Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01
"a pemocra,o on Kansna.


other good Democrats have done, or will have
to do soon, that's, define my position upon th'
Karsas question:" and in doing so, may
find it necessary to give my views upon th'
whole subject Of slavery, in all its important
phases. | do not hope to present anything
new upon a subject that has engaged the at
tention of the brightest intellects of the Re
public, but my object is merely to give ex
preston to my impressions of the true state Of
affairs, and to indulge in some speculative
views of the future destiny Of the African race,
and the influence they will exert in the pro-
gressive development of man to the point that
will enable him to enjoy the benefits of true
republicanism.
The practical question at issue is: whether
Kansas shall be admitted under the Lecomp-
ton Constitution Upon this question the
Democracy are divided, and many able
speeches have been delivered upon both sides
of the question, both in and out Of Congress,
without arriving at any very decided concu-
sion. That Douglas and Walker are right, in
the abstract, seems to my mind to be very
clear-their definition of "squatter" or "pop-
ular sovereignty" is clear, comprehensive and
logical-but think they are wrong as to the
best mode of settlement.
While the President avows his adherence to
the doctrine of "popular sovereignty" to as
full an extent as Douglas himself, he still ur-
ges the acceptance Of the Lecompton Consti
tuition as the most speedy and efficient mode
of settlement; thus placing the power in the
hands of the people of Kansas to remodel their
Constitution as soon as they like. The Presi-
dent very justly argues, that if the Free-State
men Of Kansas would not exercise the elective
franchise at the proper time, they are forever
estoped from complaint, for if they are in the
majority, they could have voted down any
Constitution that did not suit them. But they
chose to let their prerogative as freemen be-
come nulity by refusing to use it at the
proper time therefore those who lid use that
prerogative are the legitimate rulers of the
new State. The votes actually giDen for and
against the Constitution, form the only legal
and legitimate guide for the President and
Congress to be governed by in their action for
the admission of the Territory into the Union
as one Of the Independent sovereignties of our
great Republic. The President and the great
mass of the people both North and South, are
anxious to see the question settled and placed
beyond the power Of Congress, but politicians
who live upon the whirwind Of popular ex-
element and sectional preudices, are opposed
to any settlement of the question at issue be-
fore the next Presidential campaign. 1t seems
clear to my mind that there is no difference
Of opinion between the Administration and the
Douglas faction as to the principles involved
in the question, but that the difference is sole.
ly upon a question of erpediency as to the
manner Of settlement. That the President is
clearly right in his views and in the measures
proposed, have not the least doubt, and every
good citizen who thinks more of the peace and
cess of set of political charlatans, should sus.
tain the President in his efforts to restore
peace to the country. This can only be done
by admitting Kansas into the Union, and thus
compel her to settle her own affairs, without
disturbing the peace of the whole country,
about mere abstraction of no practical value
either to the North or South.
Let "Kansas affairs" be settled as they may,
there will arise one good result, which will be,
more thorough and perfect understanding of
the doctrine of popular sovereignty" The
discussion arising out of this same Kansas
question" has done much to enlghten the
public mind upon the principles Of true repub-
licanism. The people are sovereign-not the
government-and the Constitutions, both of
the Federal and State governments are moth
ing more nor less than the rules and regutd-
tions by which the Federal and State officers
Tor agents. are to be guided in carrying out
the will of the sovereign power-thc people.
More anon. A DEMOCRAT.
Marposa, March 80, 1858.