Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1858-02-18

The people Of Kansas have, then, "ir
their own way" and in strict accordance
with the organic act, framed a constitu-
ton and Stale government; have sub
mitted the all important question of slav-
! cry to the people, and have elected a
governor, a member to represent them in
Congress, members of the Stale egsla.
tnre, and other State office s. They now
| ask admission iato the Union under this
constitution, which is republican in form
Ii is for Congress to decide whether they
will admit or reject the State which has
thus boeh created For my own part,
am decidedly in favor of lis admission,
and thus terminating the Kansas ques-
ton. This will carry out the great prin-
clple OF nor-:nervention recognised and
sanctioned by the organic act, which de-
clares IN express language in favor of
"non-intervention by Congress with
slavery in the States or Territories,
leaving the people thereof perfectly free
to form and regulate their domestic in
stitutions IN their own way. subject only
TO tic Constitution OF the United Scates."
In this manner, by localiz;ng the ques-
ton of slavery, aud confning it TO tie
people whom it Immediately concerned
every patriot anx;ously expected that the
question would be banished from the
halls of Congress, where it has always
exerted baleful influence throughout
The whole country.
II is proper that should briefly refer
to the election held under an act of the
territorial Legislature, on the first Mon
day of january last, on The Lecompton
constitution. This election was held af-
ter the territory had teen prepared for
admission into the Union as a sovereign
State, and when 10 authority existed in
the territorial Legislature which could
possibly destroy its existence or change
It's character. The election, which was
pcaceably conducted under my instruc-
lions, involved a strange inconsistency.
A large majority of the persons who vo-
ted against the Lecompton Constitution
were at the yely same time and place re-
cognising its valid existence in the most
solemn and authentic manner, by voting
N Ter It's provisions. | have yet received
no official information Of the result Of tlis
election.
As question of expediency, after the
right has been maintained, it may be wise
to reflect upon the benefits to Kansas and
10 the whole country which would result
rom It's admission into the Union, as well
as the disasters which may follow it's re-
lection. Domestic peace will te the
ta9nF tG at + Ies IL All. Asla.ii4fssii,4n ii4fssii,4n
70 been torn by dissensions, will rapidly
increase in population and wealth, and
speedily realize tie blessings and com
lorts which follow in lie train of agri-
cultural and mechanical industry. The
people will then lie sovereign, and can
regulate their own affairs in their own
way. If majority of them desire to
abolish domestic slavery within the STATE,
there IL no other mode By which this can
be effected so speedily as by prompt ad-
mission. The will OF the majority is SUI
preme and Irresistible when expressed in
an orderly and lawful manner. They
can make and unmake constitutions a:
pleasure. Ii woald be absurd to sly that
they can impose fetters upon their own
power, whico they cannot afterwards re-
move. If they could do this they might
tie their own hands for hundred as
well as for ten years. These are fund.-
mental principles of American freedom,
and are recognised, | believe, in some
70 IN or other. by every State consti.u-
ton and ii Congress. in The ac. of adj
mission, should think proper 10 reeos-
nj c chem, can perceive no objection 10
such 4 course.
This has been done emphalically in the
constitution of Kansas. II declares in tie
bill of ri shts that "all political power is
inheren! in the people. and all free gov
ernmens are founded on their authority
and insG uted for their benefit, and there
fore they have AT all lines an unien,able
and indefeasibIc right 10 alter, reform, or
abolish their form of government in such
Il manner AS they may think proper -
The great State OF New York is at this
moment governed under a constitution
framed aud established in direct opposi-
ton to tie mode prescribed By the preyi-
Gus constitution. Ii therefore, the provi-
sion changing the Kansas constitution.
alter the year one THOUSAND eight hundred
and sixty four, could by possibility be
~~.ai.,a-aa into a rA---l l;L;.i.An m make such
a change previous TO that period, this
prohibition would be wholly unavailng
The Legislature already elected may. al
It's very first session submit the question
to vote vf the people whether they will
or will not have conventions TO amend
their institution. and adopt all necessary
means for giving effect to the popular
will.
1t has been solemnly adjudged by the
highest judicial tribunal known To our
laws, that slavery exists in Kansas is,
therefore. at this moment as much slave
State as Georgia or South Carolina
Without this the equality of,he sovereign
States composing the Union would be
violated, and the use and enjoyment of a
territory acquired by the common trea-
sure OF all the Sla.es. would be close /
asainst The people and property ofnearly
/ halt the members of the coalederacy.
i Slavery can therefora never he urohibito1