The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1858-01-08

hey were about 10 make, or at least hlnted TO
! hem that their proceedings, though not against
aw, were irregular, and could be of no avail.
8 can hardly imagine how the senator could
nave relrained from doing this. Nor do | see
pow be could say 10 the free State men that, II
hey neglected TO vote for delegates, Kansas
would become slave State through their neg
sIect. if be at the same time held that the dele
gates which were to be elected would have nc
fright to make constitution ofany kind. Hold
ing now that the question Of railroads, banks.
and corporations must be voted upon bv the
people before the State can come into th" Uni-
or, IS il not little singular that, at the oppor-
tune date Of his Springfield speech, he failed
to drop the remutest hint that il was necessary
that the people should vote on these questions,
or on even the al-absorbing question OF domes-
tic slavery-the only question that ever was
involved in the affairs OF Kansas Whilst the
senator was notifying the free state men of Kan
sas of their rig hts and privileges, and the mode
by which they could prevent Kansas from be-
coming slave State, is it not strange that he
failed to inform them that they would have an
oppo rtuiiy Of voting down the slave constitution,
when submitted TO them for ratification, if at
that time be held such a submission was essen
tlal 10 lis validity
But where are our friends on the other side
TO be found on this new issue They cannot
object to the intormalities and irregularities at
Lecompton, for they have contended for moth
ing else at Topeka. They have urged the ad-
mission of Kansas State on the proceedings
of party convention, gotten up without the
color of law, and in derogation OF the authority
of the territorial and United States government.
Nor, indeed, can they complain that all the
people have not had an opportunity to Partici-
pate in the decision on the slavery question /;
for ii was an article in their faith, declared in
the Fremont convention, that not only por-
ton, but all the citizens, should be deprived Of
this right. They claimed the right for the peo-
pie OF the States, acting through Congress,
which was virtually saying that those who did
not 90 to Kansas should innence that decision,
and that those who did go should have no rep
resentaton on this subject
Mr.. President, am nearly done with this
subject. | have mainly followed the senator
from Illinois. Without sitting down 10 syste
maIze my views, have pursued the several
topics pretty much as he, presented them. On
some points | may have fallen into error; on
others perhaps may have manifested too much
feeling; but beg to say TO the Senate, and es-
peciaIly to the senator from Illinois, that | have
in this matter but performed what I conceive TO
be simply right and duty on my part as
senator.
Whilst having laid down those rules and prn-
ciples which are the result Of my humble judg-
ment after all the reflection | could give the
subject, shall, above all things, be controlled
by desire TO give peace TO the country. aud to
silence forever a dangerous feud that at times
menaceS the stability Of our great government.
What ] mean to say is, that ifthe exgency ari-
ses, there shall be on my part no want of con-
cession or compromise that will secure the ad-
Juslmrnt Of thIs unhappy controversy nor will
the great question which is The leading idea in
this discussion. No man shall say, because of
the remarks I have made, that am against CIV
ing the people the right to make their own laws,
or that would crCumscribe the use of those
great inaIirnabIe and fundamental rights which
lie at the foundation Of our republican system
/ intend no such thing; bat considering this
question in all lis brarngs, have been impress
sed with the belief that IL was an exigrncv
which should BE- disposed Of at the first reason
able Opportunity, by admitting Kansas as
State.
Sir. it is painful to reflect on the aspect Of
this question. / do not know what NAV be ia
progress in Kansas at this moment. If any
thing have said on this occasion, has minister
ed to the agitation which exists there to-day,
and which some fear may approximate to civil
war, pray forgiveness. ! stand pledged to
unite with the senator from Illinois in the pari-
otto sentiments which he uttered when be de-
cIared his desire to secure 10 the country peace
on the slavery question. 1t has been magnihrd
at every step it has been aggravated every
hour; and now, after struggle of four years,
the aspect is worse than ever. How are we
10 settle il? One party in Kansas is acting IN a
rebellous spirit, without authority oflaw: anoth-
er has attempted to make constitution by au-
lhoritv Of law, and under the supervision of
the federal government. We are 10 have, per-
haps in very few days, a contest between these
When that contest shall come, I
know where the senator from Illinois will be-
He will 90 with those who have acted accor-
ding TO law. think | know him we'll enough
to know that he estimates the recognition of
resistance to law or rebellion as one of the most
unhappy incidents that could be connected with
legislation at Washington.
have said all that desire 10 say, except,
simply, that whatever is TO come out of this un-
happy embroglio in future, feel authorized To
pledge myself first to the maintenance ofius,ice
and principle, and then to every reasonable
concession 10 give peace 10 the country.
G-We are pleased TO see that our Young
friend B. F. LEADER, ESQ, has been appointed
Assistant Post Master at this place. Frank is
a good Democrat and graduate of the Gazett
office.
05~It was our good iortuneto be invited 10
dinner at the "Bedior Hotel,'' on New Years
day. Col. Hafer sets a table that is hard to be
I.a.an