Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-02-12

~ Is tTue tndt Inc people OF ha2SaS i
might, if they had pleased, have required
the Convention to submit the Constitu-
ton to popular vote, but this they have
not done.
The only remedy, therefore, in this
case is that which exists in all other SIM
liar cases. If the delegates who framed
the Kansas Constitution have in anyman-
ner violated the win of their constituents. (
the People always possess the power to
change their Constitution or laws accord
ing to their own pleasure. The question
Of Slavery was submitted to an election
of the People on the 2lst of December
last, in obedience to the mandate of the
Constitution. Here, again, fair oppor-
tunity was presented TO the adherents
Of the Topeka Constitution, if they were
the majority, to decide the exciting ques-
ton ain their own way" and thus re-
store peace to the distracted Territory;
but they again refused TO exercise the
right of Popular Sovereignty, and again
suffered the election TO pass by default
heartily rejoice that a wiser and better
spirit prevailed among large majority of
these people on the first Monday in jan
gary, and that they did on that day vote
under the Lecompton Constitution for a
Governor and other State officers. men,
Der of Congress, and members of the
Legislature. This election was warmly
contested by the parties, and larger vote
polled than at any previous election in
the Territory. We may now reasonably
hope that the revolutionary Topeka Or
ganization will be speedily and finally
abandoned, and this will 60 far toward
inal settlement of the unhappy differ
gces in Kansas. IF frauds have been
snmitted at this election by one or both
Iarties, the Legislature and People of
Kansas, under their Constitution, will
know how to redress themselves and pun
ish these detestable but too common
crimes without outside interference.
The people of Kansas have then, sin
their own way" and in strict accordance
with the organic act, framed a Constitu-
ton and State Government, have sub
mitted the all-important question of slave
~ to the People, and have elected a
Governor, Member to represent them
in Congress, Members of the State Leg
islature and other State officers; and they
now ask admission into the Union under
this Constitution, which is republican in
its form. It IS for Congress to decide
whether they will admit or reject the
State which has thus been created.
For my own part, am decidedly in ia.
vor of its admission, and thus terminating
the Kansas question. This will carry out
the great principle of Non-Intervention
recognized and sanctioned by the organic
act, which declares in express language
in favor of non-intervention of Congress:
with slavery in the States and Terrific
RES, leaving the People perfectly free tt
form and regulate their domestic insti
"tutions in their own way, subject only
ito the Constitution of the United
States" In this manner, by localizing
the question of Slavery and combining
to the People who It Immediately con
cerned, every patriot anxiously expected
that this question would be banisher
from the halls Of Congress, where it ha
always exerted a baneful influence thro'
ont the whole country.
1t is proper that l should briefly re
fer to the election held under the act Q
the Territorial Legislature on the fir,
Monday of January last on the LecomE
ton Constitution. This election was bel
after the Territory had been prepare
for admission into the Union as Soy
eign State, and when no authority exis
ed in the Territorial Legislature whic
could possibly destroy its existence {
change its character. The election, whic
was peaceabiy conducted under my il
structions, involved strange inconsisteI
cies. A large majority of the person
who voted against the Lecompton Coz
stitution were at the same time and pla,
recognizing its valid existence in the mo
solid and authentic manner by voting u
der its provisions. have yet receive
no official information of the result of tn
election.
As a question of expediency, aft
right had been maintained, It may
wise to reflect upon the benefits to Ka
sas and the whole country that will r
suit from its immediate admission in
the Union, as well as the disasters til
MAJ follow its rejection. Domestic pea
will he the GaDr,v eouseouence of the a