Locomotive, Volume 43, Number 12, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 February 1858 — Page 2

THT LOCOMOTIVE.

SAT TJ R. D A Y , FEBRUARY 6, 1858. TrjSaturdayistbo day of publication of the Locomotive when it willalwaysbereadyfor subscribers. Id nocasewill woletacopyofthepaper go from tbeofllce befort public tion day . , PAY ALL JUST DUES. , Mr. Thomas E. Holdrouk will call oil nil against whom we have account fur printing: and advertising, Tor payment. Let all prepare to ine.-l him. All having unsettled accountsagaiiisl us ore requested to make them out at once, so that they will be ' ready for settlement when called on. We want to pay every cent we owe and we want all that owe lis to do (he same. - Next State Fair. The State Board of Agriculture have been in session during the past week, arranging their premium list for the next Fair. The amount of premiums for the coining Fair has been fixed at $8,000, to be paid in cash. It has been finally determined to hold the next Fair in this city, on the present Fair Grounds, without enlargment, or extra expenses. A committee was appointed to examine grounds adjoining the city, on the South-east diagonal, offered to the board for a term of ten years, without charge, and in addition propose to remove the lumber from the present ground, free of charge. This offer is from Air. S. A. Fletcher, jr. It is possible the committee may accept this proposition, and arrange for changing the location of the Fair in 1859. C3In canvassing part of the first ward, on last Saturday, we found sehollars that were attending the Lutheran German school, on Delaware street. We - were informed that this congregation supported their own school, in order to give their children the advantage of both English and German in their studies, in addition to paving their school tax, and where they found children of parents that were not able to pay the tuition foe, they were admitted to the school without charge. Here is a case of quiet, unostentatious benevolence, worthy honorable mention, and a good example for others at this time, when some of the children of this city will probably be kept from school. The Journal is still harping on the amount of the city debt, and as it has the speech of one of the Councihnen to sustain it, there is a show of plausibility in it. All we have said in regard to the debt of the was based on the olTicial report of the late City Clerk, Frederick Stein. If that report was not correct, we are not responsible for it. This report can be. found on the records of the Council, in May last, or in the Journal, Sentinel, and Locomotive, published by direction of the City Council. McLean Female Seminary. We take pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to this excellent Institution. The arrangements are such as to secure for young Ladies high intellectual attainments, while strict attention is given to the culture of the heart and manners. That course of training, too prevalent at the present day, which calls out unduly the bold and masculine qualities, is certainly not the most favorable lor the systematic and harmonious development of those traits which "belong to the female character. It is essential that the mind be trained for deep and earnest thought ; but this should be done in ' connection with those influences and appliances which will exert a refining and purifying power, and fit its possessor to shed' a hallowed and softening radiance in the social and home circle. ' Parents and guardians who have a wise regard to the child's whole nature will do well to give those committed to their care, the advantages of this Institution. The next quarter, we understand, commences on Monday. KaJ An investigating Committee, to inquire into complaints of the management of the last State Fair, has been in session during the last week. All examined profess to have heard of frauds, and corruption, but can give nothing definite they know of nothing them, selves. As far as the evidences are published, there is nothing to convict any member of the board. We call particular attention to the advertisement of Knapp's Patent Carbon Oil Lamp ; in another column. Mr. Sinker, one of the proprietors, is a permanent citizen among us, and is an honest intelligent mechanic, and we are confident that he is offering an article to the public, that will give entire satisfaction. " A great variety of other matter is necessarily detered,in order that we might lay before our readers this morning, the President's Message to Congress,recommending the admission of Kansas into the Union, under the Lecompton Constitution. This important document will be anxiously looked for, and read in alj parts of the Country. Looking at the present crisis, and reading over this Message, brings us back to the days of the iron man of the Hermitage. Next week the Letter List will be published again, exclusively in the Locomotive. Let advertisers, and all others, remember, tha t the list of letters is published in the Locomotive because it has the largest circulation of any paper published in Indianapolis. (E.TosEni M. Moore, formerly of this city, but for a number of years of Madison, Indiana, died in that city on the 29th ult His remains were brought to this city for interment on Tuesday last. The Superintendent appointed by the Government, Mr. E. May, will go on with the Government ' building as fast as possible on the opening of spring. The State officers have determined not to let it to other parties. 65SThe Ground Hog day, last Tuesday, was as cloudy as all lovers of an early spring could desire. According to the old proverb, we shall not have much more winter. . , . . O" The materials and wood work for Blackford's building are all ready, and it will be hurried up as fast as the weather will permit. CiT The sprinkle of snow the early part of the week did not amount to much. A few sleighs were out, but sleighing was very poor. Wm. Henderson, Esq., wants to buy property, on Washington street, between Illinois and Pennsylvania streets, for cash. Who wants to soli ? SaT In to-day's paper will be found the action of the Council and School Trustees, in relation to the public schools. The Council still refuse to make a few good stone crossings on Washington street. IJ3T Snooks says the prettiest sewing machine ho ever saw was about seventeen years old, with short sleeves, low-necked dress, and gaiter boots.

MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. Washington, Feb. 2, 1858. To the Senate and House of Representatives : I have received from Mr. Calhoun, President

of the lato Constitutional Convention oi lvansas, a copy, duly certified by himself, of the constitution framed by that body, with the expression of the hope that I would submit the same to the consideration of of Congress, " with the view of the admission of Kansas into the Union as an independent State." In compliance with this request I herewith transmit to Congress for its action the constitution of Kansas, with the ordinance respecting the public lands, as well as the letter of Mr. Calhoun, dated Lecompton, the 14th ult., by which they were accompanied. Having received but a single copy of the constitution and ordinance, I send this to the Senate. A great delusion seems to pervade the public mind in relation to the condition of parties in Kansas. This arises from the difficulty of inducing the American people to realize the fact that any portion ot them should be in a state of rebellion against the government under which they live. When we speak of the all'airs of Kansas we are apt to refer merely to the existence of two violent political parties in that Territory, divided by the question of slavery, just as we speak of such parties in States. This presents no adequate idea of the state of the case The dividing line there is not between two political parties, both acknowledging the lawful existence of the government ; but between those who are loyal to this government and those who have endeavored to destroy its existence by force and usurpation between those who sustain and those who have done all in their power to overthrow the Territorial government established by Congress. This government they would long since have subverted had it not been protected from assaults by the troops of the United States. Such has been the condition of affairs since my inauguration. Ever since that period a large portion of the people of Kansas have been in a stale of rebellion against the government, with a military leader at their head, of most turbulent and dangerous character. They have nev er acknowledged, but have constantly renounced and defied, the government to which they owe allegiance, and have been all tho time in a state of resistance against its authority. They have all the time been endeavoring to subvert it and establish a revolutionary government under the so-called Topeka constitution in its stead. Even at this very moment the Topeka JLegislature are in session. Whoever has read the correspondence of Governor AValker with the State Department, recently co nmunicated to the Senate, will be convinced that this picture is not overdrawn. He always protested against the withdrawal of any portion of the military force of the United States from the Territory, deeming its presence absolutely necessary for the preservation of the regular government, and the execution of the laws. In his very first despatch to the Secretary of State, dated June 2, 1857, he says : A most alarming movement, however, proceeds from the assembling of the so called Topeka Legislature, with the view to the enactment of an entire code of laws. Of course it will be my endeavor to prevent such a result, as it would lead to an inevitable and disastrous collision, and, in fact, renew civil war in Kansas. ; This was prevented by the efforts of Governor Walkerj but soon he had to send to General Harney to request him to furnish a regiment of dragons to pro ceed to the city of Lawrence, and this for the reason that he had received authentic intelligence, verified by his own actual observation, that a dangerous rebellion had occurred, involving open defiance of the laws and the establishment of an iusurgant government in that city. In the Governor s despatch of July 15, he informs the Secretary of State that 1 he movement in Lawrence was the bearinning of a plan, originating in that city, to organize an insurrection throughout the Territory, and especially in all towns, cities and counties where the republican party have a majority. Lawrence is the hot-bed of all abobtion movements in this Territory. It is the town established by the abolition societies of the East, and when there are a respectable number of people there, it is filled by a considerable number of mercenaries, who are paid by the abolition societies to perpetuate any diffuse agitation throughout Kansas, and prevent the peaceful settlement ot this question. Having failed in inducing their own so called Topeka State Legislature to organize this insurrection, Lawrence has commenced it herself, and if not arrested, rebellion will extend throughout the territory. Ana again: ; In order to send this communication immediately by mail, I must' close; assuring you that the spirit of rebellion pervades the great mass of the republican party of this Territory, instigated, as I entertain no doubt they are, by Eastern societies, having in view results most disastrous to the government and the Union, and that the continued presence of General llarney is inuispensible, as was originally stipulated oy me, witn a large Dooy ot Uragoons and several batteries. On the 20th of July, 1857, General Lane, under the authority of the Topeka Convention undertook, as uovernor Walker says: ! To organize the whole Free State party into volunteers, and to take the names of all who refuse enrol ment. The proposed object was to protect the polls at the election in August, of a new insurgent Topeka state .Legislature. 1 he object in taking the names of all who refuse enrolment, istoterify the Free State conservatives into submission. This is proved by the recent attrocities committed on such men by the Topekaites. llie speedy location ot large bodies oi reg ular troops here, with two batteries, is necessary. The Lawrence insurgents await the developments of this new military organization. In the Governor's despatch of July 27th, he says: Ltne and his stall everywhere deny the authority of the Territorial laws, and counsel a total disregard of these enactments. . Without making further quotations of a similar character from other despatches of Gov. Walker it ap pears ty reicrence to Secretary btanton s communication to General Cass, on the 9th of December last. that "the important step of calling the Legislature to. gether, was taken after Governor Walker had become satisfied that the election ordered by the Convention on the 21st instant, could not be conducted without collision and bloodshed. So intense was the disloval feeling among the enemies of the government established by Congress, that an election which afforded thein opportunities, if in the majority, of making Kansas a free State, according to their own professed desire, could not be conducted without collision and bloodshed. The truth is, that until the present moment, the enemies of tho existing government still adhere to their Topeka revolutionary constitutional gov ernment, llie very nrst paragraph ot the message of uovernor llobinson, dated 7th ot December, to the Topeka Legislature, now assembled at Lawrence, contains an open deliance ot the laws and constitution of the United States. The Governor says: The Convention which framed the Topeka consti tution, originated with the people of the Kansas Ter ritory. Ihey have adopted and ratified the same twice, by a direct vote; also, indirectly, through two elections of state officers and members of the State Legislature; yet it has pleased the administration to regard the whole proceeding revolutionary. This Topeka Government, adhered to with such treasonable pertinacity, is a government in direct opposition to the existing government presented and recognized by Congress. It is usurpation of the same character as it would be for a portion of the people of any State to undertake to establish a seperate government within its limits for the purpose of redressing any grievance, real or imaginary, of which they might complain, against the legitr iinate State government. Such a principle, if carried into execution, would destroy all lawful authority and produce universal anarchy. From this statement of facts, the reason becomes palpable why the enemies of the government authorized by Congress, have refused to vote for the delegates to the Kansas constitutional convention; and also, afterwards, on the question of slavery, submitted by it to the people. It is because they have even refused to sanction or recognise any other constitution than that framed at Topeka. Had the whole Lecompton constitution been submitted to the people, the adherents of this organization would doubtless have voted against it, because it successful, they would thus have removed the obstacles out of the way of their own revolutionary constitution. They would have done this, not upon the consideration of the merits of the whole or part of the Lecompton con

stitution, but simply because they have ever resisted the authority of the government authorized by Congress, from which it emcnated. Such being the unfortunate condition of affairs in the Territory, what was the right as well as the duty of the law-abiding people. Were they silently and patiently to submit to the Topeka usurpation or to adopt the necessary measures to establish a constitution under the authority of the organic law of Congress. That this law recognized the right of the people of the Territory, without an enabling act of Congress, to form a State constitution, is too clear for argument. For Congress "to leave the people of the Territory perfectly free" in framing their constitution, "to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the constitution of the Uunited States," and then to say that they shall not be permitted .to proceed and frame the constitution in their own way, without express authority from Congress, appears to be almost a contradiction of terms. It would be much more plausible to contend that Congress had no power to pass such an enabling act, than to argue that the people of a Territory might be kept out of the Union for an indefinite 'period, and until it might please Congress to permit them to exercise the right of self government. This would be to adopt, not their own way, but the way which Congress might prescribe. It is impossible that any people could have proceeded with more regularity in the formation of a constitution than the people of Kansas have done. It was necessary, first, to ascertain whether it was the desire of the people to be relieved from Territorial dependence, and establish a State government. For this purpose the Territorial Legislature, in 1855, passed a law for taking the sense of the people of the Territory upon the expediency of calling a convention to form a State constitution. At the general election to be held in October, 1856, the "sense of the people" was accordingly taken, and they decided in favor of a constitution. ' It is true that at this election the enemies of the Territorial government did not vole, because they were then engaged at Topeka, without the slightest pretext of lawf ul authority, in framing a constitution of their own for subverting the Territorial government. In pursuance of this decision of the people in favor of the convention, the Territorial Legislature, on the 27th of February, 1857, passed an act for the election of delegates on tho third Monday of June, 1857, to frame a State constitution. This law is as fair in its provision as any that ever passed a legislative body for a

Bimilar purpose. The right of suffrage at this election is clearly and justly defined. Every bona fide citizen of the United States, above the age of twenty-one, and who had resided therein for three months previous to that date was entitled to a vote. In order to avoid all interference from neighboring States and Territories with the freedom and fairness of the election, a provision was made for the registry of qualified voters, and pursuant thereof nine thousand two hundred and fifty-one voters were registered. Governor Walker did his whole duty in urging all qualified citizens of Kansas to vote at this election. In his inaugural address on the 27th of May he informed them that Under our practice the preliminary act of framing a State constitution is uniformly performed throughthe instrumentality of a convention of delegates chosen be the people themselves. That convention is now about to be elected by you under the call of the Territorial Legislature, created and still recognized by the authority of Congress, and clothed by it, in the comprehensive language of the organic law, with full power to make such an-enactment The Territorial Legislature, then, in assembling this convention were fully sustained by the act of Congress, and the authority of the Convention is distinctly recognized in my instructions from the President of the United States. ' The Governor also clearly and distinctly informs them what would be the consequences if they did not participate in the election. The people of Kansas, then, he says, "are invited by the highest authority known by the constitution to participate freely and fairly in the election of delegates to frame a constitution and State government." The law has performed its entire appropriate function when it extends to the the right of suffrage, but it cannot compel the performance of duty. Throughout the whole Union, however, and wherever free government prevails, those who abstain from the exercise of the of suffrage authorize those who do vote to act for them in that contingency; and absentees are as much bound under the law and constitution, where there is no fraud or violence, by the act of the majority of those who do vote, as if all had participated in the election. Otherwise, as voting must be voluntary, self government would be impracticable, and monaichy or despotism would remain as the only alternative. . It may also bo observed that at this period any hopes, if such had existed, that the Topeka constituiion would ever have been recognized by Congress must be abandoned. Congress had adjourned on the 3d of March previous, having recognized the legal existence of the Territorial Legislature in a variety of forms, which I need not enumerate. Indeed, the delegate elected to the House of Representatives under a Territorial law had been admit ted to a scat and had jnst completed his term of service the day previous to my inaugural ion. This was the propitious moment for settling nil the difficulties of Kansas this the time for abandoning the revolutionary Topeka organization, and for the enemies of the existing government to conform to the laws and unite with its friends in framing a State constitution. But this they refused to do, and the consequences of their refusal to submit to the lawful authority and vote at the election for delegates may yet prove to be of the most deplorable character. Would" that the respect for the. laws of the land which so eminently distinguished the men of the past generation could be revived. It is a disregard and violation of law which has for years kept the Territory of Kansas in a state of almost open rebellion against its government ; it is the same spirit which has produced actual rebellion in Utah. Our only safety consists in obedience and conformity to the law. Should a general spirit against its enforcement prevail this will prove fatal to us a nation. We acknowledge no master but law, and should we cut loos from its restraints and evojfy one do what seemeth good in his own eyes, our. case would indeed be hopeless. The enemies of Territorial government determined still to resist tho authority of Congress. They refused to vote for the delegates to "the Convention, not because from circumstances which I need not detail there was an omission to register the comparatively few voters who were inhabitants of certain counties in Kansas in the early spring of 1857, but because they had determined at all hazards to adhere to their revolutionary organization and defeat the establishment of any other constituiion than thnt which they had framed at Topeka. The election was, therefore, suffered to pass by default ; but of this result the qualified elec-; tors who refused to vote can never justly complain. From this review it is manifest that tho Lecompton Convention, according to every principle of constitutional law, was legally constituted and invested with power to frame a constitution. The sacred principle of popular sovereignty has been invoked in favor of the enemies of law and order in Kansas ; but in what manner is popular sovereignty to be exercised in this country if not through the instrumentality of established law ? In certain small republics of ancient times people did assemble in primary meetings, passed laws and directed pnblic all'airs. In our country this is manifestly impossible. Popular sovereignty can be exercised here only through the ballot; and if the people will, refuse the exercise of it in this manner, as they have done in Kansas at the election of delegates, it is not for them -to complain that their rights have been violated. The Kansas Convention, thus lawfully constituted, proceeded to frame a constitution, and having completed the work, finally adjourned on the 7th of November last. They did not think proper to submit the whole of this constitution to the popular vote, but did submit the question whether Kansas should be a free or slave State to the . people This was the question which had convulsed the ' Union and shaken it to its very centre. This was the question which had lighted the flames of civil war in Kansas, and produced dangerous sectional parties throughout the confederacy. It was of a character so paramount in respect to the condition of Kansas as to rivet the anxious attention of the people of the whole country upon it alone. No person thought of any other question. For my own part, when I instructed Governor Walker in general terms in favor of submitting the constitution to the people, I had no object in view except the all absorbing question of slavery. In what manner the people of Kansas might regulate their other concerns was not the subject which attracted my attention. In fact, the general provisions of recent State constitutions, after an experience of eighty years, are so similar and excellent, that it would be difficult to go fur wrong at the present day in framing a new constitution. I then believed, and still believe, that under the organic act the Kansas Convention were bound to submit this all important question of slavery to the people. It was never my opinion, however, that independently of this act they would have been bound to submit any portion of the constituiion to a popular vote in order to give it validity. Had I entertained such an opinon, this would have ton in opposition to many precedents in our history, commencing in the very best age of our republic.

It would have been in opposition to the principle which pervades our institutions and which is every day canl into practice that the people have a right to delegate to the representatives chosen by themselves their sovereign I power to frame a constitution, enact laws, and perform many othor important acts, without requiring that these should bo subject to their subsequent approbation, n ! would be a most inconvenient limitation of their own ' power, imposed by the people upon themselves, to exclude them from exercising their sovereignty iu any lawful manner which they might think proper. It is true that the ' pie of Kansas might, if they had pleased, have required i the Convention to submit the constitution to a popular vote, but this they have not done. . The only remedy, therefore, in this case, is that wlncn 1 exists in all other similar caes. If the delegates who ' framed tho Kansas constitution have in any manner vioj lated the will of their constituents, the people always pos- ' sess the power to change thoir constitution or laws accord- ' ing to their own pleasure. The question of slavery was I submitted to the election of the people on the 21st of Dei .nU lnct ;n rl.,l ionep tn the mandate of the constitu

tion. Here again a fair opportunity was presented to the adherents of tho Topeka constitution, it they were tho majority, to decide this exciting question " in their own wav," and thus restoro the peaco of tho distracted Territory; but they again refused to exercise the right of popular sovereignty,' and again suffered the election to pass by default. I heartily rejoice that a wiser and bettor spirit prevailed among a large majority of these people on the lirst Monday in January, and that they did on that day vote under the Lecompton constitution, for a governor and other state officers, a member of Congress and members of tho legislature. This election was warmly contested by tho parties, and a larger vote polled than at any previous election in the Territory. Wo may now hope the revolutionary Topeko organization will be speedily and formally abandoned, and this will go far towards a iinal settlement of the unhappy differences in Kansas.If frauds have been committed at that election by one or both parties, the Legislature and people of Kansas, under their constitution, know how to redress themselves and puuish these detestable but too common crimes without outside interference. The people of Kansas have then " iu their own way, and in strict accordance with tho organic act, fi amcd" a constitution and stato govornment, have submitted the all-important question of shivery to the people, and have elected a Governor, a member of Congress, members of the State Legislature and other State officers," and they now ask admission into the Union under this constitution, republican in its form. It is for Congress to decide whether they will admit or reject the State which has thus been created. . i'or my own part I am decidedly in favor of its admission and thus terminating the Kansas question. This will carry ont tho great principle of non-intcrvcnlion, sanctioned by the organic act, which declares, in express language, in favor of the non-intervention of Congress with slavery in the States and Territories, leaving the people perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the constitution of the United States. In this manner, by localizing tho question of slavery and confining it to tho people who are immediately concerned, every patriot anxiously expected that this question would be banished from the halls of Congress, where it has always exerted a baneful influence throughout tho country. : It is proper that I should refer to the election, held under the act of the Territorial Legislature, on the first Monday of January, on tho Lecompton constitution. This election was held afier the Territory had been prepared for admission into tho Union as a sovereign stato, and when no authority existed in the Territorial Legislature which could possibly destroy its existence or change its character. Tho election, which was peaceably conducted under my instructions, involved strange inconsistencies. A large majority of the persons who voted against the Lecompton constitution were at the same time and place recognizing its valid existence in the most solid and authentic manner by voting under its provisions. I have yet received no official information of the result of this election. As a question of expediency, after right has been maintained, it may bo wise to reflect upon the benefits to Kansas and the whole country that will result from its immediate admission into tho Union as well as the disasters that may follow its rejection. Domestic peace will 'be the happy consequence of the admission, and that fine Territory, hitherto torn by dissensions, will rapidly increase in population and wealth, and speedily realize the blessings and comfort which follow agriculture and mechanical industry. The people, then, will be sovereign, and can regulate their affairs in their own way. If the majority of them desire to abolish domestic slavery within the state, there is no other possible mode by which it can be effected so speedily as by its prompt admission. The will of the majority is supreme and irresistible when expressed in an orderly and lawful manner. It can unmake constitutions at pleasure. . It would be absurd to say that they can impose fetters upon their own power which they cannot afterwards remove. If they could do this they might tie their own hands just as well for a hundred as for ten years. - These are the fundamental principles of American freedom, and are recognized in some form by every State constitution, and if Congress in the act of admission should think proper to recognize them, I can perceive no objection. This has been done emphatically in the constitution of Kansas. It declares in its bill of rights that "all political power is inherent in tho people," and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their benefit, and therefore have at all tunes an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform and abolish their form of government, in such manner as they may think proper. The great State of New York is at this moment governed tin . der a constitution framed and established in direct opposition to thf mode prescribed ly a previous constituiion. If, therefore, a provision changing the constituiion of Kansas after tho year 1HG4 could by possibility be construed into a prohibition to make such change previous to that period of prohibition, it would be wholly unavailing. The legislature already elected may at its first session submit the question to a vote of the people'whether they will or not have a conversion to amend their constitution, and adopt all necessary means for giving effect to the popular will. It has been solemnly adjudged by the highest judicial tribunal that slavery exists iu Kansas by virtue of the cot'slitution of the United States. Kansas is therefore at this moment as much a slave Stale as Georgia or .South Carolina.: Without this the equality of tile sovereign States comprising the Union would be violated, uud the use and enjoyment of a Territory acquired by the common treasure of all the States would be closed against the people and property of nearly one-half the mem4 bers of the confederacy, slavery can therefore never bo prohibited in Kansas, except through the means of a constitutional provision; and in no other manner can this he obtained so promptly, if the majority of the peopc desire it. as by admitting uerinto'the Union under her present constitution. On tho other hand, should Congress reject the constitution under the Idea of affording llie disaffected in Kansas a third opportunity to prohibit slavery in the Stale, which they might have done twice before, if iu the majority, no man can foretell the consequences. I r Congress, for the sake of those men who refused to vote for delegates to the Convention, when they might have excluded slavery from the constitution, and whoafterwards refused to vote on the 21st of December, when they might, as they claim, hare stricken slavery from Ihe constitution, should now reject Ihe State because slavery reinittns in the constitution, it is manifest that the agitation upon this subject will be renewed iu a more alarming form than it has ever before assumed. Every patriot in the country had indulged the lu.pe that the Kausas-IS'cbraska act would have put a final end to the slavery agitation, at least in Congress, which had for more than twenty y ears convulsed the country and endangered the Union. Tins act involved great and fundamental p inciples. and if fairly carried into effect will settle the question. Should agitation be again revived should the people of sister Slates be again estranged from eat h oilier with more than their former h'tterness, this will arise from a cause, so far as the interests of Kansas are concerned, morj trifling and insignificant than lias ever stirred the elements of a great people into commotion. To the people of Kansas the only practical difference between admission or rejection depends simply upon the fact whether they can themselves more speedily change their present constitution if it does not accord with the will of the majority or frame a second constitution to be submitted to Congress hereafter. Even if this were u question of mere expediency, and not of right, a small difference of time one way or the other is not of the least importance when contrasted with the evils which must necessarily result to tho wholecountry from tho revival of the slavery agitation. In considering this question it should never be forgotten that in proportion to its insignificance, let the decision be what it may. so far as it may effect a few thonsaiid inhabitants of Kansas, who have from the beginning resisted the constitution and laws, for this very reason the rejection of tin; constitution will bo so much the more keenly felt by the people of fourteen Slates of the llnini where slavery is recognized under the constitution of the United Stales. Again, the speedy admission of Kansas into the Union will restore peace and quiet to the whole country. Already the affairs of that Territory have engrossed an undue proportion of public attention, and have sadly affected the friendly relations of the peojde of tho states with each other and alarmed the fears of patriots for the safe ty of tho Union. Kansas once admitted, tho excitement becomes localized, and would soon die away for want of outside aliment; and then every difficult; could be settled by the ballot box. Besides, and no trifling consideration, 1 then shall then be enabled to withdraw the troops from Kansas and employ them on a service where they are much needed. They have been kept there on the earnest importunity of Governor Walker, to maintain the existence of the Territorial government, a ltd secure the execution of the laws. He considered tit lea-t two thousand regular troops, under tho command of General Harney, necessary. Acting upon his rrliable information, I have been obliged in some degree to interfere with the expedition lo Utah in order to keep down the rebellion iu Kansas, which has involved very, heavy expense to iho government. Kansas once admitted, it is believed there will no longerbe occasion there for the troops. 1 have thus performed my duty in this important question under a deep sense of my responsibility to God and to the country. My public life will terminate iu a brief period, and i have no other object of earthly ambition than to leave my country in a peaceful and prosperous condition, and to live in the nff-c-lions and respect of my countrymen. The dark and ominous clouds now impending over the Union 1 conscientiously believe will be dissipated with honor to every portion of it by tho admission of Kansas during the present session of Congress; whereas, should she be rejected. I greatly fear these clouds will become darker and more ominous than ever yet threatened tho conlitution and the Union. JAMES BUCHANAN. Pigeon-Roosts. In Campbell County, Virginia, the pigeon-roost is the great subject of interest It is supposed that nearly one hundred thousand of thei birds have been killed in the war waged against them by the people in that section. The thrifty housewives have manufactured hundreds of beds from the feathers, and thepeople have feasted on their delicate meat

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL UPON THE SCHOOL QUESTION. Monday Evening, Feb. 1, 1858. The Mayor called the Council to order at 7 o'clock. Present a full Board. His Honor stated that the object of the meeting was to hear the report of the School Trustees consequent upon the recent ward meeting throughout the city with reference to the public schools. On motion of Mr. Fletcher the Trustees were heard, through Mr. Culley one of their number. Mr. C. submitted a Report, promising that the data upon which it was founded, came into the hands of those who preoffered it, very late, and it was therefore not so perfect, perhaps, as could be desired. Condensed, we present it as follows : REPORT. We, the Trustees of the Free Schools, report the following result of the recent meetings in the various

Wards : Am't sub. $525 00 501 00 487 00 343 50415 00, 317 50 568 00 1st Ward, No. of Scholarships, 196 2d 170 3d 4th 5th 6th 7th 175 93 147 125 205 Total, 1,105 $3,057 00 The tuition in the schools for one year will be about $14,000. As the revenue from the State tax has already been absorbed by the schools during the past two quarters, the whole of the above amount must be raised by scholarships, and by voluntary contributions. The amount which will accrue from scholarships, on the basis submitted, will be $12,228, leaving a deficiency of $1,772, to bo made up by contribution. Pledges had been obtained in the second Ward for $500, payable quarterly. This will leave but $1,272 to be made up by the remaining Wards. This will be only about $200 to each Ward. In the third Ward, veiy nearly this amount has been raised. The Trustees recommend that a committee from each Ward be appointed to solicit subscriptions, in order that the schools be made free. The fund thus raised, however, will only defray the expenses of tuition, and the Trustees . request the Council to meet the expenses of repairs, fuel, &c, which, the Trustees -understand, they have, under the late decision of the Supreme Court, the power to do. The Trustees suggest that these Ward committees report on Thursday evening next, as early action is important The Trustees propose to re-open the schools as early as the 8th inst if possible. The estimates being based upon the pay system, the Trustees ask the Council to authorize them to exclude from the schools children whose parents are able to pay but refuse to do so. The following circular was read to the citizen's meetings on Friday night, in the several Wards : To the Friends of Fbee Schools. The law of the Legislature granting power to cities to levy and collect taxes to supportFree Schools therein, having, by a recent decision of the Supreme Court of this State, been declared unconstitutional, thereby cutting off that portion of the tax for supporting Teachers, the Trustees have consulted together to determine whether any plan can be adopted by which the school houses can be occupied, and the Schools continued. With the view of presenting the result of their deliberations on this subject, to the public, they have, ty the advice of the Common Council, called meetings to be held in the several School Districts, this evening. . It may beproper to remark here, that all the money in the city Treasury, or expected to come into it for school purpose, including the amount to be derived from the State levy, for the present year, has all been anticipated, leaving, as is supposed, a small balance unprovided for. So, whatever plan may be adopted to continue the Schools until the tax for next year is realized, must be made without regard to the public funds. The Schools, if continued, must be sustained for the present, by private contributions upon the pay system. The Trustees propose to organize Schools in the various Wards, or Districts, with as many of the present teachers as may be necessary under the new order of things, continuing the graded system. They have looked to efficiency and economy, and ascertained, with accuracy, as they believe, the amount of money necessary to carry on the several departments for one quarter, or more, as follows : High School, per quarter, on the basis of eighty .' scholars. $4 50 Grammar School, per quarter, on the basis of fifty scholars 3 50 Intermediate School, per quarter, on the basis of fifty-seven scholars 3 00 Primary School, per quarter, on the basis of fifty-four scholars 2 00 It will be for the friends of the Schools to say, whether they will make up this number of scholars, and pay the amount of tuition. To facilitate the organization, and to afford data to act upon, it is advised that a committee be appointed to visit the parents of the children in their district to ascertain, in writing, who will send, and how many, to the different grades. The result to be reported to the Trustees on Monday next, 1st prox., by 2 o'clock, p. m., at Mr. Beaty's office. If enough is thus pledged to defray expenses, which will be seen are extremely low, the School in that district will be continued, otherwise, not. It is expected that the tuition fees, in all cases, will be paid on the opening of the schools, or at least during the first week. Notice of the time of opening of the schools, will be given in due season. The time allotted to the business of a meeting like this is not sufficient to allow more than a glance at some things of importance, and proper to be made known to the public. Suffice it to say here, in answer to charges of extravagance in the disbursement of the School Fund, if any such have been made, that not one cent, directly or indirectly, has been charged or received by the present Trustees, or their predecessors for the last three years. The money collected for school purposes has been paid out honestly and economically, as is believed, to meet the necessary and ordinary expenses of the Schools, and constructing necessary School houses. The amount paid to each teacher, according to grade, antl to the Superintendent, is open to your inspection, and is believed by the Trustees to be no more than a just reward for the labor performed. Should the schools be continued under the pay system, a quarterly report of their condition and the fund shall be published. D. V. Culley, J John Love, Trustees. D. S. Beaty. ) LATER FROM THE ARMY IN UTAH. Mr. Irwin, of Independence, Missouri, reached home on the 22d ult., from Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, which he left on the 15th December, in company with six others, making the trip in thirty-eight days. He reports: Everything was quiet in camp when the party left, although all were anxiously waiting for the arrival of stock and the spring season to march immediately forward to the Lake. Captain Marcey is expected to be' back with animals from New Mexico by the 15th of April, and as soon thereafter as transportation can be effected Colonel Johnson will make the effort to enter Salt Lake City, either by the Northern or Southern route; he has not yet determined which. The latest communication is a sermon, delivered by Brigham Young in the Tabernacle, which will appear in one of our papers in the next issue. Colonel Johnson's impression is, from eveiy demonstration made in the valley, that the troops will have to fight Added to his own troops, (regulars.) five full companies of volun- . teers, composed of Magraw's men, teamsters and others, are ready to assist i m Washington, Feb. 1, 1858. It is reported to me on good authority that Mr. .Buchanan contemplates withdrawing the troops from Utah. Dr. Bernhisel, the Mormon delegate, has submitted propositions to the administration indicating the ; willingness of the Mormons to vacate Utah and colonize on some of the islands of the sea outside of the jurisdiction of the United States, provided the government will purchase at a fair valuation the Salt Lake City improvements. Dr. B. asks that commissioners be sent out to arrange terms and details. Should these be agreed on Salt Lake City is to become a grand military station or depot for our Western troops