The Kansas herald of freedom., 1859-05-14
Big Spring. Platform of 1885.

We cannot do better than copy from
our files of Sept. 8, 1856, our ideas as then
expressed, in regard to the Big Springs
platform. We entertain the same views
of it now which we did at that time, and
we still deem the organization just as es-
sential as it was then. But for that Or
ganization Kansas would, be at this time,
slave State and if that organization is
not fully preserved. the Democratic party
will have the ascendancy in the Tern.
tory. We copy:
1t was our good fortune to be in alten-
dance during the entire session Of the
Free State Convention, which convened
at Big Springs on the 9th inst. Dele
gates were there from every district, save
the 11th, and finer body of men are sell
dom seen together. The only fault we
could find, there was too much talent
among them, else too many persons who
wished to distinguish themselves They
came together from all parts of the Ter
ritory, and were representatives. in Kansas
from all sections Of the Union. 1t was
but natural, therefore, that there should
be differences of opinion upon minor
questions, and that those divisions should
engender discussion.
They differed on an important ques-
ton. The people from New York, New
England, and some from Pennsylvania
and Ohio, were in favor Of a State Con-
stituiion which should be silent upon the
subject of "black law" whilst those
from the Western States, very generally,
were in favor of migrating the negro ex-
cluson policy into the State Constitution.
The committee labored long and ardu-
ously upon the question, and finally
agreed with one dissenting voice, and
made their report. The convention
adopted the action of the committee, with
but little apparent dissatisfaction. We
have no doubt great majority of that
Convention, indeed Of the Free State
voters in the Territory, were decidedly in
favor of the black law feature, and we
shall not complain. For ourself, we take
this occasion to remark that the platform
does not meet with our hearty approba-
tion. We are opposed from principle to
''every form of tyranny"-itm matters not tc
which of the races it is extended-"ovel
the body and mind of man." While {
resident of Ohio we labored constantly tc
secure repeal of what appeared to us ar
odious lava law similar, in many re-
spects, to that desired for Kansas. Or
removing to Pennsylvania we rejoiced
when cur neighbnrs of Ohio triumphet
with the right, in erasing those oppressiv,
enactments from their statute books.
is true, different state of facts surount
US now, and here we are willing or
neighbors, who agree with us in the main
but differ on this question-and who W
have conceded are in the majority-shal
fix the matter up to suit themselves.
A determination was apparent wit
every delegate to the convention, that th
Free State party should mite. Division
it was evident, was defeat. A unite
front was victory. The results of tha
days procedure will be felt for ages
The union and harmony which fnall
characterized the proceedings, will Civ
) to the American galaxy another sta
which will ultimately be the brightest i
the constellation-one which will not b
dimmed in the least by the foul stain {
7, slavery.
e When the platform was adopted tn
: weIkin rang with shouts of appreciation
6 When the nomination was made by al
clamation it seemed as if the HEAVIER
) were vocal with applause and Governc
r Reeder's appearance on the stand, in al
! swer to the long and repeated calls, W;
. received with the most boisterous shou
of satisfaction. Had General returne
in triumph from the o-feld, bearin
: the trophies of thousand victories, b
: could not have been greeted with MOI
hearty welcome than was extended
him on this occasion.