The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-04-27

a change of ground by the administration,
was from the Infamous JOHN CALHOUN, who
a few days before the vote was taken on the
constitution, submitted to Mr.. WALKER the
programme as to slavery which was adopted
by the convention, and assured him it was
approved by the administration at Washing
ton. WALKER did not care if it was so
approved-he regarded the proposed sub
mission as vile and Infamous trick. He
says:
It is due to frankness to say that when came
on here in November the President himself dis
tinctly and emphatically assured me that he
had not authorized anybody to say that he had
approved of that (the Calhoun) programme
told him that such being the case, I could not
but believe that some member of the admins
tration, or some person in high authority. en-
Toying its confidence, must have given these
assurances or Mr.. Calhoun would not have
made the communication that he had to me,
and also changed his own course upon the sub
ject, for Mr.. Calhoun had been the distinguish
ed and special leader of the Douglas party in
Kansas, and was supposed to have been ap-
pointed surveyor general upon Judge Douglas
Recommendation. He certainly requested me
to have him retained, assuring me that he
would support the submission of the constitu-
ton to the vote of the people, as he did until
late period.
As to who got up the plan of the Lecomp-
ton Constitution, the following testimony
was brought out:
Mr.. Olin-Have you any knowledge as to
where this device in the constitution, in refer
ence to submission, was gotten up.
Answer believe it was gotten up in Wash.
ington Col. Calhoun told me that it came from
the president and the administration, and urged
me on that ground to support it, inasmuch as
YVES an appointee of the president, ought to
go with the president. then showed him this
letter, as have told you.
Question: think you stated that, in your
opinion, it was not actually gotten up by the
Answer-I think it was not gotten up by the
president.
QUESTIONABLE you willing to state whether
it was not lone with his knowledge and as
sent?
Answer-It is due to frankness and candor to
say, that do not think he knew anything about
it.. That is my opinion.
The Chairman-Do you know who took the
constitution of Kansas?
Answer-I do not know anything but mere
vague rumors or suspicion. know that Mr..
Calhoun showed me this programme relating to
the pro.slavery portion of the constitution sub.
brought on directly from the president and the
administration.
Question--Then by the intimation you re-
ceived from Mr.. Calhoun, the president knew
what was doing?
Answer-lf Calhoun's statement to me was
true but tell you, gentlemen, from the in
famous manner in which Calhoun behaved,
fo, foifi 10 nj cd no fo hQt
he must have been privy to the fOrgeries of the
returns from Oxford, and also many other for
geries, l have long since ceased to have the
slightest confidence in his veracity.
Mr.. Oln--What reason have you for express
ing the opinion that the president knew moth
ing about this?
Answer-His strong and decided assurances
to me when l came here before.
Question-His denial of it
Answer--Yes, sir; it was so sole mn, SO serious,
so grave, that believed him then, and | have
believed him ever since, on that point.
The following is a copy of the letter from
Mr.. BUCHANAN to Gov. WALKER:
WASHINGTON, July II, 1857.
MY DEAR SIR: duly received your letter of
the 2Sth ut., on Friday last, and read it to the
Cabinet then in session. The views which it
contained were not calculated to assure us of
your success, though we did not despond; hence
you may judge with what satisfaction we re.
ceived an account of the proceedings of the
National Democratic Convention held at LIE.
compton on the Sd inst. The point on which
your own success depends is the submission of
the Constitution to the people of Kansas; and
by the people, l mean, and l have no doubt
you mean, the actual bona tide re sidents who
have been long enough in the Territory to iden'
tify themselves with its fate. The Legislature
determined three months as the period of resi-
fO iodi uid forv 1hor
of the Convention, and if the Convention should
think proper to adopt the same period, to emit
tie individuals to vote for or against the COnsti-
tuition, it appears to me this would be reasOna.
BILE. On the question of submitting the Consti-
ton to the bona tide residents of Kansas, am
willing to stand or fall. 1t is the principle of
the Kahsas-Nebraska bill; the principle of pop
ular sovereignty, and the principle at the
foundation Of all popular government. The
more it is discussed the stronger it will become.
Should the Convention of Kansas adopt this
principle, all will be settled harmoniously, and,
with the blessing of Providence, you will re-
turn triumphantly from your arduous, impor-
tant and responsible station.
The structures of the Georgia and Mississippi
Conventions will then pass away and be speed
lily forgotten. In regard to Georgia, our news
from that state is becoming better every day.
We nave not yet had time to hear from Missis.
sippi. Should you answer the resolution of the
laCLcr, L WOuiO aQVlSe you 10 make Tue great
principle of the submission of the constitution
to the bona Jide residents of Kansas conspicu-
ously prominent. On this you will be irresist'
IDLE With the question Of climate every per-
son is acquainted, and the more you insist upon
this the more will our opponents urge that we
are violating the principle of non.interference
at the foundation of the Kansas and Nebraska
bill. 1t is strange that people at distance,
who have no practical acquaintance with the
condition of Kansas, should undertake to be
wiser than those on the spot. 1t is, beyond all
question, the true policy to build up q great
democratic party theresto maintain the consti.
tuition and the laws, composed of pro -slavery
and free-state democrats, and if the majority
should be against slavery, to obtain such con.
stitutional provisions as will secure the rights
of shareholders in Missouri and other states,
and maintain all the laws guarding the just
rights of the South.
The pressure upon me continues without in
tercession. I pray that Divine Providence, in
which put my trust, may graciously preserve
my life and my he alth until the end of my term.
But Gods will be done in any event.
With every sentiment of esteem,
remain Always sincerely your friend,
(Sigaed) JAMES BUCHANAN.
10 Hon. ROBERT j. WALKER.
aThe letter shows that Mr.. BUCHANAN was
the champica of Popular Sovereignty, and
that he carefully marked out the programme
which Gov. WALKER followed in Kansas
until removed. Mr.. BUCHANAN writes to
Gov. WALKER that his success depends cup
on the submission of the Constitution to the
M