Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1858-02-06

IHuJ tHeSc SuOulu Dc SuDJGCueu tO tnelr SUD-
sequent appreciation. 1t would he most
inconvenient limitation of their own power
imposed by the people upon themselves, to
exclude them exercising their sovereignty
in any lawful manner they may think
proper. 1t is true, the people of Kansas
might, if they had pleased, required the
Convention to submit the Constitution to
the popular vote. But this they have not
done. The only remedy, therefore, in this
case, is that which exists in all other simi-
lar cases. II the deleg ttes who framed the
Kansas Constitution, have in any manner
violated the will of their constituents, the
people always possesses the power to change
] their Constitution or laws, according to
their own pleasure.
The question of slavery was submitted
to the election of the people o Kansas on
the 21st of December, last 10 obedience to
the mandate of the Constitution. Here
again a fair opportunity was presented to
the adherents of the Topeka Constitution,
if they were in the majority, to decide this
exciting question Sin their own way" and
thus restore peace to the distracted Terri
tory. But they again refused the right of
popular sovereignty, and again suffered
the election 10 pass in default.
| heartily rejoice that wiser and better
spirit prevailed among large majority of
these people on the first Monday in Janu
ary, and that they did that day vote under
the Lecompten Constitution for Governor
and other State officers, member of Con.
gress, and members Of the Leg stature -
This election was warmly contested by both
parties, and a larger VOC was pollcd than
at any previons election in the Territory.
We may now reasonably hope that the rev.
oIutionary Topeka organization will be
speedily and finally abandoned, aud this
will 90 far towards the final settlement of
the unhappy differences in Kansas. If
frauds have been committed at tbs election
by one or both parties, the Legislature and
the people OF Kansas, under the Consttu-
ton, know how to r dress themselves, and
punish these detestablc, but too com non
crimes, without outside interference.
The people of Kansas have then, "iu
their own way" and in strict accordance
! with the organic act, framed u Constitu-
( ton and State government, have submitted
the all-importaut question of slavery t. the
people, and have elected Governor, mem
Der of Congress, members of the State LIE
gislature and their State officers. They
now ask for admission into the Union,
under this Constitution which is republi-
can in its form. 1t is for Congress TO de-
eide whether they will admit or reject the
State which has thus been created. For
my own part, | am decidedly in favor Of
its admission, and thus terminating the
| Kansas question. This will carry out the
great principle Of nou.intervention, rccog-
nized aud sanctioned by the organic act,
which de, lares in express language in favor
Of the n-interveution of Congress with
slavery in the States and Territories, "
leaving ''the people perfectly free to form
and regulate their domestic institutions in
their own way, subject only to the Cons;i-
tuition of the United States.' In this
manner, by localizing the question of sla-
very and conGning it to the people who arc
Immediately concerned, every patriot ex-
pected this question to be banishcd from
the halls of Congress, where it has always
excited a baleful influence throughout the
country. 1t is proper that should refer
10 The election held under the act of the
Territorial lie, o,,islafurc, on the first Mon.
day in January, on the Lccompton Con
stiiution. This election was held after the
Territory had been prepared for admission
into the Union as sovereign Sac. ant
when no authority existed in the Terrific
rial Legislature, which could possibly des
troy its existence or change its character
The election, which was peacefully conducted
under my instructions, involved strange
inconsis' 'ency. A large majority of the
persons who voted against the Lecomptor
Constitution, were, at the same time ant
place, recognizing its valid existence in tn
most lomn and authentic manner, by vo
ting under its provisions. have as ye
received no official information of the resul
Of this election,
As question of cxpediency, after tn
right has been maintained it may be wis
to reflect upon the benefits to Kansas anc
to the whole Union, which would resul
| from its immediate admission into the Uni
on, as well as the disasters which may fol
low its rejection. Domestic peace will b.
the happy consequence of its admission
, and that fine Territory, hitherto torn b
disscnsions, will rapidly increase in popu
, lation, and wealth, speedily realize tn
blessings and comforts which follow a.ri
cultural and mechancle industry. Tn
t people then will be sovereign. and ca
regulate their own affairs in their own way
If the majority of them desire to abolis
, domestic slavery wi hin the State, there
no other possible mode by which it can b.
! effected so speedily as by its prompt ad
mission. The will of the ina ority is su
preme and irresistible, when expressed or
, derly and in lawful manner. 1t can un
make Constitutions at pleasures. 1t woul
be absured to say they ran impose fetter
f upon their own power, which they cannc
t afterwards remove. If they could do thi:
r they might tie their own hands for an hur
: dred as for ten years, These are the fun
i damcntal principles of American freedom
and recognized in some form by every stat