The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1860-10-09

y
pour into Kansas, take possession of the
ballot boxes, bowie knife and revolver in
hand, and control the elections by fraud
and violence. Did Mr.. Douglas ever
utter word of reproach or condemna-
ton against the Border Ruffians of Mis-
souri, Did he not most terderly excuse
their atrocities on the plea of self-de-
fense, while it was notorious fact that
their organization had preceded that OF
the FreeState men Ind mark aceU,
that immigration aoas pro slavery.
Other Emigrant Aid Societies are or
ganized in the Northern States. Large
numbers of men go to Kansas, armed,
indeed, for self f-detence, as every pioneer
will be, but with the bona tide intention
of settling down upon the soil of that
territory as permanent inhabitants and
while burning houses and trails of blood
mark the track of the Border Rufiians
flourishing farms and industrious towns
spring up under the hands of the Free
State men. Do you remember how often
Judge Douglas emplied the vials of his
wrath, and cast denunciations upon the
heads of free-abor immigration 1? And
mark well, that immigration was Anti.
Slavery.
A Legislature is set up by band oil
lawless invaders-mostly Missourisns-
set up by the most atrocious violations o
the ballot box, set up in defiance of all
the rules Of constitutional government
that Legislature adopts the slave code OF
Missouri as the laws of Kansas, and adds
to them laws so outrageous in their ma.
ture that even Northern Democrats quail
ed under the opprobrium. Do you re-
member that Judge Douglas recognized
that Legislature, although It's criminal
origin was manifest to all, as the highest
law giving authority of the Territory,
and the laws enacted by them, althoug h
known to be the offspring Of fraud and
violence, as the valid laws Of Kansas
Do you remember how he denounced ev-
cry one who would not submit, as a reb,
el and a traitor? And, mark well, that
Legislature and those laws were Pro,
SlaVery. The Free State settlers Of Kan,
sas, then evidently a large majority of the
inhabitants, go 10 work and frame a Con-
stltution. That Constitution was gotten
up in way hardly more irregular than
the Constitutions of many States 1t
was submitted to vote Of the people,
and adopted by a large majority. So it
was presented to Congress. Do you re-
member that Judge Douglas found no
term of denunciation too vile to use
against that Constitution, and that he
stigmatized those who framed it as trait
ors who must be struck down Aud, 4,
mark well, that Constitution, the choice
of the people of Kansas, was Anti- Stdv.
cry.
What series Of wonderful coinciden-
ces So far, whatever was calculated to
benefit Slavery in Kansas, Judge Doug
las was sure 10 approve whatever was
calculated 10 serve the cause of Free La
Dor, Judge Douglas was sure to denounce.
But | must not forget that he brought
forward other reasons for his acts than
the interest of Slavery. All, indeed
Is it SO extraordinary that man of abil-
ity who Stops to do a mean act, should
have wit enough to disguise it Com
pare his plauSlbilities with these coinci-
dences, and you will with me come 10
the conclusion that the Champion of
Free Labor" if he really was an enemy
to Slavery loved his enemies much better
than a good Christian ought 10 do.
But we will be just TO him. Now we
arrive at a period in his history in which
he seems 10 have acquired some tile to
Ihe esteem OF his countrymen. We are
50 little accustomed to see that kind of
statesmen do a fair thing, that our sur
prise is apt to stimulate our gratitude
allude 10 the position assumed by
Judge Douglas in the struggle about the
Lecomption Constitution. 4 packed
Convention has framed "A Constitution,
fastening Slavery upon Kansas. and re-
uses TO submit II 10 vote Of the people
The President in a message urges the
admission OF Kansas as State, under
hat Constitution as it stands. Judge
Douglas, together with the Republicans,
'eslsts the measure not, indeed, because
he is opposed 10 Slayery--for he sol
'mnly aud emphatically protests that he
does not care whether Slavery be vo-
ed up or voted down." but because il
5 uncertain whether the Lecompton Con
tltution embodies the will OF the people.
The slave power Is arrayed against him.
nd for the first time in his llie the claim
II his being Champion of Freedom"
Gems 10 rise from the level Of ridicu-
GUS absurdity, | should feel little tempt
ID 10 detract from the credit he gained
~ his attitude on that occasion, ii the
acts which preceded and followed it were
lot OF SO unmistakable nature rs to
'pen our eyes to the peculiar concatena.
ion OF circumstances, which made il al.
most impossible for him TO act other
wise.
And here again we notice series Of
most striking condolences. 1t SO hap.
'ened that just about the time when the
-ecompton question was before Con.
,ress Douglass term rs United States
senator was about to expire. He know
veil that his popularity at home rested
ipon the popular belief that he really
lid work ior the cause OF free labor.
low stupid must the man have been not
o see that, saddIed with the Lecompton
il would have been impos-