The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1858-02-24
From the Washington states, Feb. 9th
Shall Kansas Crush tho South?

Gen. Clarkson special messenger from
Kansas. charged with the delivery of
the Lecompton constitution to tho Pre-.
sident. arrived in this city on Saturday
evening. and Immediately placed the
storesaid document in the hands of the
Executive. According to Gen. Clark:
son. the Democrats have a majority in
both branches of the Legislature.
But, whatever the result of the cleo
ton may be, or as the "Intelligencer"
OF this morning says, whatever the
intentions of those who participated in
it. the real question at issue before Con-
gress must turn upon the Interpretation
that shall be given to the vote held up
ON the constitution on the 9TH January,
- compared with that held on the pre-
vious 2lst December. If these cleo
tons are regarded as equally Legitimate
opponents of the popular will, it seems
difficult to resist the conviction that a
majority of the people of Kansas have
-unequivocally declared against the LIE.
compton constitution. If the election
Of the 4th ult., appointed by the Terri
torial Legislature, be deemed null and
void in point of strict and legal con-
trast with that of the 2lst December,
its moral force, as indicating the wish
of the people, will remain none the less
cffectual. And it is therefore left TO,
the wisdom and discretion of Congress
to determine the part it will now take in
efecting settlement of the vexatious
topic. so as not to infringe the boosted
doctrine of popular sovereignty and
yet, at the same time, restore peace to
the country"
Acting Governor Denver certified to
the legality Of the election on the 4th
January, by recognizing the validity OF
the acts of the Legislature under which
thsy were held, and we cannot see how
the fact can be overlooked. General
Calhoun is expected here in few days,
when more returns" are promised.
The Kansas question is drawing to a
climax, be it for good or i'll to the De.
mocratic party. 1t is in the hands of
tho Democracy now, and completely
optional with the representatives of that
party in Congress to make the result
such as will tend to the consolidation
and honor of the party, or place it in
such position that the most energetic
labor will not be able to place it, for
years to come, in the proud attitude in
which it go lately stood.
is . serious question-one which
cannot too anxiously or too honestly en-
gage the attention of the Democratic
members Of Congress-whether they
will accept the Lecompton constitution
ut the price which it seems inevitable
they must pay for it.
IL the Lecompton constitution. which
the people of Kansas discard, worth
the sacrifice of the Democratic party?
Il is foul and unhealthy thing to touch.
There is weakness and dissolution in
it. Even those who argue for its &C.
ceptance, do not attempt to say that it
ought to DO received as right, but be.
cause the people of Kansas. who have
already discarded it. can do 80 again.
when Kansas is a State.
Thus it is only advocated as an expe.
dent. and "a expediont of the most fee
bic and short-sighted character. If
anything were to be gained by it, or
even II nothing were to be lost by it. if
we could even see . guaranty that the
Democratic party could retain its pre-
sent position, there might be some ex-
cuse Tor its acceptance. But the con-
tsary is the sure and certain fate that
awaits us, if tho Democracy adopt it.
The North must 20 against its con-
science and it's faith. The Democracy
81 the North legitimately dissolves it.
sell BY the act and places the Lecomp-
ton constitution like tombstone over
its grave.
The South never was in such posi.
ton Is it will then be in. It's projects,
- faith, its system. it's hopes. it's past
history. present designs, and future am
bition. will be at the mercy of a violent
majority, which will take the place of
it Northern allies.
We look beyond the satisfaction of
the hour; We look beyond that sham |
victory which insures US u disastrous |
and prolonged defeat. AS Southern |
advocate we do it; as national State |
tight. Democrat we lament the cxigen-
cy. and warn our Democratic friends to
loDk we'll before they leap into tho gulf. |
= we say again, a. We said before. |
haHsae - not worth the sacrifice of the |
Democratic party; and then. to sacri-
nee itself in direct opposition to it's
Prlna'plas and faith of State Rights. is
beyond our comprehension.
Wskx Mrs. Maculey published
pamphlet called Loose Thoughts. Sc
allsdies. who happened to Be in com.
paay With Foote, reprobated the t;tla 90