gompiltt.
Il
t. J. Malik, IS lure awl PrepArver,
GETTYSBURG, PA
itanday Warning, Dee. 28, 1857.
abirlion. Wit. M. lltitsrtn, of &rim'
county, has been offered the post of
Nuorottrry ot the Commonwealth under
the Administration of Goy , . PACICY.A, and
has accepted. Ho possesses all the
qualifications for 1440 poaii4oc, *ad will
fill it to his own and the Administra
tion's credit.
."*RAT WIIALIWN, of Erie,
bu boen appointed a Conli4entlel Agent
ot the ,Treasary Departuteat, at. Waah
iagipa.
SIPA mass meeting uf the Democra
ay of the city of Philadelphia tall be
held this evening, " to endorse the mim
eos. of President Buchanan, &Toetally
that part of it recommending the spee
dy admission of Kansas as a State, un
der, a Constitution framed in pangolin s&
of lawful autiority," The call is signed
by =shy hundreds of Democrnts, em
bracing nearly every man prominent lu
the party there.
Berme. have seldom known a public
document of the kind to meet with a
more beorty revoltse from the press
than that which has grested the first
amenal Message of President BUCHANAN.
Its Oslo, straight Orward, manly style
is the theme for admiration in all guar
tenor. the Union. We could fill The
Compiler for weeks with the warmest
cube mean this admirable &ate payer.
Ifilrlmportant intulligesee from Flori
da has been received in regard to the
progress of the war with the Seminoles.
Lnomia writes home that he has
captured the family of Billy Bowlegs
and taken possession of his biding-place,
sad that Bowlegs himself is desirous
of putting an end to hostilities, and, at
the risk of his life, is calling in the
beads and urging them to make peace.
The Indians are, however, still so hos
tile that Bowlegs is in danger of Ames
ideation for proposing a peace council.
They seem resolved to fight to the last.
In the last action the Indians suffered
considerable loss, and a captain of the
mounted volunteers and five of his men
were killed on our side.
Queer Story about Gen. Tralker.—Ae
oording to the New York Times, the
secret "Junta" to which was confided
the arrangement for the second invasion
of Nicaragua, having lost confidence in
General Walker as a military leader,
had intended to place Gen. Henningsen
at the head of the command. This ar
rangement was by no means palatable
to the "President of Nicaragua," who
has a civilian's passion for tactics and
menu:Gyros. He, therefore, pretended
to acquiesce in the plan, bat when- the
Fashion was' ready for sea, astutely
slipped on board and set off, to the sur
prise of nobody more than the "Junta"
aforesaid, and to the chagrin of nobody
more than General lienningsen. On
the strength of this affair, the knowing
11.111,11 in regard to the expedition are
said to prognosticate its speedy failure.
SirAn action for debt by a wife
against her husband, to recover money
loaned by ber to her husband, being
property acquired after marriage, was
tried in the Common Pleas of Pcrry
county, a short time eir.ce, Judge Gee
ham presiding. Tho stieetion was
whether a info _maid maintain a snit
against Aar husband. The Court de.
-wed that she could, and delivered a
verdict for the plaintiff for $2,508.
Accideet.—We learn from the Mer
cers/sus Jovragi, that Mr. David Me-
Murdie, of that vicinity, was consider
ably injured by being thrown from a
load of wood. lie was hauling the
wood to town, and by a etnition jolt of
the wagon hewas thrown to tbo ground.
The nature of the injuries are not
known, but it is hoped they are not of
p serious character.
Barn to Good Luck.—Mr. Job n 'Martin,
of London, is being pat in possession of
the 4, Jennings' property," which for so
very long a period has been without
recognized heir. The cash he inherits
amounts to the gigantic slim of Lift,.
000,000, while his income will be $l,-
25;4000 per annum. Tbst, is something
likes Atrial:ie. The Iseky Inheritor has
been wretchedly poor all his preceding
life.
Doeby .![wider.—Anderson and
Richards have boen tally committed for
trial to Gamer for the doable munkir
fn Lasesirter county, Pa. •
1111"Thepeo& have faith in Pennsyl
vania's first yredont, and u they
stood by Gee.. Jackson ' when party
truism attempted to break down his
administration, so will they stand by
Js MZB BUCHA.Wiii, if he is compelled to
plug through the Isms ordeal. And
Lents, be who looks for a rupture of
the great Dersoeratie pony, will look
now. allethers did tlies*-4raiSl---Etie
Obrerrai
Ponsip of *IP Irreastary Pleas 1111111.
The bill reported from the Roes"
Committee on Finance by. r. liaturrut,
authorizing the issue by the Govern
ment of Treasury notes to the aXteut
of twonty million dollar; was passed
by the Senate on Setif%lay week, In an
emended form, by a r•vte of 31 to Ig..
The notes are not to be of a less
amount than one hundred dollars, and
the time In which they may be issued
is limited to the first of January, 1859.
It is proposed that notes roc as millions
be immediately issued to meet the press
ing exigencies of the public service, by
the Secretary of the Treasury, who Is
also to fix the rate of interest they are
to bear, not exceeding, however, six per
cent per annum, and the notes fbr the
remaining fourteen millions are to be
sold at par to the bidder or bidders who
shall agree to exchange them for specie
at the lowest rate of interest, not ex
oxating six per Gent.
The bill passed the House without
any amendment, on Tuesday, by a vote
ofyeas 118 to nays 86.
The Secretary of the Treasury has
deckled to adopt three per cent. as the
rate of interest for the new treasury
notes, and will issue as won as possible
(in two weeks probably) iix millions,
iu denominations of eue hundred, lye
hundred, and one thousand dollars.—
The neeensart plates are to be engraved
so that they cannot be counterfeited by
photograph. It is also stated while the
plates are being engraved, the sub
treasary will receive deposits of gold,
with orders for the notes, and when the
paper 1z ready the notes will be issued
for them, lilated on the day of deposit.
The Kansas gerselest.
The Philadelphia Arius concludes n
very able article in relation to the ac
tion of the Lecompton Gonvontion as
follows :
Why did the Lecomptcni Convention
decline to submit the whole Constitution
to a vote of the people ? For the very
best reasons in the world. The disor
ganizers and mischief-makers had em
phatically determined to crush down
everything, right or wrong, that should
be proposed by the Convention, for the
purpose of prolonging this fruitless con
troversy until another Presidential
election, if it was possible. It was
their only hope, and they were resolved
that the difficulty should not be settled
without a desperate struggle to prevent j
it. - The friends of peace, law and or
der very wisely determined not to sub
mit the Constitution for their fictions
rejection, but only the great point about
which there could be any difference of
opinion—slavery or no slavery—the
very point, and the only important one,
before Congress when the Kansas bill
was on its passage. The anti-slavery
men profess to have an overwhelming
majority in the Territory, and if they
wore really and truly sincere in their
professions, they would rejoice' to meet
the naked question, and settle it by a
decisive vote that would put the ques
tion forever at rest. No. This is not
what they desire. They care only for
the question of slavery it secures
them votes. So long as they can keep
up this useless agitation, so long they
may be able to keep a vanquished
party from utterly disbanding.
We take the position, and it seems to
us an impregnable one, that in submit
ting the slavery or no slavery question
to a vote of the people, the groat prin
ciple of popular sovereignty has been
vindicated. The Lecompton Constitu
tion is admitted on all hands, even. by
the candid portion of the Black Repub
lican press, to be a model Constitution ;
that, taken as a whole, it is equal if net,
superior to any other in the U. States.
In all its important features it mast
commend itself to the judgment and ap
probation of all right minded men; and
yet if it had been submitted as a whole
to a vote of the people, the Foss !hate
fanatics would have earned out their
predetermination, and would have voted
it down by a large majority, for the ex
press purpose oflteeping up this mis
chievous agitation. The decision to
submit the only question in dispute to
a decision of the popular vote, knocked
all their plans into confusion, and they
howl accordingly—shriek for "freedom"
to embarrass and annoy the whole conn
tryperpotually, louder than ever. The!
Troy Budget, which was a strong ad- 1
vocate for the whole Constitution being
submitted to a vote of the people, says :
" It may not be wisdom to look very
closely into the shadow, as long as wo
get the substance. If Kansas comes as
a free State, with a free State Constitu
tion and unobjectionable in other re
spects, why quarrel over the order of
her coming? In taking position upon
this question, it strikes us that the De
mocracy should act in the spirit of Au
gustin—on non-essentials, forbearance ;
' on essentials, unity."
Whey* So Miaow t
Suppose the Free State men, who
claim w be in such an overwhelming
majority, had voted at every election
appointed by law in Kansas from the
beginning, what would have been the
result? Why, if it be true that • they
have such a majority as is represented,
they would have carried every election
since the exit of Roeder. Legislature,
Convention, Constitution, " Freedom,"
everything would have — been in their
hands. Who, then, is to be blamed for
the present condition of things in Kan
sas? If a majority will sot vote, the
minority must inevitably _purr the
election.
IfirThe nun who !lands Malawi) bur
imms was in town reosatly, WA left
imozediatalykbe w so lonesome.
LAW. Ws W44lo'l4l"len.
WAsnixaTotr, Deo. 24, 1857
Editor of The Compiler:—.Benator
Douglas introduced, a week sieve, sal
a enabling bill" for Krionae..-to bold
another election for delegates to n Con.
stitutlonal Convention, to form another
constitution, submit it to the people,
et cetera—or, in other words, to cent-
MOIICO the Kansas light where it stood
twelve or eighteen months back, and
have that already too long distracted
Territory repeat the " bleedings' opera-
Lion. The Republicans, although it ,
igliores their doctrine on the " popular
sovereignty" qaostion heretofore enun
ciated, favor the bill,
Senator Bigler, on Monday, replied
to another speech made a few days
previously by Senator Douglas. He
held up some of the inconsistencies of
the Illinois Senator on the slavery ques
tion, which caused that gentleman to
lose his temper, and thereby demon
strate how awkward is his present po
sition.
Oa Tuesday, Senator Fitch mad. a
speech on the Kansas question. He
was in favor of adopting the Kansas
Constitution, with or without slavery,
if republican in form, as prescribed by
the Constitution of the United States.
He desired to adopt the course produc
tive of the least evil to the greatest
number; and he would advise any mem
ber of the Democratic party, who, on
aceount of some fancied grievance, now
sought to sow discord into our ranks,
to remember the fate of every such at
tempt from the time of Aaron Burr
down to that of Martin Van Buren.—
Here Judge Douglas again became ex
cited, and the discussion closed.
Tho President's rsition is gaining
friends every day.
The Treasury Note bill has passed
the Senate and House.
Both !louses have agreed to adjourn
over from this day until the 4th of
X. Y. Z.
January'
GOV. i►.tker'e Leteer.
The Pennsylvanian, in cummenting
upon Gov. Walker's letter of resigna
tion, makes out a strong case against
I that gentleman—as follows:
The latter part of Gov. Walker's let
ter in its skillful grouping and his pre.
senting a case for his clients, showing
some truth but not the whole truth, is
exceedineyplausible,but lacks strength.
Ho states that many of tho counties
were disfranchised, and the Convention
does not exhibit a fair and full repro.
sentation of the people of Kansas. Of
course it does not of the real, but it does
of the legal people. But if no Census
was taken, or registry made in certain
counties, why did not Gov. Welker , whose
sworn ditty it was to execute the laws
faithfully, - see that it was done? Was he
so busy oinking political speeches and
political points, that be could not see
to th:s ? But, aftef all, is not the ob
jection in idea, and not well founded.
Does not Gov. Walker know that the
people of these counties, in order to be
able to make this rery oljeetiun to the valid
ity of the Constitution, refused to be reg
istered ? Did not the people of Law
rence give notice to the census takers
to leave that city in two hours under
pain of violent and corporeal injury?
Does ho not know the fact, as just
stated by Secretary Stanton in his mes
sage, that 8,800 voters wore registered,
and that only 2,200 voted? Does ho
not know, in fine, that the people of
Kansas, now so loudly complaining of
the
_Lecompton Constitution, have been
in organised actual resistance, from
first to last, to the governmegt of the
Territory, and to the goOriilfient and
laws of the United State*? Does he
not feel, that the Black Republicans of
Kansas have no right to complain, ex
cept as a spoiled child may cry in a
vicious humor, that there was no census
or registry, when they neither wished
nor would have any ?
From an able article in the Washing
ton Union on dor. Walker's letter, we
extract the following :
A Constitution which in each partia
l:der clause) could secure the approval
of a mikioritt of voters would be an
• .aly ; and there can be no Consti
tution which in each several part and
parcel can be said to have secured the
sanction of the sovereignty of any
State. To submit all the parts of a:
complicated Constitution to a popular
vote is not to obtain a distinct express-I
ion of the popular will on any one clause.
A Constitution with ninety•onc distinct '
provisions on other subjects, and one
on slavery, might be accepted, nut
withstanding the slavery clause, by a'
majority of voters opposed to slavery,
but anxious to secure its other provis
ions; while it might be voted against
by a majority in favor of slavery but
opposed to some other of its provisions;
and hence the anomaly might occur
that a pro-slavery Constitution might
be put upon a Territory by a majority
opposed to slavery, although it had
been opposed by a majority in favor of
' slavery. Every mind will perceive that,
-to submit an entire Constitution—a
brindle of propositions—to popular vote,
is not to obtain the popular verdict on
any single one; nay, is often to obtain
a verdict on distinct propositions in
point blank opposition to the sentiment
of a majority of voters—is to extort ac
tual votes on many propositions at war
with the sentiments of the very voters
casting thorn. The mere statement of
the case explodes the beautiful theory
of Gov. Walker in favor of the popular
ratification of constitutions. Popular
ratification oomports well enough with
the theories of radical Democracy; but
yet in praetieal effect and value, vot
ing upon entire bundles of propositions
in the lump can be little more dun
farce.
The only mode of getting at the pre- 1
eise sentiment of the people on any dis
tinct proposition embodied in a Consti
tution, is to single it oat, and submit
that alone to the vote. The only hon
est and Gilmore mode of getting at the
sentiment of a people on a proposed
Constitution, is to leave details to the
representative Commotion framing it,
sod to single out or two leading
h visions fur direct Me. We submit
to the people of the whole ocianft-y if
this only honest and eanditi course boa
not been pursued in Kansas
We submit if the great question of
national concern and controversy ,which
the whole nation are demanding Oiouid
be settled fairly and freely by the peo
ple ofKansas.theruselves, has not been
mibmitted in the only manner in which
it could obtain a direct and positive de
cision according to the will of the peo
ple of that Territory. To have bun
dled up the question of slavery with a
hundred others embraced in the Kan
sas Constitution, and to have submitted
the entire gross of questions in the
luwp to the popular vote, would not
have allowed the people of Kansas a
free and untrammelled decision on the
slavery question—the great question of
sectional controversy which the people
of the Union had delegated for their un
biassed adjudication. To have submit
ted this question' as a part of an entire
Constitution would have been a com
pliance with the letter of the national
expectation, but not with the spirit and
essence of it. The fkirm of compliance
would have been eluded.
It is in vain for Gov. Walker to op
poee his sublimated theories and wild
vagaries to the straightforward honesty
and stubborn fairness and jostles of this
distinct submission of the slavery ques
tion. .It is in vain for him to contend
that the slavery question is not the
great absorbing subject of interest,
overriding all others, in Kansas and
the Union at large. The* whole hist*.
ry of Kansas refutes his allegation, the
history of the politics of the whole
Union, for years together, falsifies his
assertion. It is in rain for him to lu
gubriously parade fifteen or nineteen,
or ninety-and-nine " disfranchised "
counties in Kansas not represented in
the Lecompton Convention. The par,
amount question of slavery is submitted
to the voice of the people of all the
counties. with power to vote for or
against it, -which they can do with in
finitely Ices embarrassment than if that
question had been submitted in conjunc
tion with a hundred others embraced
in the Constitution. Better that a
)Con
vention, though representing but a si -
gle county, should - submit the leadi
question to an isolated, untrammell
vote of all the people of the eounti ,
than , that a Convention represen ng
every county should submit a bundle of
propositions in a manner that would
tail to elicit a majority vote on any sin
gle one of theme, however vital and im
portant.
And this is our answer to all the com
plaints of the Governor, in behalf of
his fifteen or nineteen counties. On
the slavery question every loan ofevery
county can vote his direct sentiments.
The other provisions of the Constitu
tion may or may not be approved by a
majority of the people of all tho coun
ties. Whether they are or not could
not bo ascertained by a subm!ssioci of
the instrument in the lump; for in that
form not one man in the whole
Territory could vote his direct senti
ments on its several provisions. If the
Constitution thus ordained shall prove
obnoxious in practice, then the people
of the State can change it hereafter
at will, for the instrument expressly
declares:
"All political power is inherent in
the people, and all free governments
are framed on their authority, and in
stituted for their benefit, and therefore
they hare at all times an inalienable and
indifea.sible right to alter, reform, or abol
ish their form of gorernment as they may
think proper."
Thus are all the ends of substantial
justice accomplished by the action of
the Leeornpton' Convention. The sla
very question is submitted in such a
manner that each inhabitant may freely
express his direct sentiments upon it
at the polls. The Constitution goes in
to operation with or without a slavery
clause, as the people shall determine;
and if the remaining provisions of the
instrument prove injunous or obnoxious
in practice, they may be substituted
with others by the people at any tim ,
they may choose.
We cannot sympathize with Gov.
Walker's apprehensions of civil war.
If there be rebellion or insurrection i
the Territory, it will be wanton, cause
less, unprovoked, and incendiary . . It
will be such upon which every good cit
izen of the whole country, North and
South, will invoke a severe and summa
ry punishment from the Ccutaertegonal
authorities. It will be in resistance of
measures ender which the broad ends
of substantial justice are sought and
cannot fail to be secured; and those
who make it, if they escape the bullet
and the bayonet, will deserve the hal
ter and the gibbet. The honest senti
ment of the whole country approves of
the mode now opened for the settle
ment of the troubles in Kansas. The
heart of the nation beats for peace; and
woe to the misguided men who shall
presume to prolong the strifes of years
by defeating the honest, wise and just
measures which have at last been de
vised for their fair, final and peacefal
settlement.
IG/'We find the following significant
paragraph in the New York Tribune,
from our own correspondent. The letter
from which it is extracted is dated
Washington, December 16th :
Several of the leading Republican members
of Congress had a long and confidential inter
view last night with Senator Douglas at his
house. The conference is understood to have
related to the affairs of Kansas, and to have
been highly satisfactory to all concerned.
It is no want of respect and admira
tion for the abilities of the distinguish
ed Senator from Illinois, that induces
us to bold his inconsistencies up to that
party of which he was so long an ac
knowledged leader. But wo have a
duty to perform, and if Democrats will
invite " leading Republican members"
to confidential interviews, they must
expect their actions to be severely crit
icised, if not their motives inq uired
. in
to. Judge Douglas cannot rightfully
have anything in common with the
Black Republican party or their repre
sentatives. What then is the meaning
of this sudden mingling of the Senator
from Illinois and his former political
enemies? If it means treachery to the
Democratic party, it is time that fact
should be known, for the safety of the
party ;—if it means compromise, con
cession and pacification, has not Judge
Douglas chosen odd companions for
this tabor of love and patriotism?—Peau
syluania n.
A*tkma.—This most disheartening
complaint has been cured in many in
stances by the use of Wistar's Bahrain
of Wild Cherry. Surely any thing that
will afford relief frourthis painful di♦
ease will be hailed all a real blessing,
WAIT Alf vwxci.
......
g , rum wring tit ' • IC? Sitini.."
.......
.„.„General Cass, ij is stated, key sent Gor
man' Walker a eeply to hb latter and actepted
his resignation.
There will be at lout us= editors la the
next Pennsylranla Legislature.
......The official majority for9ibley, dens., for
Governor of Minnesota, is 200.
-....Charleston, S. C., Dec. I9.—A smari
shoek of u earthquake wasfait In this vicinity
at nine o'clock this morning.
Rs-President Pierce having been named
for United Swop Senator for New Hampshire,
the Concord Patriot annotiaces that be would
not accept the office even if he could receive the
vote of every member of the Legislature.
.... „" The Democratic party appreciate the
banat of iirios le their own Teaks too highly. ;
ever to think seriously of a division among
themselves i and while that party hangs to
gether we have no fears for the Federal Union."
—[Norfolk Herald.
Mr. Healy, the artist employed by Con«
tress to paint the portraits of the es-Presidents,
to be placed in the Capitol at Washington, has
been in Buffalo for some time, engaged upon
that of Mr. Fillmore.
The City Hotel, at Frederick, lid-, bee
been sold toC. J. Jettides sod Jobs Need.
John Hyde, the es-Mormon, is in Colum
bus, S. C., delivering his anti-Mormon lectures.
Bad for the Lobby Buslaiss.--In the new
hall of the Rouse of Representatives at Weah
ington, there Is no place oa the door for the
lobby members, sad they will have to codas
their operations to the outside of the building.
The Rev. Mr. Durand, of St. Mary's
(Catholic) Mission, in Kansas, Mr. Patterson, of
Nebraska, and a gentleman from Maine, were
drowned oa the 9th inst., by the upsetting of a
skiff, ten miles from Kansas city.
The last survivor of the Wyoming mans
cre (Jeremiah Spencer) is living in Torringford,
Connecticut.
Ii la said that Wm. H. Aspinwall, of New
York, sent home a painting a few days since--
a genuine MuriUo—which was appraised at the
custom-house of that city, at $30,000.
An exchange says, "She who can tell a
frightful story to her child, or allow one to be
told, ought to have a guardian appointed over
herself."
"The world," said Horace Walpole, " is
a comedy to those who think, and a tragedy to
those who feel."
On the Bth of Janttary next there will he
three conventions of the soldiers of the year of
1812—one in Waahingtou, one in Philadelphia
and one in New York. ,
A dispatch from Washington says that
James M. Buchanan, Esq., of Baltimore county,
will be appointed Minister to St. Petersburg.
cotemporary, noticing the appointment
of a friend as postmaster, says, " if he attends
to the mails ad well u he does to the females,
he Will make a Tery attentive and efficient of
ficer." - Ahem
There• are now residing in Clearfield
county, Pa:, L. Snyder, 11l years old, and his
wife, 107 years old, both In good health, and
quite active.
There are said to be over one hundred
females practitioners, regularly educated phy
sicians in the United States.
,At Oak Hill, near Pottsville, Ps., on
Saturday wedk, James Holland, aged 19, killed
his own mother by kicking her. lie was drunk.
He has disappeared.
If you would increase the size and promi
nence of your eyes, just keep an account of the
money spent foolishly, and add it up at the end
of the quarter.
If running _after women be • sin, It is
very easily checked. All that is necessary is
for the women to stop running away from the
Men.
.....)Das B. say/ that the first time a young
man squeezed her dress, she felt as if she was
in the land where rainbows cents from. How
poetic a little hugging makes people I
In a country paper, the marriage of Mr.
Cooper' to Miss Sthvis is announced. The re
sult will probably be barrels.—Px.
Not so; the result will be a lot of tittle
" Shaven," and Elroy of them be girls, it will
eventuate in hoops.
Some onSs*p of a certain congregation,
that they pray on titeir knees on Sunday, and
on their neighbors the rest *fibs week.
A doting mother of a waggish boy, bay
in; bottled $ lot of nice preserves, labelled
them, " Pat or by Mrs D—" (her name.)—
Johnnie, ber promising boy, discovered the
" goodies,"soonate tvitimegos~e Of one loot-
ties/did Siren wrote on the bottom of the label,
"Tint Down by Johnnie D—."
r, 1 • 11 '" 11 .,',1
Murder of a Lawyer and Arrest of lus
Wife.—A dispatch, dated Rochester,
N. Y., Dee. 21, says :
Our city was yesterday morning
thrown into a state of great excitement
by the discovery of the mangled, mur
dered body of Charles W. Sittles, law
yer, of this city, in the Geneeeee river,
a few rods below the falls. From the
pools of blood and other evidences of
struggles, the murderers were easily
traced tram the place of the fktal con
flict to the river, were they attempted
to conceal the ovidencee of their crime
by sinking the body of their victim.—
The water being shallow, the body did
not float away from shore, and was
found at about seven o'clock yesterday
(Saturday) morning. The body uas
immediately taken to the police office,
and arrest made of his wife, her broth
er and several others of her relatives.
From the evidence, it appears that Sit
ties and his wife did not live happily
together, and that a separation took
place about a year ago, but for the last
month or two they had lived together
again.
On the ground where was discovered
blood and other evidences of a conflict,
were found a piece of a victorine cor
responding with ono worn by Mrs. Sit
tles, a rosette matching one found in
her possession,and a comb, a pair of
spectacles, sai to belong to her broth
er,
Ira Stout, a young man aged about
23 years, and the arm of a chair said to
have bee n: taken Troia the office where
Sittles was employed. Mrs. &Wee'
left wrist and her brother's left arm
were found to be broken, showing that
they had been engaged in some extra
ordinary conflict.
The evidence, so far, seems strongly
against the wife of the murdered man
and her brother, Ira Stout. The ex
amination continued through all yes
terday, and was adjourned from 12 o'-
dock last night till 9 o'olock this morn
ing.
Dec. 211.---The Coroner's
inquest on the body of Charles W. Sit
ties, which was recently Ibund in a mu
tilated condition, lying below the Falls,
has been closed, and a verdict rendered,
holding the wife of the deceased and
her brother,lra Stout, for trial on the
°harp of h aving committed the mar
derails deed.
lospretsoms 11111efol Soom
airs oorot Malady, 0o i
lturpoo Aff.
WAINITNOTON, Doc. 23.—The Preai-
dent, In response to the call of the Sen.
ate, to-day sent in a largo masa of doca
mats relative to Kansas affairs.
Among them is the following :
DIPARTMENT Or STATE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11,1857.
James W. Denver, Secretary and Act
ing-Governor of Kansas Territory :
Ufa :—You have already been inform
ad that Mr. Stanton has been removed
from the office of Secretary of the Ter- 1
ritory of Kansas. and that you have
been Appointed in his place. 1 desire now
to state to you distinctly, the reason of
this change.
Tho Convention which met at Le
compton on the first of September, had
framed a Constitution, and had'author
ised its President to submit the ques
tion to the people on the 21st of Decem
ber, who are to decide whether this
Conistitution should be adopted without
shieery. The importance of the issue
could not well bo questioned. It involv
ed the complete and authoritatiie set
tlement of the only subject of difference
which had seriously agitated Kansas
or interfered with its prosperity. The
qualified *lectors, therefore, to whom
this settlement was referred, were un
questionably right to attend the polls
and give their votes on the day appoint
ed; they were required to do so by the
highest considerations of public duty.
In the exereisa of this right, moreover,
they were entitled to an adequate pro
tection by tho Territorial Government,,
and the Acting Governor was bound to
employ aft tho legal moans at his coin
mend to give security and fuirnese to
the election. With the conflicting opin
ions which prevailed in the Territory
on the question submitted, he had no
right to interfere. They had their ap- '
propriate issue at the ballot box, and to
that peaceful arbitrament they might
safely be referred. Tho great objects
to be accomplished, in the opinion of
the President, were to preserve the,
peace of the Territory, and secure the
freedom of election. Entertaining these;
views, ho was surprised to learn that,
the Secretary and Acting Governor had
on the Ist of December issued a procla
mation for a special session of the Terri
torial Legislature, on the 7th inst., on
ly a few weeks in advance of the regu
lar time of meeting, and only fourteen
days before a decision was to be made
on the question submitted by the Con
vention. This course of Mr. Stanton,
the President seriously believes has
thrown a new element of discord among
the excited people in Kansas, and it is
directly at war therefore with the
peaceful policy of the Administration.
For this reason be has felt it his duty to
remove him.
From these views you will readily
understand what the President regards
as the chief duty which devolves upon
yon as Mr. Stantoo's successor. This
duty is to preserve the peace of Kansas.
.Every person entitled to a vote on the
Constitution, ought to hare safe settee
to the polls and be free from any res
strainte whatever, in the exercise of the
elective franchise. If the civil power
is found insufficient for this purpose,
the troops of the United States shoold
be employed in aid of it, and it, may be
wise precaution to have thorn station
ed, in advanee,.wltbin reach of these
places where, in you,' judgment, their
services are likely to be required. It
is earnestly hoped that the use of mili
tary power may be wholly avoided.
Violence is always loss likely to occur
when the means are known to be at
hand for its prompt suppression.
Should the military force become abso
lutely necessary to keep the peace, you
will find full instructions with reference
to the proper mode of employing it in my
communications to Governor Walker, of'
March 28th, July 25th, and September
2d, 1857, and in those subsequently ,
written to Mr. Stanton. Of these last,
that of November 30th, was taken to
Kansas by you, and you had a copy of
it. All of them will doubtless be found
in the archives of the Governor, at Le
conipton ; they refer prominently to
:.he preservation of pencil at certain
important elections. But I need hard
ly inform yes that your duty is not in
tended to be eonflned to those special
occasions; it extends, of coarse. to the
protection of all the citizens in the exer
cise of their just rights, and applies to
one legal election, as well as another.
The Territorial Legislattm doubtless
convened on tba 7th inst., and while it
remains in session, its members are en
titled to be secure and free in their de
liberations. Its rightful action must
"Lao be respected. Should it authorise
an election by the people for any pur
pose, this election shoaftt be held with
out interruption, no less than those au
thorised by the convention. While the
peace of the Territory is preserved, and
the freedom of election secured, there
need be no fear of disastrous consequen
ces.
The public jotirmtls contain reports
of an intended movement, by a portion
of the residents of Kansas, to organize
a Revolutionary Government, under
the Topeka Constitution. It is hardly
possible this report can bo well founded,
but should the attempt be made and
lead to a practical collision with the
Territorial authorities, the authority of
the government most necessarily be
maintained, and from whatever quarter
it is attempted to interfere by violence
with tho election authorized by the
Constitutional Convention, or which
may be authorized by the Legislature,
the attempt must be resisted, and the
security of the election maintained.
The peaceable progress of these elections
can obviously occasion no injury to any
citizen of any• party, because their re
sults can have only their due weight
under the Constitution and the Laws.
It is to be expected, therefore, that no
good citizen will endeavor to interfere
with them, but that all thele will
be contented to see the Vvention
peacefully carried out to its legitimate
results, and fairly presented to the con
sideration of Congress. The President
relies upon your firmness and discretion
to give effect to these instructions. It
is vitally importact that the people of
Kansas, and none other than the peo
ple of Kansas, should kayo the full de
termination of the question now before
them for decision. it is important also
that in securing to them the protection
to which they are 9ntitlat great care
should be taken not to organise an ille
gal authority. On this point I again
refer you to,my instructions to Govern
or Walker and Secretary Stanton,
iltiitou will regard as directed to
yourself. r It is_proper to add that no
scam, of the Terrnmial Legislatnre,
about to meet, can interfere with the
elections of the 2lst of INoamberaild the
27th WV - annul in tho in and und 4
ner prescribed by the Constittitional
Convention.
I am, Sir, respectfalty p_otir nbedioua
servant, LEWIS C. 114,
?rocs tiok Wan Cheibitt Jipigmenting
A citiorar.
It is astonishing what a change has
taken place in the Republican ranks,
within a short time past. The Nebras.
ka bill, which claimed for the people
the right to settle their own private iu
stitntions, was denounced by them
in the bitterest termi, as an outrage
upon the people. Now they affect to
see more beauties in it than were ever
before dreamed of, and would crowd
everybody and everything off the
platform to secure a foothold for them
selves.
We are glad they aro waking up; it
will do them good if they will only ad.
here to it in good faith.
The right of the people of a Territory
to vote directly upon *ilo adoption of a
Constitution, is comparatively a new
doctrine advanced by the Democratio
party, and we have no doubt that it will
be made *permanent and fixed requisite
hereafter.
In . Kansas, however, both poll's.
have neglected to recognise it. The
Republicans never thought of submit.
Ling the Topeka Constitution to a vote
of the people, whit the Lectotapton
Convention have come half way in sup.
port of the doctrine; and in cowing
that half way have presented for ap•
proval or rejection the great questioe
that agitates the country—that of
slavery.
Judging from every indication the
present Congress will make it a cardi
nal point in the admission of Territories
hereafter. In the meantime, we sea
no cause for quarrel on the subject now,
" Presidential Speculations.—There is
disposition already manifested in the
public mind, as well as in newspaper
dem, to speculate in reference to the
next Presidency. Mr. Buchanan's same
is mentioned for n I+ll-•eqt6 term in NOIIIO
quarters. Whether he Will submit is I%
question. He has hitherto disclaimed
any ambition that way ; but the matter
is not exactly with himself.
Jefferson Davis' name is also talked
of. Douglas and Walker are evidently
pitted against each other, on the same
platform, and hope for eclat upon tho
issue of the Kansas embroglio. Henry
A. Wise is strongly_ spoken of in con•
servative quarters.
On the other skier, wo have Fremont.
backed by tho Now Ilampshire Logi*.
luture, Banks, of Massachusetts, and
Seward, of Now4York.
Other aspirants will doubtless loom
, up during the present Genial of Con
'. pesos, and give room for further smut
lotion upon the subject. Some may re- -
i.gartl this as rather an early courtionin,..
mont, but aspirants are woll aware of
I the advantages of a good start.
Douglas re. .Doe7gas.—The dieting
iii.shed Senator from Illinois who ha*
just taken a flying letiplowards the Ile
publicans, cannot object to being tried
by his own standard.
The squatters in California, without
on art of Congress, or a Territorial
' Legislature, elected& convention which
made a State Constittision. Senator
Douglas was a vehement- friend for her
conversion wider it, though never sub.
witted to the peovie. s
31ore recently he voted for Toombs'
hill, which authorised a Convention to
be called in Kansas to frame a States
Constitution. That biltdid not reqvire
the instrument to be submitted to the
people.
Last summer, in a public speech in
Illinois, ho asserted the isgailey of the
Lowmpton• Convention r autt promised
to abide brits decisions.
In a letter to President Buchanan,
he has complained that his State was
overlooked in the distribution of the
i offices under the general government.
We fear that there is some personal
fueling in his present hostile attitude to
the administration. however, if is,
possesses the people's confidence, J udge
Douglas will bolt, in vain.
1/i• Se =e t
Who is that Calhoun who figured- so
'conspicuously in the Kansas convention,
and who is denounced po furiously by
the Abolition press in such cinmessaredl
terms? The St. Louis Leader says:
" Mr. Calhoun was a citizen of Illi
nois before ho was appointed to office
in Kansas; ho went into the Territory
a Free State man in his opinions; was
elected as such to the Convention ; act
ed as such in it ; was made its Presi
dent as such ; was entrusted with a
full knowledge of his opinions with the
powers of which these presses so loudly
complain, and will certainly vote to ex
clude Slavery from Kansas. These
facts we are authorized to state, and
they are enough to discredit overythiag
emanating from the Black Republican
press, on the subject."
Mar The old fable of the viper, which
being warmed to life, turned and bit its
benefactor, has actually been ensietad is
Connecticut. Matthew Griswold, of
Old Lyme, saw a man named WtibAtts
tin, in the Sound, on tho bottom of a
boat, in a perilous condition, a few dayi
sine,', and rescued him from drowning;
took him to his house, warmed, hod end
cared for him; took him to the can,
and gave him three dollars to reach
Norwalk, where he said ho lived. The
next Saturday night the ungrateful
scamp entered the house of his baneful
tor, stole aboutsl,Boo worth of proper
ty, but was caught st the Essex ferry,
with the property upon him, and has
been bound over for trial. The New
Haven Begister moves that.the fellow
be put back in the Sound, where he Was
picked up, and " anohored."
sfirA black snake four or five fest
long the other day attempted to cross a
pond in Haverhill, Mass., on the ins,
but the progress made by his snaksship
over tho cold, glassy surface. was so
slow,
that when within about ten 'feet
of the shore, be became so °billed by
the ice that he could go no farther and
was drawn ashore by MOMS of a pale
and captured.
Rather (7 *clericla Chadeet.—The Sart
fbrd (Ct.) Press says that the Rev. L.
Ludington, of New • Britain, has been
sentenced to twenty days' baprieenspet
in the county jail, for breadair the wia
dows of the akar* audictiowdY, sod is
theny•ht sews. It isalki helm of.
feuded because another etergrasa had
been invitedio reach is the &arch.