The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-05-01
4 Esyiew Of Cur Former Posinon-Ths Lsayen-
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WcTt2 ConSufaIo0.
In July last, when we indicated, in
leading editorial, the line of policy which
was deemed best to be pursued by the
Free State party to regain their lost rights,
we suggested an abandonment of the To-
peka Constitutional movement, because
we had nothing to hope from it; the get
ting control of the Territorial govern
ment, and the using Of it for term
of years, until the country was better
able to sustain State government. The
Leeompton Constitution, it was urged,
would be voted down, if submitted to the
people. If not submitted to them then
it was declared that the people should
elect the officers under it, with the view
of preventing it from being used like the
former Territorial government for the
oppression Of the people.
Agreeably to that programme, since
very generally endorsed by tho whole
people, the Topeka government has been
abandoned by all parties, and is now
acknowledged to be thing of the past.
In October, the Free State party parti-
cipated in the election, and thus wrested
from their oppressors the instrument which
had been employed SO effsctually for their
enslavement. Through the action of that
Territorial Legislature, the Free State
party were enabled to express their repug-
nance of the Lecompton Constitution,
thus furnishing their friends in Congress a
powerful argument against receiving it;
and to provide against contingencies, they
elected the executive and legislative off,
GERS, and thus effectually prevented it from
becoming an engine in the hands of the
enemies of freedom for our second en-
thralment.
That Constitution is pending in Con-
gress. There is possibility, indeed
strong probability, that it will be legslized
In some form by that body. Should such
be the result, one which we all deprecate
then that government shall be used to
inaagarate, in the shortest manner possible,
a government Of the people. There is a
class of men, however, of the Lane school.
of which Thacher and Con,0ay are distin-
guished members, who declare that they
will hang even Free State men, if they
attempt to qualify under that Constitu-
ton, though it be their purpose to remain
in session but single day, and pass
single law authorizing new Constitu-
tional Convention. The people, however,
triumphed over the Sloths in October, and
in January last, and they will carry out
the peace policy in this respect in defiance
Of these men and their abettors.
But the recent news from Washington
gives US cause to hope that Mr.. English's
proposition will succeed; that the Lee
compton Constitution will be submitted
to fair vote Of the people, by act of Con-
gess; and in case of its adoption by a
majority of them, then the President is
to issue his proclamation announcing the
result, and declaring Kansas one Of the
sovereign States of the Federal Union
II, on the contrary, it is rejected, then the
people are to be at liberty to frame new
Constitution, in such manner as they shall
see fit, after they have the requisite popula
sion to entitle them to Representative il
s. Congress.
It is needless to say. that if that propo
sition is passed. the Lecompton Constitu
ton will be defeated by the people, anc
thenwe are remanded back into our Ter
fitorial condition, just tahere the best interest
Of Kansas indicate zoe should Be.
"But the Leavenworth Constitution
what Of that?' inquiries friend. W.
answer that the Leavenworth Constitution
will take its place by the side of the To
peka Constitutional viii serve purpos,
in allowing . class of men who are ex
ceedingly anxious to acquire the honors o
Office, to hold those offices, so far as tn,
mere name is concerned; but who vii
never approach single step nearer tn
position than the honors. To as it wa
certainly amusing to see the scramble o
certain wire pulleu and politicians to ge
nominated for those Offices on Wednesda,
last at Topeka It seemed farce, ant
such, we are confident, it viii prove. Thu
Law under which the Constitutional Con
ysntion was called into being, was o
doubtful legality. and more doubtful ex
pediency. The people felt it, and th,
small vote for delegates to that conven
lion proved it-as probably not more tia,
ons-fourth Of ali the voters in the Terri
tory participated in that election.
And then the ambiguous character o
the Constitution, claimed by It's friends q
occupy all sides of certain questions. Z,
the black law men it is sxceptionable. be
cause it does not meet the issue, neithe
does it submit that issue noss, as il shout.
have done, to . vote Of the people. ]
was proposed 10 cure this defect through
the action Of a party convention at Tops
kaon Wednesday last The proposition
was ludricous of itself, though it's under
stocd that LANE favored it.
The Constitution is Objectionable to Ia
anti black law men, for the same rsasol
IL i Objectionable to the other party.
And then. there is the clause. THROWN,
open the schools 10 both races, black IN,
white, side by side. This Is opposed b,