Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-01-08
Gov. Walkers Resignation.

is bold, truthful and manly. The first S
part Of this document is mainly devoted
to review Of the past history Of Kan
sas, and tells US how he came to receive e
the Appointment of governor; what his
preconceived opinions were in regard TO
the vexed question; what his instructions
were from the president, &c; gives his
views as to state rights, which he has ever
advocated to the fullest extent, and has
during his public career maintained the
doctrine that popular sovereignty is vest
ed exclusively in-the people, and that it
performs its highest function when it first
adopts a state constitution. This right
he says belongs to the people and cannot
by any power be delegated to conventions.
Entertaining these views, the governor
is necessarily opposed to the late Lecomp-
ton Constitutional Convention. He then .
proceeds, as will be seen by that part of
the letter which we publish, to lay bare !
many of the high handed proceedings of
that party which has for the past three
years sought to override the popular will
by every species of wickedness. We
now have the highest official proof that
the stories Of the DISTINGUISHED districts
are true. To us the information given
by the governor is not new. Il is only
an elaborate statement of such facts rs
were before known to US. But to those
democrats who will believe nothing that
comes not from their own party leaders,
we specially commend it. 1t is from the
lips of Buchanau's governor, who went to
Kansas backed by more authority than
all former governors combined. He
went there firmly in the belief that he
could bring order out Of chaos, and to
peaceful issue the many differences which
had arisen in that unhappy territory. In
the universal confidence reposed in his
ability by the democratic party, he was
hailed as the " Great Pacifcator." But
how is it now? Scarcely six months
from the date Of his commission he re-
turns in disgust and surrenders it to him
who gave it, and retires again to private
life. Why does he resign? Because he
cannot become party to the gross cor
ruption which bears rule in Kansas under
the influence of the administration. As
the governor of that territory he had
ample opportunity to become acquainted
with the people, and with the manner in
which affairs had been and were admin.
istered. He knew the whole history Of
the Lecompton Constitutional Conven.
ton, and of the glaring unfairness which
characterised the taking of the census
the apportionment Of the representatives
and of the subsequent action of tina
freebooter assembly, and knowing as b,
did that their action was against all law
how could he do otherwise than to de
clare against the unfairness of that con
vention? In compliance with his pre-
viously given pledges, he could do n
different than TO expose their unlawf,
proceedings. As a consistent political
and as an honest man he could not a,
otherwise. When he was appointe
governor of Kansas, he had instruction
explicit and clear, to use his authority
prevent the recurrence Of such scenes
violence as had been witnessed, and
protect the Jeua fde settlers in the exc
else of that right
Such, in substance, were the views n
forth in the presidents inaugural and
his annual message. But he has no
adopted an entirely different course.
stead Of adhe.ing 10 that darling measu
of the democracy-popular sovereignty
he now endorses the Lecompton swind
which DISTINGUISHES the people and del
gates the power TO a few who usurp VII
rightfully belongs to them, and can beIor
nowhere else-the right to self Cover
ment. The constitution which Mr.. B
chanan and his advisers seek TO fast
upon the people Of Kansas, is anti-repu
lican. 1t is unworthy the support Of
freeman, and is disgrace to any par
clique, or country.
We wish % ask in this connection:
it not a singular fact, and one worthy
notice, that Of the four democratic q
errors which have been sent 10 Kansas
the past and present administration, Il
three of them should in the end espol
the cause of the free state party, and
this particular Kansas question take ISIS
with the president, though belonging
the party Of which he is the ackno,
edged head, and agreeing with him in
things else Is not this one fact sign
cant! Does it not point unerringly
this truth, that the strupplino free ct,