The Kansas herald of freedom., 1859-05-21
s,.n,uu,s speech.

q synopsis of DIR. STAEToS's speech at
Big Springs on the 18th inst He said
on the occasion of presenting the resolu-
tions:-
The committee, of which he had the
honor to be chairman, now presented
series of resolutions which were to form
platform similar to that adopted by the
great Free State Convention at Big Springs,
in 1856. Their fundamental principles
were the game. In presenting them, he
believed it to be his duty to state the
motives which Influenced the Committee
in presenting the resolutions, and give his
own views in regard to the Free State
party.
He was not in the Territory at the time
the Free State movement was inauguratsd,
and when he did come to Kansas, he came
under a total misapprehension of the
Territory. He came to use his influence
in favor of justice to all parties, and to see
the people supported in fair expression
of the popular will. Such was his under
standing with Buchanan when he received
the appointment of Secretary, and such
were his feelings as he presented these
resolutions. He knew the people were
largely in favor ofa Free State, and would
support the platform here presented, if it
was given to them in proper way. He
was satisfied that both the parties now
forming were endeavoring to obtain all the
honors Of the noble and glorious Free
State victory of '55, and that it was a
movement, on both sides, of uneasy politi-
clans. ard as such he hoped to see it
viewed by the people. He had been
born with Democratic principles, and had
professed them from his youth up to the
time of coming to Kansas. He thought
himself qualified to speak of them. AZ
ter the ruinous and degrading course pur-
sued by the Administration in this Ter
ritory, he would expect to see them blush
with shame in presenting themselves for
any position here. When he looked at
the antecedents and adherents of the Free
State party, he could not see how the
Republican party could justly or honestly
claim the whole honor of the glorious
victory soon to be accomplished by our
admission into the Union as free State
victory won by the Free State party as
organized at Big Springs in 1855. Why
should we bring party issues into the
grea. Free State party to disturb it-ques-
tons which are unsettled, and which are
now disturbing every village in our land,
as we are about to achieve so glorious and
unanimous victory.
A year ago the English Bill was passed
whereby it was declared, if the people
would accept the Lecompton Constitution,
. which they had repudiated by an over
whelming majority, they would be admit
ted intAthe Union as sovereign State;
but if that Constitution was not accepted
by the people. they would be compelled
to wait until the requisite number of in
habitants had been proved, by a census, to
reside in the Territory. He was satisfied,
from careful reading of the English Bill
that its provisions had not been complied
with by the Legislature of Kansas. That
bill provided that a census should be
taken before the calling of Constitutional
Convention; the Legislative act provided
that it should be taken after that time
He was confident there were menfnow
in Congress who would oppose the ad-
mission of Kansas on that ground alone
He was glad that mistake had been made,
as he believed tbs dignity and patriotism
of the people were compromised by &C.
cepting the provisions Of so reasonable a
bill. He called the attention of the con-
vention to the fact that the Democratic
platform, recently framed at Tecumseh,
did not contain any allusion to the treason
able and perfdious acts of the present
Administration, thereby giving silent
support to all the wickedness and corrup-
ton which had been brought to bear on
Kansas. For himself, he would never
consent to ignore the fact that the Admin
istration and head of that party had so
oppressed the intelligent freemen of Kan
sas
Perhaps it was idle and improper for
him to aver thathe did not act from per-
sonal pique in this matter; but, neverthe-
less, he believed it to be his duty to state
that he acted from sense Of justice to
the people alone, and that he had always
so acted. lie was satisfied, if the pro-
visions and principles of the English Bill
were carried out. a precedent would be
established whereby slave Constitution
could be forced upon any free State. In
Conclusion, he said, in looking over the
various sentiments and parties as they
now stand in Kansas, and their supporters,
his patriotism. and honor would permit
him to support only that party that
adopted the Big Springs platform. and
with them he would work until their
noble object was fully accomplished.
Col. Tins Again.
Wm. II. Thatcher, formerly of West