The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1858-03-24


remained with the States and people. Now, aS
It seems, we have to learn that popular soyer-
eighty" is not opposed to, but identified with,
Congressional domination; and that Congress
ought to prescribe in what manner, by what
sanction, the people Of new State must adopt
their constitution and form their constitution
and form OF government.
Gentlemen, this can never be a democratic
doctrine. 1t is a doctrine ofFederaliSm revived
of unlimited Congressional authority over the
States and Territory. 1t was not revived from
the Kansas Nebraska Bill, but from the Wilmot
Proyiso 1t is not to be found in the Cincinnati
Platform, but in the platform Of Black Republ-
canism adopted at Philadelphia, in June, 1856.
1t is not the doctrine upon which James Bu-
chanrn was elected, but the doctrine upon which
John c. Fremont was defeated
There has been allegations made as to the
manner in which the convention at Lecompton
was constituted; that the people, in many coun-
ties, were dsIranchised; and, thus, that the con-
vcntion was not regular, nor its proceedings val
i'd These questions are legitimate; these | de-
sired time and opportunity to examine, and, as
the truth might be, one way or another, to have
voted. But the Ohio Legislature prevented me
from reaching those questions; it commanded
me to refuse admission to. the State of Kansas,
unqualiedy, without the least regard to them.
/ must say, nevertheless that from all | can
learn, these allegations Of disfranchsement, in
fifteen or nineteen counties, are without any
solid foundation. They are only some of the
enormous falsehoods which have been circulated
in reference to Kansas, for the last three years;
"And never yet did lnsurrection want
Such water coIors to impaint his cause"
That many of the qualified electors in Kan
saS refused to permit registration Of their
names, and so refused to vote in the election for
delegates, is certainly true. They did this with
their eyes open to the consequences; they were
warned again and again; they derdcd alike the
warning and all fear Of the consequences Hav-
ing thus suffered a judgment to pass by mere
default, they must seek relief or amclioraion,
not from the hands of Congress. but through an
amendment of the constitution after Kansas
shall have been admitted into the Union.
Others exclaim that the President and Con-
gress intend to force a constitution upon the
people of Kansas; but this certainly, is either a
pcrvcrsion Of language or confusion Of IDEAS
The President and Congress have no concern
with the constitution of Kansas, its various pro-
visions, or the method Of its ratification, if the
constitution be republican in form--bc, in 9th
er words, subject to revision, controment or
Kansas, through her convention OF delegates,
is not that Congress will accept, approve or pass
judgment upon the constitution, but only that
Congress will admit her, as a State, into the u
Mon. Whatsoever is o6jectonal in her consti-
tution-whether in respect TO African savery,to
banks, to railroads, to apportionment for mem
bers of the Legislature, to the qualification of a
Governor or any other offlcer--can be remeded
by the people, at their will, in their own way
at their own time but never ought to be the
subject of Congressional interference.
The shortest way therefore, the best way, the
only complete way, in which Kansas can find
peace and ample redress, q balm for all her
i wounds together with permanent prosperity, is
I that which the President now recommends S.--
Let herb admitted into the Union at,once, as
State. The Black Republican leaders, Of course
do not wish it; they do not wish an end to the
troubles in Kansas; they wish her to bleed and
shrek, without intermission, until after the
next Presidential contest. They pretend to be
anxious that Kansas should have the entire con.
troll of her own affairs, and an opportunity to
exclude or abolish African serytude; but, as in
"The Crcumlocution Office" Of Dickens, while
ever busy and noisy it is their constant ques-
ton, the theme of all their endeayors, "how NOT
to do H!'
hope that the honest well.disposed patri-
otc freemen Of the United States without dis
tinctions parties, or names, will take this appar
emily iutermiuable quarrel out of the hands o
the politicians, and compel its settlement, or
some fair basis, as soon as possible. If could
participate, ever SO humbly in such result--ir
restoring the North and the South to that rea-
| ton CT peace and mutual confidence which once
prevailed, but seems now forever lost--it would
! fill the measure Of my ambition, and salty INT
that had not altogether lived in vain.
With sincere gratitude for the kindness oi
your invitation, am gentlemen,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
&. +. PUGH.
Messrs. John Hamm, Geo. W. Ritze John
l English, John B. Roberts, and others, Com
mittee.