Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-02-10

in the State, which they might hsve done before
q in ths ~'jeri,y,ao n'a cay forsssll ns c0nse'
IfConsess for tie sakssf those men wfo refused
Ito vote fr dslegates to the cSpvention Nhen they
might hove sxcudsd slstery fromthe c6nstitution,
and who afterwards refused vote on the 2lst De-
cember last, when they might as they claim, have
stricken slavery from the constitution should now
reject the State because slavery remains in the con-
sttution it is manifest that the agitstien upon this
dangerous subject wilFbe renewed ina moro alarm
ing form that it has ever yet assumed.
Every patriot in the country had INDUCED thah0pa--
that the Kansas and Nebraska act would put final
end to the slavery agitation, at least in Congress.
which had for more than twenty years cOnvulsed
the country and endangered the Union. This act
involved great and fundamental principles, and if
fairly carried into effect will settle the question:
Should the agitation be again revived, shonldsthe
people of the sister States be again estranged from
each other with more than their former bitterness,
this will arise from cause, so far as the interests OF
Kansas are concerned more tri6ing and insignificant
than has ever stirred the elements Of great people
into commotion To the people Of Kansas, the only
practical difference between admission rejection,
depends simply upon the fact whether they can
themselves more speedily change the present consti-
tuition if it does not accord with the will of the ma
jority, frame second constitution to be submit
ted to Congress hereafter. Even f this were
qeeston of mere expediency, and not Of right, the
small difference of time one way or the other. is OF
not the least Importance when contrasted with the
evils which must necessarily result to the whole
country from q revival Of the slavery agitation
In considering this question, it should never be
forgotten that in proportion to its insign6cance let
the decision be what it may, so far as it may affect
the few thousand inhabitants of Kansas who have
from the beginning resisted the constitution and the
laws for this very reason the rejection of the const-
tuition will be SO much the more keenly felt by the
people of fourteen Of the States of this Union where
slavery is recognized under the constitution of the
United States. .-----.-sa-,.--,---~-
Again: The speedy admission of Kansas into the
Union would restore peace and quiet to the whole
country Already The affairs of this Territory have
engrossed undue proportion Of public attention.
They have sadly affected the friendly relations of
the people of the States with each other and alarm
ed the fears Of patriots for the safety of the Union.
Kansas admitted into the Union the excite
ment becomes localized, and will soon die away for
want Of outside alment. Then every difficulty will
be settled at the ballot-box.
Besides-and this is no trifling consid eraton-I
shall then be enabled to withdraw the troops OF the
United States from Kansas, and employ them on
branches Of service where they are much needed
They have been kept there on the earnest importu-
nifty of Governor Walker, to maintain the existence
of the territorial government and the execu-
ton Of the laws. He considered that at least two
thousand regular troops, under the command OF
General Harvey, were necessary for this purpose
Acting upon his reliable information, have been
obliged in some degree to interfere with the expedi-
ton to Utah, in order to keep down rebellion in
Kansas. This has involved very heavy expense
to the government. Kansas once admitted, it is be-
leved there will no longer be any occasion there for
troops of the United States.
have thus performed my duty on this important
question, under a deep sense of responsibility to God
and my country. My public life will terminate with
in brief period and l have no other object Of
earth, ambition than to leave my country in a
peaceful and prosperous condition. and to live in the
affections and respect Of my coun!rymen. The dark
and ominous clouds which now appear to be impen.
ding over the Union, conscienciousy believe, may
be dissipated with honor to every portion of it, by
"s C~-e--ss-wAereas. if she should be rejected,
greatly fear these clouds will become darker and
more ominous than any which have ever yet threat
ened the Constitution and the Union.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON, Feb 9, 1858.