The Kansas herald of freedom., 1858-03-27

ulno 2lIl-SldfeIy IItStios, We sSAAA S--S "
erty of publishing, with the hope that It
will be read by every Kansas reader, as
thessiews Of one Of the most candid and
reliable of our friends outside of Kansas.
Nr. CHASE is not a summer friend Of free-
dom, but has been identified with the
struggle for years-fhrongh evil as we'll
as good report His position entities his
opinion to respect and confidence.
CoLUMBus, O., March IL, 1853.
M DEAR SIR:-As you well know, l
have been from the first an attentive read
er of your Herald: l drew mainly from
its columns the material of the first Ex-
eeutive appeal to the Legislative Assem-
bly, in favor of the actual people of Kan
sas against the Missouri invaders. Deep,
however, as was the interest with which
then perused its pages, it was not greater
than that with which I have scanned your
recent numbers.
1t seems to me that the crisis of affairs
in Kansas is near at hand, and, being far
more anxious for the success of the Free
State cause than for any mere party or per-
sonal success, I have watched with the
greatest anxiety the course of events In
the Territory. earnestly hoping that they
may be SO shaped as to result in a sub
stantial Free State triumph. After the
promulgatiou of the Lecompton Constitu-
ton it was natural that good men should
differ as to the expediency Of voting for
State officers under it. The reasons on
both sides seemed strong, and it was not
surprising that the Free State party was
divided upon the question. Subsequent
events have demonstrated, I think, that
the policy which you advocated was the
true one; and it is to be regretted that the
Free State party did not unanimously take
part sin that election, and thus render a
result, which fraud and falsehood now
combine to obscure, palpable and unmis-
taxable even to Buchanan vision.
Asto the course now to be pursued it is
clear to me that the articles in the last
two numbers of your paper, (Feb. 81 and
March 6th,) take the right ground. All
my advices from Washington-though
there seems recently to be some change in
the right direction-inspire the apprehen-
sion that the Administration viii succeed
in forcing the Lecompton bill through
Then will come the crisis, and how to
meet it, becomes the question. The plan
you recommend is the true one, in my
humble Judgment.
Let the Free State Legislators and State
Officers actually elected, together with
any Slave State members actually elected,
meet and organize. The fact of election, ,af-
ter the examination by the Commissioners
appointed by the laIe Territorial Legisla-
tare, cannot be mattersof doubt, suppose
in the case of any member. Then let the
Legislature cali Convention to remode
the constitution-their right to do this is
.conceded at every Leeompton meeting,
and by almost every Lecompton speaker.
Ii seems tome indisputable. Once in the
Union, by vote of Congress, with a
State government organized in all its
branches, Legislative, Executive and Ju-
dicial, viii Calhoun dare to give certif.
Gates to defeated candidates? Hardly
VIII the defeated candidates dare to ac-
cept such certificates, and attempt to or
ganize General Assembly or take pos
session of the State Offices? That is still
less likely. Will lfr. Buchanan in the
event of such an attempted organization,
venture to give Federal support to the
pretended officers and legislature? That
is least likely of all. In my belief, Mr..
Buchanan will be contented with the
nominal victory over Mr. Douglas gained
by carrying the Leconpton bill through.
After that 1 think he win leave Kansas
affairs alone. Should he be mad enough
to attempt anything against the really
elected State Government he viii deserve
impeachment. In that case any extremi-
ty of resistance to his usnrping despotism
Will be duty; and in such resistance the
people of Kansas aud their Government
shall have the support-aetive, earnest.
and physical support, if need be-so far
as my influence can ensure it-of the
entire northwest. ! believe, indeed, al
most no influence viii be needed to secure
ii. But if no organization of the really cleo
ted officers and members shall take place.
tits quite possible that Calhoun may issue
his certificates; that youmay have another
Bogus Legislature which may give to
Federal interference the forms of Law;
and it viii be far more difficult to secure
the Intervention of other States against
such Federal action, and IN favor of an
unorganized people than it win be 10
secure such Intervention IN favor of a
Government organized in the hands Of
men actually elected by the people, if
attacked by Federal authority, put, BY
the record in the wrong. Every way it
seems to me desirable, in the event of the
Lecompton bill passing, to have the actu-
ally elected Government organized.
The Constitutional Convention called
by the late Legislature, viii perform a
good work if they succeed in adopting a
State Constitution and getting TO Wash
ington before the Leconpton bin passes.
This, however, is hardly to be expected.
The question viii be taken in the Senate,
where there is clear majority for the bill,
next week and. if enough are bought
over to make the experiment safe, it will