The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1860-04-25
PRESIDENT BUCHANAN TO HON. II. ].
WALKER.
WASHINGTON, July IL, $50,

uly 4-1 w.
Ny DEAR SIR: duly received your letter Of
the 28th ultimo, on Friday last, and read it to
the cabinet, then in session. The news which
it contained was not calculated to insure us of
your success, though we did not despond-
Hence YOU may Judge with what satisfaction
we received an account Of the proceedings Of the
National Democratic Convention held at Le-
compton on the 3d inst. The point upon which
your and our success depends is the submission
OF the constitution to the people of Kansas
And by the people mean and have no doubt
you mean, the actual bona fae residents, who
have been long enough in the Territory to inden-
tify themselves with its fate. The legislature
determined three months as the period of resi-
dence to enttle individuals to vote for members
Of the convention; and if the convention should
think proper to adopt the same period to entit(e
individuals to vote for or against the constitu
ton, it appears to me this would be reasonable
On the question of submitting the constitution
to the bo,la file resident settlers OF Kansas | am
willing TO stand or fall. In sustaining such a
principle we cannot fail. 1t is a principle Of the
Kansas Nebraska bill-the principle of popular
sovereignty, and the principle at the foundation
of all popular government The more it il dis
cussed 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 return triumph
antly from your arduous, important and respon-
sble mission. The structures of the Georgia
and Mississippi conventions will then pass away
and be speedily forgotten.
In regard to Georgia our news from that
State is becoming better every day. We have
not yet had time to hear much from Mississippi.
Should you answer the resolution of the latter,
would odyise you to make the great principle
OF the submission Of the constitution to the bona
.fde residents OF Kansas sconspicuously prominent.
On this you will be irresistible. With the
question OF climate every person 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. Nebraska law. 1t is strange
that people at distance, who have no practical
acquaintance with the condition Of Kansas,
should undertake to be riser than those on the
spot. 1t is beyond all question the true policy
70 bnld up great democratic party there, TO
Sustain the Constitution and the laws, compoS-
ed ofpro. slavery and free State democrats; and
II the majority should be against slavery, to OBJ
tain such constitutional provisions as will Sc
cure the rights of shareholders in Missouri and
other States, and maintain all the laws guarding
the Just rights Of the South.
You are right in your conjecture as TO the
cause of Judge Williams appointment. We
supposed it would be peculiarly acceptable
to yourself, and that he might aid in car
rying out your policy. Col. Cumming has been
appointed governor Of Utah. This will leave
his place vacant, after the brief period required
for settling up his business, and shall certain
iy be disposed to Gil it by the appointment o
Mr. Stevens.
Gen. Harney has been selected to command
the expedition TO Utah; but we must contrivt
to leay 9 him with you at least until you are ou
Of the woods. Kansas is vastly more important
at the present moment than Utah.
The pressure upon me continues without in
termission. I pray that Divine Providence, il
which place my trust, may graciously preserv
my life and my health until the end of my term
but Gods holy will bs done in any event.
With every sentiment of esteem, remain al
ways sincerely your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Hon. RoBERr J WALKER.