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Inauguration of James Buchanan - His Inaugural Address - The new cabinet - Governor Walker in Kan838- - Course of affairs there — Lecompton Constitution — Vote on this question — Mormons, and troubles in Utah-Foreign difficulties - Financial distress - The Thirty-fifth Congress - Extracts from the Pres: dent's Message — Kansas question in Congress—Walker's filibustering and result — Minnesota and Oregon admitted into the Union - Troubles in the Gulf with British cruisers-Atlantic Telegraph - Success, Rejoicings, etc.

On Wednesday, March 4th, 1857, the istration, the principles to which his usual ceremonies connected with the opening of a new administration were observed at the city of Washington. The president-elect reached the seat of government early on the 3d of March, and, soon after noon the next day, he made his appearance in the Senate

chamber, where were assembled 1857. the vice-president, John C. Breckenridge (who had just taken the oath of office), the members of the Senate, the Supreme Court judges, the diplomatic corps, and others connected with the government. At one o'clock, Mr. Buchanan, accompanied by a great crowd of citizens, by the military of the District of Columbia, civic companies, etc., proceeded to the eastern portico of the capitol, and, following the time-honored custom of those who had preceded him, he delivered his Inaugural address. Its length was not great, and the sentiments and views of the new president were set forth in moderate terms, and gave assurance of his desire to carry out, during his admin

whole political life had been devo-
ted. Having determined not to be-
come a candidate for re-election, he
congratulated his countrymen upon
the noble spectacle of the quiet sub-
mission of the minority to the ma-
jority, and expressed his conviction,
that, by carrying out this principle, the
question of domestic slavery in the
territories might most readily be set-
tled. "Nothing can be fairer," he re-
marked, "than to leave the people of a
territory free from all foreign interfer-
ence to decide their own destiny for
themselves, subject only to the Consti-
tution of the United States. The
whole territorial question being
thus settled upon the principle
of popular sovereignty-a principle as
ancient as free government itself—
everything of a practical nature has
been decided, and no other question
remains for adjustment, because all
agree that, under the Constitution,
slavery in the states is beyond the
reach of any human power, except that

1857.

Having finished the reading of his Inaugural address, the fifteenth president took the oath of office, which was administered to him by Chief-justice Taney, and entered upon the high and responsible duties of his station. Being a long-tried, almost veteran statesman; an able advocate and defender of the principles of the democratic party, who had raised him to his lofty position; and intimately acquainted with the routine of executive duties, Mr. Buchanan, so far as it was permitted to form an opinion of the future, and what it might bring forth, had every reason to felicitate himself upon a peaceful, prosperous, and satisfactory administration.

of the respective states themselves ury, and urging its appropriation to wherein it exists. May we not, then, "great national objects," he advocated hope that the long agitation on this "a strict construction of the powers of subject is approaching its end, and that the government," and the cultivation of the geographical parties to which it "peace, commerce and friendship with has given birth, so much dreaded by all nations." He concluded his address the father of his country, will speedily by "humbly invoking the blessing of become extinct?" "Throughout the Divine Providence on this great people." whole progress of this agitation, which has scarcely known any intermission for more than twenty years, while it has been productive of no positive good to any human being, it has been the prolific source of great evils to the master, to the slave, and to the whole country; it has alienated and estranged the people of the sister states from each other, and has even seriously endangered the very existence of the Union." "This question of domestic slavery is of far greater importance than any mere political question, because, should the agitation continue, it may eventually endanger the personal safety of a large portion of our countrymen where the institution exists. In that event, no form of government, however productive of material benefits, can compensate for the loss of peace and domestic security around the family altar. Let every Union-loving man, therefore, exert his best influence to suppress this agitation, which, since the recent legislation of Congress, is without any legitimate object." Let every American "reflect upon the terrific evils which would result from disunion to every portion of the confederacy-to the North not more than to the South, to the East eral. The Senate confirmed not more than to the West." these appointments without difficulty;

The following gentlemen were select ed as members of the new cabinet: Lewis Cass, of Michigan, was appointed secretary of state; Howell Cobb, of Georgia, secretary of the treasury; John B. Floyd, of Virginia, secretary of war; Isaac Toucey, of Connecticut, secretary of the navy; Jacob Thompson, of Mississippi, secretary of the interior; Aaron V. Brown, of Tennessee, postmaster-general; and Jeremiah S. Black, of Pennsylvania, attorney-gen

1857.

After speaking of the unusual fact, and the session having lasted till viz. there being a surplus in the treas- the 14th of March, during which

CH. IX.]

AFFAIRS IN KANSAS.

535

several matters of public interest were islature should never pass a law emandiscussed, particularly the treaty with Great Britain, for the settlement of the Central American question, the Senate completed its labors and adjourned.

1857.

could be adopted previous to 1864. As might be supposed, great excite ment was caused in Kansas by the action of the convention, and Gov. Walker was chagrined to find that his pledges of submitting everything to the vote of the people were wholly dis

cipating the slaves. On this provision alone the electors were to vote, and the ballots cast were to be endorsed, "Constitution with slavery;" or, "ConAs we have stated (p. 523), Rob- stitution with no slavery;" so that, ert J. Walker was appointed by the however objectionable the proposed new president, in the latter part of constitution might be, there was no March, Governor of Kansas, and he alternative; it was certainly to be was specially instructed to see that adopted. There was also inserted a every loyal voter be allowed to express proviso, declaring that no amendment his free and independent opinion by his vote upon the exciting question of slavery, or no slavery, in Kansas. Gov. Walker, having reached Leavenworth at the close of May, issued a long address to the people, setting forth his views as to the existing state of affairs and his determination regarded. Being in Washington early "to see that all constitutional laws are fully and fairly executed." The freestate men maintained their attitude of opposition to the legislative assembly and its acts; but, by the judicious activity of the governor, much of the excitement was subdued. He having given assurances that the election should not be interfered with, by outsiders from any quarter, the free-state men assembled at the polls, early in October, and by a majority of nearly 4000, succeeded in electing M. J. Parrott as delegate to Congress, and the larger number of the councilmen and representatives.

in December, and finding that the presi dent approved the action of the convention, Gov. Walker resigned his office and gave his reasons in an elaborate paper addressed to the secretary of state.

Mr. J. W. Denver, of California, soon after became his successor. At the election in December, for the

adoption or rejection of the 1857. slavery clause, the vote returned was little over 6000, more than half of which came from counties along the Missouri border, where the loyal voters did not number over 1000. The legis lature, at a special session, determined to submit the Lecompton constitution Soon after the election, the constitu- to the direct vote of the people, on the tional convention, which had held a 4th of January, which resulted in a meeting in September, re-assembled at majority of more than 10,000 votes Lecompton, and adopted a constitution, against it. The Kansas question occuin which it was declared, that the right pied a large share of the attention of of owners to their slaves was invio- Congress. The Senate voted to admit lable: it was also provided, that the leg. the new state with the Lecompton con

1858.

successor.

He ar

stitution, but the House disagreed. Va- judges of the Federal Courts felt comrious plans were proposed, and finally pelled to leave the territory; and a bill was passed which submitted the Colonel Steptoe, of the Army, was apwhole matter to the decision of the pointed Governor of Utah. people of Kansas. An election was rived in the territory in August, 1854; held August 3d, 1858, and the but after spending the winter in Salt Lecompton constitution was Lake City, with anything but satisfacagain rejected by 10,000 majority. A tion, he deemed it expedient to take his little previous to this, a convention of departure. Other United States officers the people of Kansas met and framed a met with worse treatment, and the new constitution, which was ratified by spirit of hatred on the part of the Mora decided majority of the inhabitants. mons towards the "Gentiles," was acGovernor Denver resigned, and Samuel tive and insulting. In February, 1856, a Medary, of Ohio, was appointed his mob of these fanatics broke up the sittings of the United States Court, and In a brief note (see p. 423), we compelled Judge Drummond to adjourn called attention to the position of the sine die. President Buchanan deterMormon sect in the far West, and their mined to remove Young from the govevident determination to resist the au- ernorship, and to send a military force thority of the United States govern- sufficient to protect the federal officers ment. Brigham Young, who succeeded in the discharge of their duties, and to Smith as leader of the Mormons, had compel obedience to the laws. In the established himself in Utah, and made spring of 1857, Alfred CumSalt Lake City his headquarters. Con- ming, Superintendent of Indian siderable additions to the sect were ob- Affairs, was appointed Governor of tained from abroad, and in 1849 an at- Utah, and entered at once upon his dutempt was made to organize a state ties. Judge Eckels, of Indiana, was under the name of Deseret; a constitu- appointed Chief-justice, and delivered a tion was also formed and sent to Wash- charge to the Grand Jury against poington, but Congress refused its assent lygamy. A strong force, consisting of to the Mormon application. The terri- 2,500 men, was sent under command of tory of Utah having been organized by Colonel Johnston, to aid in enforcing Congress, September 9th, 1850, Presi- order. Brigham Young denounced the dent Fillmore appointed Brigham approaching army as a mob, and the Young its first governor. This daring Mormons, under his guidance, deterand active leader of the "Latter Day mined to resist the United States auSaints," trusting probably to the great thority. Many and grievous complaints distance of Utah from the Capital, and were made; several overt acts were to the despotic power which he exer- committed; and, in November, Govercised over his followers, soon after took nor Cumming declared the territory in occasion to manifest his contempt for a state of rebellion. Various efforts the laws of the United States. The towards promoting peace met with par

1857.

CH. IX.]

1858.

MEETING OF THE THIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.

537

tial success; and, in the spring of Stocks suddenly fell; numerous failures 1858, hostile demonstrations vir- took place; a panic ensued in Septemtually ceased. Commissioners ber; many of the banks failed; and spe. from Washington, with the president's cie payments were suspended. The proclamation, offering pardon to all who result of all which was, a general feelpromised to submit to the laws, suc- ing of insecurity as to money matters, ceeded, in the course of the summer, in and a very heavy blow to nearly all bringing the Mormon leaders to ac- the branches of industry on which the knowledge, in terms at least, the federal people principally depended for means authority. The United States troops of support. Return of confidence was entered Salt Lake Valley, and remained very slow, and the ill effects of the there till May, 1860, when they were pressure continued far into the next withdrawn from the territory.

During the summer, several matters of moment occupied the attention of

1857.

year.

1857.

Under such a state of things the Thirty-fifth Congress assembled, on the the President and his advisers. 7th of December, for its first session. The war in China required a J. L. Orr, of South Carolina, large increase in our squadron, in order was elected Speaker of the to protect American interests, and the House, and the Administration had a Hon. W. B. Reed was sent as Minister decided majority in both branches of from the United States to that country. The British Government presented various objections to the treaty referred to above (p. 535). The United States agreed to pay the apportioned sum of $380,000 to Denmark, in lieu of the Sound Duties. The New Granada Government was unwilling to settle the grave questions in dispute on the terms proposed by our Commissioner, Mr. Morse, and it was thought best to increase the naval force in the Gulf. Many of the Indian tribes also, in the extreme west, manifested great hostility, and committed several outrages requiring punishment.

Financial difficulties and troubles also in the community, caused great excitement throughout the country.

* These questions grew out of the massacre at Pan

ama, in April, 1856, and the guaranteeing the free and perfect right of passage across the Isthmus.

VOL. III.-68.

the National Legislature. President Buchanan sent in his message the next day. In it he took occasion to discuss the financial condition of affairs in the country, the differing views of the British and American Governments as to the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, and the position of Central American affairs. He entered at large into an exposition. of the Kansas question in its various relations, and the serious disturbances in Utah; and having made various recommendations, the President concluded with asking to have all bills for his approval sent to him some few days at least before the adjournment of Congress. An extract or two will suffice to set forth the views contained in the message on the several topics which Mr. Buchanan thought it necessary to lay before Congress.

Having spoken of the large number

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