354 
KANSAS. 
States is one of limited authority, vested with no powers not expressly 
granted or not necessary to the proper execution of such as are. 55 
“There is no provision in the constitution granting any powers of legis¬ 
lation over the 4 territory or other property of the United States, 5 except 
such as relates to its regulation and disposition. Political jurisdiction is 
entirely withheld, nor is there any just implication which can supply this 
defect of original authority. 55 
Again he says, 44 1 shall vote for the entire interdiction of all federal ac¬ 
tion over this general question, under any circumstances that may occur. 55 
But the executive and judiciary of Kansas are the creatures of the federal 
government, and under its control, and the governor has a negative 
legislative power equal to two thirds of both branches of the Legislature, 
leaving to the people of the territory only one third of one of the three de¬ 
partments of government, and to the general government all of two depart¬ 
ments, and two thirds of the other. 
Also, he says, 44 Leave the people who will be affected by this question 
(slavery), to adjust it upon their own responsibility and in their own man¬ 
ner, and we shall render another tribute to the original principles of our 
government, and furnish another guaranty for its permanency and pros¬ 
perity. 55 But how can this or any other question be adjusted by the people, 
while ruled by a foreign executive and judiciary? 
Mr. Douglas says, 44 1 have always held that the people have a right to 
settle these questions as they choose, not only when they come into the 
Union as a state, but that they should be permitted to do so while a terri¬ 
tory. 55 If the people have this right, then the federal government has no 
right to interfere with it, and the people of Kansas have a right to demand 
that the present territorial government of Kansas be withdrawn, and that 
they be allowed to choose all their officers. 
Mr. Henn, of Iowa, in Congress, said, 44 1 would that Congress would rec¬ 
ognize the doctrine of 4 squatter sovereignty 5 in its length and breadth; 
that the citizen, wherever he may settle, if on American soil, shall have all 
the rights and privileges of citizenship, and be consulted by executives as 
well as by representatives. This would be right. This would be simple jus¬ 
tice. It is a doctrine that was broadly asserted, and with firmness main¬ 
tained, by the fathers of our republic. 55 
In the organic act of the territory, section 14, is the following: 44 It 
being the true intent and meaning of this act not to legislate slavery into 
any territory or state, nor to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people 
thereof perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in 
their own way , subject only to the constitution of the United States. 55 
But how can this 44 intent 55 be carried out with an executive and judi¬ 
ciary, and two thirds of the legislative power, in opposition to the will of 
the people, and with an overwhelming invasion at every election by permis¬ 
sion of these officers ? 
