Chapter 220: The Pro-Slavery Lecompton Constitution Is Written And Governor Walker Is Sacked

November 7, 1857

The Constitution Sanctions Slavery Regardless Of Any Popsov Vote

The victory by the Free State Party in the official election of a new legislature appears to spur on the pro-slavery delegates charged with writing the Lecompton Constitution. They end their September 11 recess, reconvening on October 19 and finishing up their work over the next twenty days, on November 7, 1857.

For the most part, the document they prepare mimics the framework and content adopted by prior western states seeking admission. It calls for the usual three branches of government, establishes apportionment and voting procedures, names a capital, and discusses laws related to land grants, banking and infrastructure.  

Then come two assertions that stir lasting controversy – one on slavery, the other on “submission  steps.” 

Article VII is titled “Slavery” and Section 1 is unequivocal in declaring that slaves are “property,” and that the right to property cannot be legally challenged or qualified in any fashion.  

The right of property is before and higher than any constitutional sanction, and the right of the owner of a slave to such slave and its increase is the same and as inviolable as the right of the owner of any property whatever. 

Section 2 says that the Legislature has no power to either force owners to emancipate their slaves or to prevent those entering Kansas from bringing their slaves with them. On the other hand, it can require that owners “treat their slaves with humanity” and, if they fail to do so, to require their sale.  

Surprisingly, Sections 3 and 4 also add “protections” for those enslaved in the form of a trial by jury and the prospect of severe punishment for any who would take their life. 

Section 3. In the prosecution of slaves for crimes of higher grade than petit larceny, the Legislature shall have no power to deprive them of an impartial trial by petit jury. 

Section 4. Any person who shall maliciously dismember, or deprive a slave of life, shall suffer such punishment as would be inflicted in case the like offense had been committed on a free white person, and on the like proof, except in case of insurrection of such slave. 

In effect the Lecompton Constitution guarantees that slavery will be allowed to take hold in Kansas, regardless of whether it is eventually declared a Free or a Slave State – thus making the labels themselves irrelevant to the reality. 

But to placate critics of their work, and to feign compliance with the Democratic Party promise of popular sovereignty, the delegates agree to hold a public election scheduled six weeks hence on December 21.  

At that time Kansans will be given a vote on the label — “With Slavery” and “With No Slavery”  – rather than on the Constitution itself. As such it is a charade, affecting only the future importation of more slaves after admission, while sanctioning the presence of those already in place.

December 15, 1857

Pierce Fires Walker Who Does Not Go Quietly

Soon after the Lecompton delegates conclude their work, Governor Walker decides to travel to  Washington to meet with Buchanan. His purpose is to explain, and defend, his decision to exclude the fraudulent votes cast on October 5 which has resulted in the election of an “official” legislature controlled by Free Staters. 

His arguments, however, fall on deaf ears for a President more than ever committed to discrediting the Free-State movement and supporting the legitimacy of the Lecompton Constitution and process.  

Buchanan tells Walker that his actions have “let him down,” and demands his resignation, effective December 15, 1857. 

Walker, whose reputation in DC is impeccable, is shocked by the accusation and is not easily brushed aside.  

His exit is accompanied by a tirade against the President for betraying the popular sovereignty principles that were central to Walker’s acceptance of the post in the first place.  

Worse yet, both he and ex-Governor Stanton will go on to appear at northern rallies against Lecompton, accusing Buchanan of “tyranny” for denying Kansans their right to a fair election.

Soon after the Lecompton delegates conclude their work, Governor Walker decides to travel to  Washington to meet with Buchanan. His purpose is to explain, and defend, his decision to exclude the fraudulent votes cast on October 5 which has resulted in the election of an “official” legislature controlled by Free Staters. 

His arguments, however, fall on deaf ears for a President more than ever committed to discrediting the Free-State movement and supporting the legitimacy of the Lecompton Constitution and process.  

Buchanan tells Walker that his actions have “let him down,” and demands his resignation, effective December 15, 1857. 

Walker, whose reputation in DC is impeccable, is shocked by the accusation and is not easily brushed aside.  

His exit is accompanied by a tirade against the President for betraying the popular sovereignty principles that were central to Walker’s acceptance of the post in the first place.  

Worse yet, both he and ex-Governor Stanton will go on to appear at northern rallies against Lecompton, accusing Buchanan of “tyranny” for denying Kansans their right to a fair election.

May 27 to December 15

Sidebar: Events In Kansas During Governor Walker’s Tenure

Key Events In Kansas During Robert Walker’s Term As Governor