The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-01-06
UPON WHOM FALLS THE RESPONSIBILITY


The black-republcan press abound in allegations
that the administration and the democratic party
responsible for the current disturbances in Kansas
and that an effort is being made to force that
Territory into the Union as State with a constitu-
ton not approved by the people
We think the intelligent reader of the late occur
rences in Kansas cannot fail to perceive that what
ever disturbances exist there now have been occa-
stoned by the violent demonstrations Of Lane and his
reckless followers. A serious affair between two
men grows out of adverse titles to claim 7; they
happen to belong to opposite political parties and
forthwith Lane dispatches portion of his mlitato
protect the one and drive off or kill the other.
requistion by the governor is made upon the proper
army officer for United States troops to intercept this
movement and prevent the preparation of violence
These proceedings occasion excitement within the
Territory and furnish material for the alarming
counts sent out of it. Who is to blame? Upon
whom rests the responsibility? Clearly upon the
nstigators of the attempt to supersede the regular
and peaceful action of the laws by the irresponsible
interference of an armed force acting under legal
authority Yet Lane and his coadjutors are held up
az heroes and defenders of freedom by the backre-
publican press.
There is excitement at the polls on election day.
black-repubcan agitator addresses the people and
proclaims that what they need is arms and that he
knows where fifty stand may be obtained. The hint
is acted on, and muskets make their appearance be-
fore the ballot-box To maintain the peace United
States troops are again called out Their presence
restrains the infuriated crowd from the perpetra-
ton of violent deeds. Yet the end has been
plshed of keeping up the irritation and of exciting
to disorder and discomfort.
A fact Of striking significance in relation to Lane
and his followers is, that they are ever ready to
oin in fomentng disorders and that such entire de-
yotion to this purpose can leave them time to
earn their own support Whence comes the money
to pay them for these services? Not from the Ter
ritory for the emigrants thither could scarcely be
expected to make such large contributions would
be necessary to support 80 numerous band. Is it
not furnished by political agitators outside of the
Territory, who cannot afford to lose the political
capital from which they gained much in 1856,
and hope to gain 50 much hereafter? There is no
other conclusion that will accord with the known
fact of the continued activity of Lanc and his band.
We trace the source Of these disorders therefore, to
the blackrepublican leaders at the North and be-
eve them to be responsible for their renewal and
continuation. ~ s,Hsl
How can the administration or the democratic
party force Kansas into the Union State against
the will of her people, whore is the evidence OF
such purpose if it were possible2 What is the his
tory Of the case The legislature Of the Territory
of Kansas passed an act submitting the question to
the people whether a convention to frame State
constitution should be called not. A majority of
the votes cast were in favor of convention An
election was then held for delegates in accordance
with this expressed wish Of the people. In due time
the convention assembled, a constitution was framed,
and one point of it, concerning which the conven-
ton felt in doubt as to the wishes of the people, was
submitted to them for their decision. All this was
done by the selfaction of the people of Kansas, un
der tho organic act and without further Intervention
by Congress If the people had been opposed to the
organization of State government they had a full
opportunity to make that opposition felt at the bal
lot-box The majority had q fair opportunity to
control the election of delegates and they had fair
chance to declare whether slavery should exist in
the nroposed State or not. 1t is worse than tri-
fling TO allege that the majority Of the peo-
n,e refused to vote and therefore the result of
any of these votes does not fairly represent the ma
;ority He who declines to vote aids in the success