Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1862-08-07
MISC ELAN EOUS,
Hon. Robert j. Walker on the Kansas
Iniquity and the Beginning of Seces,


Hon. Robert J. Walker is publishing a series of
letters entitled "An Appeal for the Union" Mr..
Walker it will be remembered, was the Secretary of
tbs Treasury under former Democratic President,
senator from Mississippi, in the U. 5. Senate, and
during Mr. Buchanan's Administration, was appointed
Governor of Kansas. Mr.. W., although born in
Pennsylva has been most of his life resident at
de South, where he was identified with all their
interests and enjoyed in tho highest degree the con.
hdrnce of the people, and especially of the State of
his residence, Mississippi, which he has represented
in the national councils. The letter before u.s. takes
strong ground in favor of the Emancipation and
Colonization plan of Presiden Lincon-but includes
III the course Of his remarks, much important nfor-
nation upon other subjects. Mr.. Walker sets out
with the following proposition:
awe must not only continue to maintain the lust
6siinctOn between the loyal and 6isloysl tho della.
ded masses and the rebel leaders, but we must also
remember, that the reign of terror has long been su
PTeme in the South, and that thousands have bsen
forced into apparent support of the rebellion BY
hrsatS by spollatlon, by military force of conscrp
ton, and not few, driven out nendicants by the
ruin of their homes, and the loss of thoir of
subsstence."
lie contends that" With the exception of South
Carolina, whose normal condition for more than
thirty years before she struck down our flag at Sum.
ter would seem to have been that of ncipent tres.
son and revolt no other State really desired to des-
troy the Union. A secret association and active
armed conspiracy in tho South, aided by traitor
leaders, North and South, and organized system
OF talsehood and misrepresentation, drove the Masses
by sudden action, violence, and terror, into this
rebellion. And yet, under all these circumstances
the aggregate popular vote of the South exhibited
large majority against Secession
He shows that the greatest crime Of the age, up to
the breaking out of this rebellion, the attempt of
President Buchanan to force upon Kansas forged
Constitution, the first move of the assassins lie
says:
Ave should not forget that it was Northern
President, yielding Secession leaders, in opposition
to the patriots Of the South who by the whole power
OF executive influence and patronage attempted to
force slavery into Kansas by the the crime heretofore
ietthOut name or an example, THE FORGERY A
CONSTITUTION. This was the tollng of the first bell
alarming to patriots but the concerted signal for the
grand movement OF the assessing then comprising
the death of the Union.
The circumstances Of this piece Of villany, well
known at the time to have been planned and forced
upon the poor weak old man whom these conspira
tors used for their Interior purposes during his entir,
Administration, may be remembered by most of ou
readers. Several gentlemen were sent to Kansas a
Governor each in succession retiring in DISCUS
from the performance Of the deed Of sin which wa
required Of them at last Mr.. Buchanan entreate
Mr.. Walker to undertake the settlement of the diff
culties in which the Territory had been involved b
these attempts to force her into the Union as Slav
State. Mr. Walker declined the task, being indi
posed to leave home in any public capacity, and ha
pledged himself TO his wife that he would accent n
Office that would require his absence. The earne
entreaties of Buchanan, however, at last prevaie
the pledge being given that fair vote should be ha
and if the people of Kansas adopted Consttuto
whether for, or against slavery, Mr. Walker was a
surcd by the President their wishes should be acce
ed TO. Mr.. Walker stated the obstacles in his W,
OF accepting the appointment, occasioned by
promise to his wife. Buchanan, to obyiate III
waited on Mrs. w. and almost on his knees
sought her to give her consent, as be considered
husband as the only man who could settle the di
euiues and civil war then raging or threatened
th@e ierriory-the lady at length consented, a
her husband proceeded OH his mission. In
meantime, committee Of embryo seeess;on;.,s =
sisting of jeff Davis, John slidell, and. we hell
Robert TOombs, waited on Buchanan. and in
most inPerious and threatening manner, promis
that If such measures were not taken as would br
Kansas ~ as slave State, ~tileir States and
others al the South would raise the standard If re
non. The poor old imbcciIe was so frightened
Their menaces, that he permitted the adont;on
scheme which for its deliberate villainy. as we h
already remarked, had no parallel in histaxv.
walker IN good faith, on his arrival in Kansas.
n0uneed tbs policy Of the administration. "a pIsd
10 hisn. and his own honor and that Of the Pre.;,
.