New York Times, “Governor Walker and General Cass,” December 24, 1857

Governor Walker and General Cass

It is generally considered a safe rule, when you have nothing to say, to say nothing. General CASS was never famous for practicing upon it, - having been for many years in the habit of saying most, when he really had the least to say. One would have supposed that in the case of WALKER’S letter the rule would have been found so convenient, as well as so prudent, that it would secure its own observance. General CASS, however, goes just far enough to show his contempt for the rule, without justifying that feeling on his part in the least. He first proves the impropriety of answering Governor WALKER’S argument, and then proceeds to answer it.

General CASS insists that when the President insisted upon the submission of the Constitution to the people of Kansas, he intended only the question of Slavery: - and that he is, therefore, not now inconsistent with himself in withholding all other questions from their action. It is undoubtedly true that the question of Slavery was the principal question at issue in the contest which followed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. But it certainly is not the only question of interest to the people of a new State: and it is difficult to conceive any valid reason why they should be deprived of the right of self-government upon all other topics.

Meantime the contest upon this principle waxes warm in the Senate. Two Senators, MESSRS. STUART, of Michigan, and BRODERICK, of California, yesterday declared their resolute hostility to the Lecompton movement and their adhesion to the principle that the entire Constitution ought to be submitted to the popular vote.

Congress has adjourned for the holidays. When that season is over, and the election returns are received from Kansas, the controversy will be renewed with redoubled warmth.