The Kanzas news., 1858-08-07
A Republican Party in Kansas.

same basis as the Republican party of the
States. In regard to the precise time at
which it would be desirabie to organize such
a party, we have never expressed our opin-
ion. We know that under the lead of such
men as Lane and Robinson. the Free, State
party has gradually become corrupt, and
all its machinery has been used to forward
the political and pecuniary interests of FIRST
one aad then the other of these individuals.
We do not believe it to be possible to keep
such a party together long, after the Au-
gust election. The elements of which it is
composed are ncongruousssaad<antag
ic, and when the question of Freedom or
slavery for Kansas is definitely settled, it
will be without single vital principle to
hold it together. Before it can be prepared
to 60 into contest, it would at all events
have to be reconstructed, and platform of
principles laid down on which the party
could stand, in opposition to its enemies.
The Platform adopted at Philadelphia. in
June 1855, is, we think, such as every
consistent and genuine Free State man can
endorse. We suppose that majority of
the settlers of Kansas came here as Demo
Gratis, resting upon the promises to them
said to be contained in the Kansas-Nebras-
ka Bill. But we are also of the opinion
that the ''Squatter Sovereignty" which they
have experienced here has opened their eyes
completely, and demonstrated to them that
the said "Squatter Sovereignty" is an ar
rant humbug and cheat; and as such they
90 not now subscribe to it. The right of
the people of Territory to exclude slave
ry therefrom was never given to them by
the Kansas Nebraska bill; it only applied to
the people when they came to form State
Constitution-a right aOhieh had pever been
denied to them.
The struggle here has also opened their
eyes to true conception of the character
of the institution of slavery; and we be-
lieve that large majority of them are in
favor of restricting that Institution to its
present bounds, as being the best way of ul-
timately extinguishing it.
1tdtlOucl OSucCIdtlC party - cSSCu-
TALLY pro-slavery-in favor of slavery ex-
tension. The people of Kansas have expe-
rienced the evils attendant upon an attempt
to extend the area of slavery, and are not
willing to endorse such attempts in other
Territories. We are. therefore, of the opin-
ion that the people of Kansas, whatever their
former party ties and feelings, cannot unite
with the Democratic party, or with any other
party that has not the restriction of slavery
for one of its cardinal principles. On the
other hand, the Republican party is essen
tally anti-slavery. 1t grew out of the ne
eessities of the times. The encroaehments
of the slave power, and consequent pollu
ton and mal-administration of every de-
partment of the government began to excite
feelings of distrust and alarm amongst the
people; and the Republican party was form
ed which sought to restrict the extension of
slavery and reform the government. It es-
poused the cause of the people of Kansas,
in opposition to the Democracy, and has
ever been their true and steadfast friend and
champion.
Between these two parties-the Republi-
can and Democratic-there is no tenable
middle ground''-no ''fence.'' 1t is Ell
ther pro-slavery or anti-slavery. We total
ly reject the idea of any compromise be-
tween their positions and principles. There
can be none. Free Labor or Slave Labor
is the issue between them. We know that
the mass of the people of Kansas will sup
port Free Labor with win, against Slave.
Labor, and to do this they viii be obliged
to cooperate with the Republican party or
some other party with the same principles.
We care nothing for mere nanse-although
"Repubiican" is very appropriate and ex-
pressive. and unobjeetionable.
We are inclined to think that the opposi-
ton to the organization of Republican
party IN this Territory comes entirely from
Federal Office holders and class of politi-
cal "sore-heads" whom the people of Kan
sas have not, in the past, delighted to hon
or, and who will seek to retard the organ
isation of any party in which they cannot
stand par ezcellenee, and from which they
could not reasonably expect to reap some
pecuniary or political benefit. The Herald
OF, Freedom, the organ of Mr.. Charles Rob
inson.. opposes its organization noaO-doubt-
less because, just at the present juncture.
Mr. RS chances for Office at the hands of
such party are not very good. A hue and
cry has also been raised against the Repub-
lican party because jim Lane was going to
become member of it; and the Republi-
cans are charged with all manner of conni-