Page:Speeches of Carl Schurz (IA speechesofcarlsc00schu).pdf/189

Rh tutions in their own way.” I am warranted in saying that, if ever a gigantic, unscrupulous, shameless fraud was attempted upon a free people, it is this “great principle”—if history ever furnished an example of unblushing, scandalous, revolting hypocrisy, it is this “true championship of freedom.” To fasten slavery irremovably upon the Territories, and call it “leaving the people perfectly free to regulate their own domestic institutions!”—to strip the people of every right to regulate their own affairs, and to call it popular sovereignty! Strike the word “demagogism” out of your dictionaries, if you do not want to apply it here. [Applause.] But, although we may understand how inordinate, desperate ambition should resort to such frauds, it remains truly wonderful that so many thousands have suffered themselves to be deceived by them. [Applause.]

Is it surprising that the “champion of freedom,” who defends such theories, should be found a little unreliable in practice? How clamorous he was against the Lecompton Constitution! What a terrible idea, that a Territory should be forced into the Union as a State, with a Constitution not approved by the people! But now listen: At last the people of Kansas frame a new Constitution; it is submitted to the people; it is approved by a large majority. All conditions of admission rigorously complied with, they knock at the door of the Union, and we expect to see our “true champion of freedom” rush to the rescue with unabated zeal for his great point is gained. But where is Douglas? The House of Representatives votes in favor of the admission; the decision of the question depends upon the action of the Senate. The matter is referred to the Committee on Territories. That committee consists of seven members; Douglas is one of them, but he does not attend their meetings. The vote of the committee stands three to three. Douglas's vote can