The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-11-11

party character Of the Legislature entirely by trans
ferTng from the free-soil to the pro-slavery side
eight representatives and three councilmen twas,
however, promptly rejected by Governor Walker as
a manifest fabrication Shortly after the Territorial
election the constitutional Convention met at Le-
compton and adopted constitution four sections OF
which related to slavery, declaring the right OF
ers to their to be nvioabe and pro lbing the
Legislature from passing acts OF emancipation. This
provision alone was to be submitted TO the electors
at the election 10 be held on December q. 10 was
ordered that the ballots should be en-
dorsed "Consttution with slavery" or "Con-
sttution without slavery" thus securing
in any event the adoption of the Constitution, seve-
raj clauses Of which, however, besides those referred
to, were highly Objectionable TO the majority OF the
people. A provision was inserted in the schedule
annexed to the Constitution preventing any amend
ment previous to the year 1854 The PRONUNCIATION
of the Constitution caused the greatest excitement,
and 1t was condemned in the strongest manner by
Governor Walker, who proceeded Immediately to
Washington to demonstrate with Congress against
its adopton but before his arrival the act had re-
ceived the approval of the President. Soon after
this Governor Walker resigned, and j. W. Denver,
OF California, was appointed in his place.
From the date of his resignation Of the Governor
ship Of Kansas until the outbreak OF the Rebellion,
Mr.. Walker remained for the most part in the quiet
pursuit Of his profession, but took active part in
the Presidential contest OF 1856, in which year he
issued one Of his most powerful pamphlets in sup
port of the claims OF James Buchanan. 1850 he
contributed much as he could 10 the defeat of Mr..
Lincoln, but when the contest OF that year resulted
in his election, and the war against the Union
was inaugurated, Mr.. Walkers Northern birth
prevailed his long Southern associations, and in
an address delivered in April, 1861, at mass meet
ing in New York city, he gave in his hearty adhe-
sion to the cause Of the Government. He soon after
went abroad, residing for some time in England in
semi-ofcia capacity exerting hts influence to pre-
pnt fhn p1na or fhn pnN lAaY ,,t.A
His old enmty for Jefferson Davis rendered him ex-
Ceedingly earnest in this work, and his thorough
familiarity with the reputation record OF the Con-
federate President enabled him to contribute in no
small measure TO our cause abroad.
Since the close of the war Mr. Walker has been
most prominently before the country in reference to
the purchase Of Alaska from Russia. While occupy
ing high official position years before, he had been
an earnest advocate OF the extension of our bounda
res on the northern frontier and therefore entered
into the Alaska scheme with his old-tme energy and
skill as pamphleeter but when the manner in which
he conducted his advocacy Of the Alaska purchase,
and the large fee which he received for it, were
made public his championship Of the measure did it
far more harm than good
Mr.. Walker was certainly possessed Of many rare
and high qualities, and fully deserved TO rank as
statesman. His knowledge OF public affairs was
profound and thorough, and his skill in manipula-
ton has rarely been equalled Added to his wide
knowledge was degree of industry which knew
no bounds, and an earnestness Of purpose which
fitted him admirably for the walks OF pub
lie life. He was short OF stature, but
possessed Of vigorous frame, and OF pleasing aud
attractive address, Although slow and deliberate
in speech he possessed considerable powers as an
orator, and was especially forcble a conversa-
tionast. For years previous to his death, the
deceased resided at the national capital where he
continued in active practice at the bar of the Su-
preme Court unit! oyeraken by the illness which re-
suited in his death,