of Kansas will have
an opportunity to say whether they want
it or not.
Mr.. Campbell wanted an unevuivocal
answer.
He then produced letter, written by
Mr.. Cox. dated February 9th, in which
the latter said, while he had vote it
should never be dragged in the Lecomp-
ton nire, and that, so help him God, he
never should do otherwise. Yes, re-
marked Mr.. Campbell, my colleague
said he would vote for no proposition
which would not submit the Constitu-
ton to vote of the people.
MIR. Cox said that he still endorsed
that letter.
Mr.. Campbell referred to the fact
that about twenty anti-Lecompton dem
ocrats were pledged on a high point of
personal honor, to stand to the end. by
the Montgomery amendments, in com
pany with the republicans.
Mr.. Groesbeck replied that he had
made no such pledge, and had no such
understanding or consultation.
Mr. Campbell replied that he did not
make the assertion with reference to the
gentleman, asking Mr.. Groesbecl1 wheta.--
er he understood this bill as submitting
the constitution.
Mr. G.-In effect it does.
Mr.. Owen Jones, of Pa, remarked
that he had never given pledge to Mr..
Campbell, or to any one else.
Mr.. Campbell asked whether he had
not met with what were kHawn as anti
Lecompton democrats, and whether or
not a committee was not appointed with
power to represent and speak for them
to another body.
Mr.. J. replied that he met with, ON
one or two occasions, with certain dem
ocrats, but no committeeman that. kind
was appointed or authorized to pledge
his vote on that subject.
Mr.. Campbell asked him whether the
constitution was to be submitted.
Mr.. Jones replied that he was willing
to let the people construe that for them
selves. (Laughter.)
Mr.. Bonnam moved the previous
question.
Mr.. Green moved, but unsuccessful
ly, call of the House.
Mr.. Haskin, of n. Y. obtained consent
to make a few remaks. He said that
Mr.. Cox, ut a certain time was not on
ly opposed to the Lecompton Constitu-
ton, but on Monday last, late in the AT
ternoon, came to his desk and read
letter which he had written to the Ohio
denouncing the report ofthe
committee of Conference as the most
Infamous that could be made, and de-
nouncing the chairman for having made
such a report.
Mr.. Cox, earnestly - That is not
true.
Mr.. Haskin-I can prove it by gen.
tleman from Illinois.
Mr.. Harris-Mr. Cox, 7 can furnish
he letter. (Cries Of "Order."
The Speaker requested the gentlemen
to take their seats.
Mr.. Florence, of Pa, called Mr.. Has
KIN to order on the ground that he was
Mr.. Cox's motives.
Mr.. Houston, of Ala, interposed, say
ing the remarks of Mr.. Haskin were ir-
and must be confined to the
pending measure.
There was much confusion and ex-
eitement during these proceedings.
The Speaker reminded Mr.. Hagkin
that his rcma ks were assuming per-
sonal character. He could give reasons
for or against the bill, and not indulge
in personalities.