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QUINDARO CHIDOWAN
VOL. I. A FREE-STATE PAPER. NO. 1
QUINDARO, KANZAS, MAY 13, 1857.
Printed and Published by
J.M. WALDEN & CO.
J.M. Walden. Edmund Babb.
J.M. WALDEN EDITOR.
Subscritions may be sent either to Edmund
Babb, Gazette Office, Cincinnati, Ohio, or to J.
M. Walden & Co., Quindaro, Kanzas, and reCeipts
will be returned in the first number of the
Paper sent to the order.
TERMS:
All subscriptions payable invariably in ad,
Vance.
Single Copy, Two Dollars per annum. Ten
Copies to one Post Office address, $15. TWENTY
Copies, and one to the person forming the Club,
$30.
Untitled News Item. CLERGYMEN who will interest themselves
In our favor, will, upon notifying us, be furnished
With our paper, as an acknowledgment of our
Obligation to them.
BUSINES CARDS.
DR. GEO. E. BUDINGTON
OFFERS HIS
Professional services to the citizens of Quindaro
At that citiy.
Boards at the Quindaro hotel.
OFFICE, No. 1 Kansas Avenue
1tf
DR. R. M. AINSWORTH,
OFFICE
No. 10 Kansas Avenue.
1tf
LAND AGENCY!
-O-
R.P. GRAY,
REAL ESTATE & LAND AGENT,
Quindaro, Kanzas,
Will prompty attend to all business entrusted to
His care. 1tf
Chas. Chadwick. H. J. Bliss.
CHADWICK & BLISS,
GENERAL LAND AGENTS,
QUINDARO, KANZAS,
City and Town Lots, and all kinds of Real
Estate bough and sold.
Office - On Kanzas Avenue, near the Quinaro
House. 1tf
M. B. Neuman. R.M. Ainsworth
NEUMAN & AINSWORTH,
REAL ESTATE AGENTS,
QUINDARO, K.T.,
Will attend Promptly to all Business in their line.
Office, No. 10, Kanzas Avenue.
REFERENCES:
Hon. M.H. Nichols, M. C. Lima, O.
" Wm. Lawrence, C.P. Judge, Belfontaine, O.
" Wm. White, " " Springfield, O.
Dunlevy, Drake & Co., Bankers, Cincinnati, O.
Henry Kip, Supt. U.S. Express, Buffalo, N.Y.
J.F. Richerdson, Mo. Express, St. Louis, Mo.
May 4, 1857. 1tf.
KANZAS LAND AGENCY.
BLOOD, BASSETT & BRACKETT,
GENERAL LAND AGENTS,
SURVEYORS AND CIVIL ENGINEERS.
Quindar, Kanzas,
Lawrence, Kanzas:
Prompt attention given to all business enTrusted
to our care.
Information given concerning every im-
Portant locality in the Territory.
REFER TO
Henn, Williams & Co., Bankers, Fairfield, Iowa.
A.J. Stevens & Co., " Ft. DesMoines, Iowa.
Coolbaugh & Brooks, " Burlington, "
White, Cook & Co., " " "
Col. T. A. Walker, Ft. DesMoines, "
Col. C. Basset, Kewanee, Ill.
Hon. G.S. Boutwell, Groton, Mass.
C. (G.?) Gerrish, " "
L. F. Potter, Cincinnati, Ohio.
May 4th, 1857. 1tf
F. Johnson. Geo. W. Veale.
JOHNSON & VEALE,
WHOLESALE & RETAIL DEALERS IN
GENERAL MERCHANDISE,
Quindaro, Kanzas.
Agents for the sale of Pittsburg Salamander
Safes and German Anchor Bolting Cloths.
Particular attention paid to putting up
Orders.
May 4, 1857 1tf
Wm. J. McCown. Ed. D. Buck.
New Store and New Goods.
McCOWN & BUCK
Would respectfully announce to the citizens of
Quindaro and vicinity that they have just opened
A large and desirable stock of
Dry Goods, Groceries, Crockery,
Hardware
And
CLOTHING,
Which we will sell as low as any establishment
West of St. Louis.
May 4, 1857. 1tf.
H.M. Simpson. O. H. Macauly.
SIMPSON & MACAULY,
FORWARDING & COMMISSION
MERCHANTS,
QUINDARO, KANZAS.
REFERENCES:
Amos. A. Lawrence, Boston, Mass.
Prof. E. Daniels, Ripon, Wis.
Jno. W. Ellis Cincinnati, O.
May 4, 1857 1tf
J. Grover. S.C. Smith.
GROVER & SMITH,
FORWARDING AND COMMISSION
MERCHANTS,
Will give prompt attention to all business enTrusted
to their care.
PRODUCE and OUTFITS for Kanzas as low
As any point on the Missouri. Please give us a
(???)
REFERENCES:
(???)Simmons and Leadbeater, St. Louis, Mo.
(???) Ray & Medill, Chicago, Ill.
(???) P. Allen, Rochester, N. Y.
(???) 4, 1857 1tf.
QUINDARO HOUSE,
Nos. 1,3 and 5, Kanzas Avenue,
QUINDARO, KANZAS
COLBY & PARKER, Proprietors.
May 4, 1857. 1tf
WHITNEY HOUSE,
NO. 5 NEW HAMPSHIRE STREET
LAWRENCE, KANZAS.
T. L. WHITNEY, Propritor.
May (???) 1857 1y.
DAVIS & POST,
COUNSELLORS AT LAW,
(???)
KANZAS AVENUE, WYANDOT, K.T.
May 4, 1857. 1tf
AN ADDRESS
To the People of the United States and Kanzas Territory, by the Free State Topeka Convention.
The Committee, appointed by the late Free State Convention, held at Topeka, K.T., on the 10th of March, 1857, to whom was committed the charge of preparing an address to the American people, have prepared, and respectfully submit the following:
The Pro-Slavery Convention, which assembled at Lecompton, January 12, 1857, have issued an "addsess" which has been spread broadcast over the States. In this pamphlet an attempt is made to palliate the crimes, and excuse the outrages, of which the Pro-Slavery party-sailing under the banner of "Democracy"-have been guilty, in the Territory.-Nay more. It is sought to throw the entire blame and responsibility of the afflictions which have been visited upon the settlers and residents of Kanzas, on the Free State men, and those active and earnest patriots who have labored with an energy which knows no defeat, and a will that knows no faltering, in behalf of freedom and free labor.
The burden of the address is that the Free State party initiated and inaugurated revolutionary and incendiary proceedings, that they rallied against the enforcement of legal enactments, laughed to scorn of the authorities, and beat back the officers of justice, thereby necessitating the "law and order men" to take up arms for the preservation of peace and the punishment of traitors. They brand Lane, Robinson and Reeder and a host of other good men and true, as hired emmisaries, animated by a filibustering spirit, hostile to the Constitution, foes to the Union of the States, and enemies to the well-being and prosperity of the Territory. They represent themselves to have been innocent, law-abiding and inoffensive, earnestly in favor of peace and repose in Kansas, and end their address with a great rhetorical flourish, and bombastic assurances of patriotic devotion to their country, their party and their God.
To unmask the hypocrisy, to expose the falsehoods, and reveal the contradictions and inconsistencies of this address, would be superfluous, for the throes and the anguish, the indignities and the oppressions which the Free-State men have suffered are written in characters of blood, and burned into the memory of every honest citizen of our country. Subterfuge and deceit, brazen falsehood and base perjury can avail nothing, for the great truths, in the gigantic wrongs of Kanzas' history, have been seen and known and pondered of all men, and will stand, like the Egyptian pyramids, to the surprise and wonder of coming generations.
The Free-State men have violated no law; for that which is not just, is no law; and that which is devoid of justice should not be obeyed. The code attempted to be forced upon them was not enacted for proper legislation, for the regulation and protection of society, and for the development of the resources of the country, but to enslave the body and soul of every citizen, and to rivet the institution of slavery upon a soil consecrated to freedom. No honest man could endorse or subscribe to such a code, and the Free-State men did not. Yet they raised no arm, neither committed any violence against their oppressors. But when they were driven from their homes, and their families treated with unheard-of-cruelty by this self-styled "Law and Order" party, then it was that all the higher voices of their nature appealed to them to rise and protect their rights and liberties, or sink to the level of serfs. The blood and the manhood and the muscle of Northern Freemen could brook no more, for forbearance had ceased to be a virtue, and the time was come when they must vindicate their courage, and establish their right to the title of MEN.
But when their invaders were driven back, and the dissentions in a measure quieted, they once again returned to the more congenial pursuits of peace, and devoted themselves, with activity and energy, to the industrial occupations which they loved.
It is our purpose to present a brief though comprehensive sketch of what has transpired in Kanzas since the passage of the Kanzas-Nebraska bill, and to let the American people judge for themselves whether the Free State party have acted according to the dictates of justice and of right-whether or not they have been wronged and outraged, and whether they or the self-styled "Law and Order party" are responsible for the crimes and the blood which have stained the virgin soil of the Territory.
But in this cause we must take our proper position. The Free-State party of Kanzas cannot act upon the defensive before a tribulal where the American people sit as Judges. We arraign the self-styled "Law and Order party of Kanzas as guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors, we charge upon them the burden of guilt and of wrong, and we only ask a fair and honest verdict from the evidence and arguments we may adduce.
Although the Kanzas-Nebraska bill was violently opposed at the time of its presentation to Congress by a decided majority of the Northern Representatives, back by the opinion of their constituents, it was endorsed as a "law" by the citizens of Kanzas who desired only to have its principles and provisions faithfully carried out. A.H. Reeder was appointed Governor of the Territory under the bill, and a large Northern Emigration poured into the Territory, to test the question of "popular sovereignty' and secure freedom for Kanzas by a numerical preponderance.
The time came at last for electing a Territorial Legislature and a Delegate to Congress. How this election was carried is a matter of history. The Missourians poured into the Territory, violated the sanctity of the ballot-box, outraged all law and decency, and thwarted the voice and the will of the actual residents. This was on the 31st day of March, 1855-a day never to be forgotten-when the invading hordes, with insulting banners, on which were inscribed "Death to the d-d Abolitionists," "A Slave State for Kanzas," "No quarter for Free State men," and other devices, and with bowie knives and revolvers, bore down upon the polls, ousted the judges and clerks of election, and stuffed the boxes with illegal ballots. In this mode, and by such means, the first so-called Legislature of Kanzas was elected-four thousand nine hundred and eight illegal votes being polled by Missourians. Only four days had been allowed to protest against the returns of the election judges, and the formalities were attended to in but six districts, in which Governor Reeder ordered new elections. At those elections-May 22d, 1855-all the Free State nominees were elected, except at Leavenworth City, where the Missourians played their old game of fraud and illegal voting, and on the 25th, a few days subsequently, a Pro-Slavery meeting was held, at which the Missourians were endorsed, and the outrage on Mr. Phillips, a Free-State man who had been taken into Missouri, tarred and feathered, and sold at auction to a Negro, endorsed.
The first meeting of the Missouri-elected Legislature of Kanzas took place at Pawnee, near Fort Riley. It appeared that there was but one Free-State man in the Council, who immediately resigned his seat, and the Legislature ousted all the Free-State members of the House, elected at the special elections ordered by Gov. Reeder, and gave their seats to their Pro-Slavery opponents. An act was then passed for the removal of the seat of government to Shawnee Mission, near the Missouri border, which was finally adopted over Gov. Reeder's veto.
All Territorial offices were filled by these "Legislators," or by Commissioners appointed by them, and Gov. Reeder, who bravely stood up against the illegal Assembly, and their enactments, was removed, the Administration falling into the hands of Secretary Woodson, who actively co-operated with the Pro-Slavery party.
A code of laws was enacted by the bogus Legislature, pronounced by Gen. Cass to be "a disgrace to the age," and having provided for another election the fraudulent body adjourned sine die.
On the 1st of October Whitfield was returned as a delegate to Congress by a vote of two thousand eight hundred, four-fifths of which was polled by Missourians, as the Free-State men refused to vote.
Wilson Shannon, having been appointed Governor of Kanzas, acted with the Pro-Slavery organization, took part in their meetings, and subsequently, in response to a call from bogus Sheriff Jones, declared the Territory in a state of open rebellion, and issued orders for the enlistment of men to enforce the Territorial laws. An army of invaders marched towards Lawrence, scattering terror in their course, while Atchison and Stringfellow appealed for aid to the South-a Free State printing press was destroyed at Leavenworth, and all the horrors of a war of extermination visited upon the peaceful settlers. President Pierce lent his sanction to the invaders and authorized Shannon to call out the United States troops. Companies from the purlieus and grog-shops of the South, under a Major Buford, took an active part in outraging the Free State citizens, and the Territory presented the awful spectacle of a region overrun by fire and sword.
In the meanwhile the actual residents of Kanzas were adopting initiatory measures for the organization of a State Government, for the election of a Legislature and for the protection of their lives and property, as well as for the securing a voice in Legislative proceedings, and the filling of official posts. A convention of the people assembled at Lawrence, August 14th,1855, repudiated the authority of the late Legislature, and recommended the election of delegates on the 25th to meet at Big Springs, September 5th, for the consideration of public affairs. At this Convention the bogus laws were also repudiated, ex-Governor Reeder nominated as Delegate to Congress and a day appointed for an election. On the 17th of September another Convention was held at Topeka, to make arrangements for electing delegates to form a Free-State Constitution. This Convention selected an Executive Committee, who were invested with the authority of a provisional government, to provide for the complete organization of a State government. October 9th Reeder was elected Delegate to Congress by a vote of twenty-four hundred, and Delegates, at the same time, were elected to the Constitutional Convention. This Convention assembled at Topeka on the 23d, and September 11 submitted a Constitution to the people, appointing the 4th of March, 1856, for organizing a State Government. December 15th, 1855, the Topeka Constitution was voted upon by the people, with no outbreak, except at Leavenworth City, where the election was prevented and the poll book stolen. On the 15th of January, 1856, officers were elected under the Topeka Constitution, and Robinson chosen Governor. On the 4th of March the State Legislature met at Topeka, Gov. Robinson and other officers sworn in, the Executive Committee discharged, and the Legislature then adjourned to meet at Topeka July 4th.
Although these proceedings were in violation of no law, and demanded by the necessities of the occasion, and although precedent and authority could be found for them in the history of Michigan, Arkansas and California, the President of the United States issued a proclamation denouncing the formation of a State Government as an act of rebellion, and upholding and endorsing the bogus Legislature. Acting upon this proclamation, and in accordance with his own base instincts, Judge Lecompte charged the Grand Jury to find indictments for high treason against all who had participated in organizing the State Government.-The Jury succumbed, and found indictments against Robinson, Lane, Reeder and many others, and presented the two Lawrence newspapers and the Free State Hotel as nuisances.
Thus affairs stood when the Congressional Investigating Committee arrived in the Territory. Many obstacles were thrown in their way by the Pro-Slavery party, and every means adopted by which a fair and just investigation of Kanzas affairs might be prevented. But the committee proved equal to the arduous responsibility which devolved upon them, and well performed a noble duty. The result of their labors and the character of their report is well known. It substantiated the illegality of every election held under the enactments of the bogus Legislature, and corroborated the truth of all that the Free State men of Kanzas were reported to have undergone.
Up to this time the Pro-Slavery party had been guilty of committing crimes at which the blood curdles. J.W.B. Kelly had been beaten and shamefully abused at Atchison; the Rev. Pardee Butler had been lynched, tarred and feathered and sent down to Missouri on a frail raft; Collins had been cruelly murdered at Doniphan, and Dow at Hickory Point; Barber had been shot down by Major Clark, a Government official, and Brown tortured to death near Leavenworth. And yet the murderers ran at large, boasted of their exploits and openly defied the law. Gov. Robinson was arrested May 8th, at Lexington, Mo., and sent back to Kanzas, where, with six others, he was thrown into prison and kept confined for four months.
On the 11th, Marshal Donaldson raised a force of ruffians, embracing Major Buford's "chivalric boys," and marched to destroy Lawrence, under the pretence that the citizens had aided Reeder in resisting his authority. Like the swarm of Egyptian locusts, this force carried desolation as they went. Jones and Stuart, harmless and excellent citizens, were shot down like wild beasts, and upon the 29th of May the ruffians reached the city of Lawrence. The citizens were almost paralyzed with amazement as they looked upon the angry and demoniac throngs by which their homes were surrounded.-But they determined on mustering all, as in the days of Rome, from twelve to seventy, and resolved to beat back the ruthless invaders of their peace and prosperity, or fall like earnest men and patriots. The marauders, though outnumbering their opponents five to one, were yet afraid to risk a fair engagement, and sent bogus Sheriff Jones to secure their arms and cannon by promising protection to life and property. Deceived and betrayed by these pledges, in an evil hour the Free-State men agreed to the terms, and the ruffians were allowed to pour into the city, and then, regardless of their pledges and plighted faith, did they commence anew the work of ruin and plunder. Two presses were destroyed, together with a beautiful new hotel, and Gov. Robinson's private house, while Atchison incited them to other deeds of violence and wrong. Scattering from Lawrence, in foraging parties, Buford's men scourred the country round like lawless pirates, as thy were. Such was the policy of the "Law and Order party"-the "National Democracy" of Kanzas.
When the Free State men discovered how useless, how worse than useless, it was to appeal to Shannon, the infamous Governor, to the National Administration, to the legal tribunals, when in their distant homes they found themselves forsaken, betrayed and desested, surrounded by a relentless and blood-thirsty foe bent on driving them from their firesides, or crimsoning the soil with their blood, then was it that they felt called upon to resort to physical resistance. Inspirated by a cause as pure and holy as that for which Washington fought and Warren fell, they rallied under a common banner, and went forth like the brave Magyars to defend those rights which are intuitive in the manly breast, rights and liberties which must be preserved by freemen at all hazards, if they would preserve their own self-respect. They did not "girl on their armor" out of revenge for there wrongs, neither out of any mercenary motive by which their interests might be advanced. They sought only to drive back the oppressive hordes of unprincipled invaders, and to vindicate a principle which was dear to them as life itself.
At the first engagement at Ossawattomie, the Ruffians were sorely beaten. At Palmyra, or Black Jack, Captains Brown and Shore routed a band of plunderers under the lead of Pate, from Missouri.-The battle of Franklin followed, in which the Free State men were also victorious. Whitfield, the bogus Delegate to Congress, who was advancing into the Territory with a large force, was unceremoniously sent back by Col. Sumner, commanding the United States dragoons.-The ruffians murdered a Free State man, Central, in cold blood by way of revenge, and committed other heartless depredations. During the remainder of the month of June, the Territory was afflicted with all the horrors of a bloody civil war. Ossowatomie was sacked by a large Pro-Slavery company, who destroyed or carried off everything of value, and shamefully abused the unarmed and defenceless citizens. Then followed the Missouri river outrages. The boats were stopped and searched-money, goods, and arms stolen, and Northern emigrants sent back penniless. Gov. Shannon, Col. Sumner and Judge Lecompte refused to interfere, and the Administration openly encouraged the depredations.
Upon the 4th of July the Free State Legislature convened at Topeka, pursuant to adjournment. It was a day memorable in the history of our Government, upon which our forefathers declared their independence, in a declaration which constitutes the noblest paper that graces the archives of any nation, and a marked correspondence existed between the two occasions, though separated by a long lapse of years. The Free State men of Kanzas met, like the Revolutionary patriots, in a dark and trysting hour. They met, as lovers of liberty, to organize existing oppression. They met as men who felt the yoke of bondage, but who could not submit to the enslavement of body and soul. For peaceful deliberation they had convened, to consult the interests of their country, and to devote themselves to the administration of justice.-They met in obedience to the will of the majority of the residents of Kanzas, and they were entrusted with the hopes and the prayers of a suffering people.-Then and there, in that sacred place and on that solemn day, was an outrage committed which must ever remain a blot on the historic page-an outrage that mantles the cheek of every true American with shame, and paints, with vivid colors, the degeneracy and degradation of our Federal Government. For when the Legislature was on the point of coming to order, the gleam of United States arms, and the entrance of Federal troops was seen, and an officer of our Government ordered the Legislature to disperse. He spoke, not for himself, but for a higher official-for him who occupied the most honorable position that this or any country knows. Cromwell once dispersed a refractory parliament, and the great Napoleon an angry assembly; but these usurpations of authority were nothing in comparisons to that executed by Pierce in ordering a Federal officer to disperse a Legislature convened in violation of no law or established principle in a country professing to be a free Republic. It was one of the darkest of the many dark deeds that distinguished the last Administration, and consigned it to a grave of everlasting infamy.
When reports of what was transpiring in Kanzas-of Shannon's treachery, the ruffians' cruelty, and the Administration's duplicity, reached the Northern States, they were scarcely credited. Persons could not believe that the detailed cruelties had been committed, or that the Government could lend its sanction and endorsement to a set of ruffian invaders. But as the reports were substantiated and the frightful account of existing affairs verified, the Northern people awoke to a realizing sense of their duty, and contributed men and means as well as arms and provisions, for their friends and relatives in the far West, with an alacrity and liberality that did them honor.
As Northern emigration on the Missouri river was interdicted, a new route was opened through Iowa, and Lane took charge of a large body of emigrants, who reached Kanzas during the month of August. The supplies that they brought, together with the evidence they furnished to the Free State men that their troubles and privations were not unappreciated, cheered and animated them with a new hope and a fresh courage. A short time previous to this, Mr. Day, the only Free State Federal officer in the Territory, was cruelly murdered. Col. Sumner, who had exhibited some humanity towards the Free State men, was superseded by Gen. Smith of Louisiana, who was expected to side entirely with the Kanzas invaders. On the 5th of August, another contest took place between the respective parties, near Ossawattomie, and a set of Georgian Marauders were driven from their post. At the same time Major Hoyt of Lawrence, who had been sent single and alone, to remonstrate with a prowling band of Southerners, under Colonel Treadwell, was waylaid and murdered.
Important events followed in rapid succession, and various warlike encounters took place between the Free State and Pro slavery parties, in which the latter were generally worsted. On the 18th of August a treaty of peace was concluded between the citizens of Lawrence and Gov. Shannon. On the same day two Free State men were murdered and scalped near Leavenworth, while a German who expressed his horror at the bloody work was shot dead in the street.
The leading Border Ruffians-Richardson, Atchison and Stringfellow-laboring under the hallucination that Lane was advancing into the Territory with an army as numerous as that of Xerxes, issued a proclamation to the Missourians, which was promptly responded to, and numerous crowds gathered at Weston, Mo., chose Atchison commander in chief, and marched again towards Lawrence.-Shannon having been removed, Woodson assumed the reins of government and raised another force in the West to act in concert with the army of Atchison, which styled itself with sardonic irony, "The army of Law and Order in Kanzas Territory." This "peaceful" army exemplified their "Law and Order propensities" by falling upon a Quaker mission and treating the settlers with canabalistic fury. Lawrence was again in danger and was only saved from destruction by the prompt action of Lane, who organized a force of 300 Free State men and drove Atchison across to Missouri, where he dispersed his troops, engaging them to rally again on the 13th of September for "another march on the d-d Abolitionists."
Although we have recounted outrages at which the heart sickens, and which must shock the sense of every civilized community, a darker chapter yet remains unwritten. The annual municipal election in Leavenworth City took place Sept. 1st. That day-which is known as bloody Monday-and the events which transpired upon it, in their revolting and distorted features, more resembled the "reign of terror," when the streets of Paris ran blood, than an American city of the 19th century. The Missourians thirsting for revenge, and burning with hate and phrenzy, poured into the city, cried, "Havoc, And let slip the dogs of war."
Col. Emory led on the infuriated mob, who committed the most horrible acts of violence. Phillips was shot down at his own threshold, and bullets were fired into every part of the house. The leading citizens were driven from their homes, and their wives and daughters subjected to every species of indignity. In the agony of despair many appealed, as only the suffering can appeal, to Gen. Smith, the commanding officer at Ft. Leavenworth, for a detachment of troops to protect their families and property. But that appeal which was enough to make a "marble statue weep," met no responses from the icy-hearted commander. Though he might have quelled the disturbance in a moment, no finger was lifted, and no order issued, except to command his Sargeant to drive from the fort the afflicted citizens who had there sought a temporary refuge and protection. In that act the flag of our country was disgraced, and the character of our military officers stained. It would require volumes to enumerate the outrages that were subsequently perpetrated in Leavenworth-how houses and stores were burned-how the citizens were forced upon the boats at the point of the bayonet-how men were murdered in cold blood-how the sick and the weak, innocent woman and harmless children were treated with a cruelty almost beyond conception. Such were some of the more marked features which distinguished the reign of the "Law and Order party" in Leavenworth City. There may still be seen the charred and blackened ruins of many buildings that were destroyed-many are the residents who can give heart-rending accounts of what occurred during that sad period, and new-made graves upon Pilot Knob seem to plead, with a sad and mournful eloquence, against the cruel and untimely cutting off of those who sleep beneath.
During this month Lane forced Woodson, the acting Governor, to release his Free-State prisoners and disband his forces. Upon the 8th the Supreme Court met at Lecompton to try the political prisoners. The District Attorney not being ready to go with the cases, all the prisoners were admitted to bail, and on the same day Gov. Geary arrived in the Territory. Immediately upon assuming his office he issued a proclamation commanding "all bodies of men combined armed and equipped with munitions of war, without authority of Government, instantly to disband and quit the Territory."
In obedience to this proclamation the Free State forces disbanded, but the Border Ruffians, in open defiance of it, re-assembled, according to previous agreement, at Weston, Mo., and to the number of 2500 strong, with five pieces of artillery, marched towards Lawrence. It was with great difficulty that Gov. Geary, at the head of U.S. troops, by throwing himself between the invaders and Lawrence, succeeded in saving the city, and prevailing upon the Missourians to retire. In their retreat, among other outrages, they shot down an unoffending Free State man-Buffum-for remonstrating against the stealing of his horses.
The political Free State prisoners, under indictment for treason and murder, were treated with revolting barbarity by Col. Titus and his Southern Ruffians, and the citizens of Ossowattomie were once again visited by new afflictions from fresh bodies of invaders. Oct. 6th, an election took place under the Bogus Legislature enactment for delegate to Congress, members of Territorial Legislature, and on the question of a delegate Convention to adopt a State Constitution.-In this election the Free State men took no part, and the Border Ruffians had it all their own way.
On the 13th a Free State convention was held at Topeka, and a few days afterwards another at Big Springs, where protests against Whitfield's election to Congress, and memorials to Congress were adopted praying for the admission of Reeder as representing the real sentiment of a majority of the citizens of the Territory.
During the latter part of October the trial of the Free State prisoner took place at Lecompton before a packed jury of bitter Pro-Slavery partisans, and twenty-one were sentenced by the Kanzas Jeffries to five years hard labor with ball and chain. These persons were guilty of no crime. They had acted purely in self-defense at Hickory Point, and would instantly have been acquitted by a fair and honorable tribunal. Their crime in the eyes of the court, was a devoted love of liberty, and for that devotion they were treated as felons and murderers. But in that higher court, and by that higher law which exists in, and is constituted by a just, generous people, they were not only proclaimed "not guilty," but crowned with honor, and loaded with grateful testimonials, as a full acknowledgement of their labors and services in the clause of freedom.
It will be remembered that while the Free-State men were being subjected to the severest penalties which an unholy tribunal could inflict, their oppressors and persecutors; with hands reeking with blood that cried aloud for vengeance, were never called to account or made to answer for the laws they had outraged, and the barbarities they had perpetrated. The Judges of the Supreme Court, be it said to their eternal disgrace, threw off the spotless ermino and cloaked...(CONCLUDED ON FOURTH PAGE.)
Page one transcribed by Steve Collins, 2/20/2003.
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OUR PAPER.
Readers of a new paper except some promises to be made by the proprietors thereof. In making ours we shall be brief.
It will be our earnest and constant endeavor to present the Chindowan regularly, containing late and reliable news from different sections of Kanzas, and an abstract of late news from the States and foreign countries.
We expect to do so because we have facilities for obtaining intelligence. Few thrugs of importance will occur in Kanzas, an account of which we will not receive very soon after it has transpired, and we will receive news from the States in a shorter time than any other paper on the Missouri River that is now being regularly published in the Territory.
For these reasons we expect to make it advantageous for persons to become subscribers, and hope, that through merit we may soon have a circulation in the Territories and in the States, sufficiently extensive to make it advantageous to persons who may give us advertising patronage.
If the expectations of our patrons, and our own hopes are thus realized, we will be satisfied.
CHINDOWAN,
Is a queer name, for a paper, many may think, and perhaps it is. It was adopted, not for the purpose of appearing peculiar or eccentric, but to avoid using one of the stereotyped titles for newspapers, such as "Herald," "Register," "Times," &e., which may be found attached to journals, alike in States and Territories. Chindowan is a Wyandott word, meaning Leader, and will, we hope, answer the purpose to which we have appointed it, quite as well as any of those titles that most publishers think the only appropriate ones to be used. It may be interesting to our readers to know that it is pronounced Chin-do-wan, the accent resting on the last syllable.
"Quindaro" is a Wyandott word that some interpret by the adage "In union there is strength," which will explain the device with which our title is embellished.
OUR POSITION.
In this Territory, which we have chosen as the field of a Newspaper enterprise, the people are divided into two parties, differing radically from each other in their sympathies, opinions and aims-this sympathizing with the movements and policy of one portion of the Nation, that with those of the other portion; the one entertaining a devotion to those institutions which foster Free Labor, the other for those which uphold slave labor; the latter maintaining a determination to make Kanzas a slave State, the former to dedicate its woodlands and praries to Freedom. It may be expected of us, as it ought to be of every person in the Territory, to endorse one or the other of these parties; to take this or that side of the important question which divides them. Of there were no such expectations, we should do so, for no person in a crisis where great principles and incalculable interests are involved, can, with impunity to themselves, assume a neutral position, as that very neutrality always casts their influence, however great or small, to the favor of the party most in error. Moreover, in such a crisis, there is a credit in taking a positive stand and frankly, declaring opinions, which we are ambitious to merit, whilst it is fartherest from our desire to be classed with any journalist in the Territory, who either has no definite position, or hesitates to define it, though the people and patrons here and in the States expect at least this modicum of dignity and independence.
We are in favor of making Kanzas a Free State. We wish, now, to see its soil consecrated to Free Labor by the voice of the People, and to feel that that consecration is forever-not like that made by Congress six and thirty years "..." invoked in partizan strife-but "..." "..." stand FOREVER INDEED. We hoped to see it the homes only of Free Men and Free Women, for then we are confident that those homes will be happy, that labor will be respected and rewarded, that the soil will yield abundant harvests and "..." by the culture, that improvements will be constantly protected and rapidly completed, that throughout the length and breadth of the State there will be a steady progress in all that dignifies and enables a community. We are opposed to making it a slave State, because by comparing the statistics, and viewing the condition of free and slave states, we find that in everything that elevates a people, the former transcend the latter, because our fathers once set it apart to Freedom; because we think that man, in no governmental capacity, has an inherent right, any other right than that of might, to plant slavery on any soil, and because we feel that duty to our God, to our country, to ourselves and to posterity, demands that it should be made free.
This may require us to speak farther in regard to our opinions upon the general question of slavery. We think the Constitution of the United States was so framed as to give its protection to the institution in the organized States where it existed. But, notwithstanding the recent decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, a body whose officially expressed opinions very many persons, we regret, are inclined to regard as too sacred to be called in question, notwithstanding this decision we have found no sufficient reasons to change a position previously maintained by us, that slavery is a matter of local policy, a subject for State legislation, a domestic institution existing, and existing only by virtue of municipal law, which the people of the State, and they only, can abolish, but which, as above stated, neither the people of the nation, or of any State possess any inherent right to plant on soil where it does not already exist. The fugitive slave laws of 1793 may very properly be regarded as the opinion of the Congress which enacted it, in regard to the intent and meaning of the third clause of Art. IV, Sec. II of the Constitution, but since the people, by their vote in November last, refused to be controlled by other precedents set by Congress at various times from the organization of the Government down to a recent period, there is nothing that requires us to regard the law of 1793 as a just exposition of that portion of the Constitution under which it was enacted. The law of 1850 contains repugnant and unjust provisions, and, as we are not inclined to censure any person for refusing to approbate such laws as infringe upon the rights of man under the Constitution, we hold that no one for any purpose, should be forced to pledge himself to aid in carrying out the whole law, as it now stands, and that it was transcending the province of legislators to make sworn fidelity to it the test of an elector.
No body of men, except fairly chosen representatives, have a right to make laws for the government of a people. The members of a self-constituted government, or a fraudulently organized government may have the power to make laws, and may by power enforce them where the public have no voice in public affairs, but it has neither the right to do the one or the other. In politics as in morals, there is a clear and broad distinction between Right and Power, which is often overlooked. Right in politics embraces all the inalienable privileges of man-Political Power often, for a longer or shorter period, dispossesses him of them. Whenever and wherever Power infringes upon these sacred prerogatives, it is the duty of the oppressed to band themselves against it. Because of facts with which not only the people of the Territory, but also of the States, have been familiar, we have not recognized, and do not show regard the Territorial Legislature as a justly constituted body, in consequence of which the law passed by it have no moral binding force, and therefore, the people of the Territory would be justified in refusing to recognize the authority of the Legislature, by ignoring the laws they have made. In a government like ours, if fairly chosen legislators make tyrannical laws, it may be proper to submit to them until redress can be obtained at the ballot-box, but if a body of men usurp law-making power of a land, pass odious enactments, and endeavor to enforce them, then the people justly incur no censure by not only refusing to recognizing them, but also by resisting their enforcement if needs be by force. Then whilst we do not declare under such circumstances resistance to be the best and wisest policy, we do say that such a course could not with fairness be considered wrong or treasonable.
How shall Kanzas be made free? Is a question upon which free-State men differ. In this article it is not necessary for us to state what we think the proper course to be pursued. Kanzas must be made free at the Ballot-box. A change in the policy of General Government respecting the formation of new states was endorsed by the people in the election of Mr. BUCHANAN. The people are the true source of all political power in our country, and their will as expressed by their vote is the law of the land, and remains so until it is changed by them. Prior to that change of policy the nation acquiesced in the prohibition of slavery in certain territory by Congress. The determination of all the social institutions of the future State is now given to the citizens of the Territory. While we believe this policy to be wrong wherein it admits of the possibility and propriety of organizing more slave states, it being the rule under which, for the present, we are compelled to act, we think the destiny of Kanzas should be peaceably decided by the votes of the people at an election where every man, be he pro-slavery or Free-State, may, without fear, without repugnant restrictions, without being compelled by voting to endorse the authority of the Territorial Legislature, exercise his franchise. To leave one party or the other to choose between a compromise of principles upon the one hand, on the loss of his sovereignty on the other, is a flagrant wrong, an act of despotism.
Peace is a boon greatly to be desired by every citizen who feels a solicitude for the uninterrupted prosperity of the territory. We trust that the government will be so fairly and impartially conducted, that there will be no just cause for a repetition of scenes such as have made the past history of Kanzas a record of broils and battles. We expect that the Free-State men will pursue a course of strict and scrupulous justice, and act with a commendable degree of forbearance towards all parties, that, should there yet be difficulties before the permanent adjustment of political affairs, they may stand before our nation, and before the world, fairly acquitted of any act that would merit censure-above the charge of aggression and blameless of malignant retaliation. They have rights, God given and inalienable rights, and to these we hope to see them cling, and by them stand, with that manly independence which ever characterizes a true free-man and a true patriot, be the result what it may. Peace never should be purchased by the sacrifice of just principles. A peace thus purchased never has been and never will be permanent, and while it may last, it is at least but a vassalage where the degree of thraldom is measured by the value of the principles relinquished. Therefore, whilst we wish that everything like hostilities, and the calamities incident thereto, may be averted, we say stand, stand firmly by the Right; "Fiat justitia, ruat calum!"
By rights, as above alluded to, we are far from meaning any and every "position" a portion or all of the Free-State men may have assumed, or may yet assume, to be the proper one, but we mean those rights which are based upon the fundamental principles of a republican government, and belong alike to every citizen therefore, among which is that "free and independent" exercise of the elective franchise, which secures a voice in the government, and a representation where there is taxation, and, as applied, immediately, to affairs in Kanzas, an opportunity for every citizen to vote for Delegates to a Constitutional Convention, unembarrassed by the possibility of his suffrage being construed as the endorsement of a Legislature to which, justly, he owes no allegiance, and exemption from being taxed by a government in which he has no representative. If the Opposition insists upon enforcing no demands that infringe upon these principles-if they refrain from an endeavor to make Free-State men subscribe to authority they can recognize only by abandoning them, if they endeavor to debar no actual resident from the polls at a legally appointed election, if they do not where they may have the power throw open the polls to non-residents, if they do not strive to enforce the odious enactments which Free-State men can only obey by a compromise of sacred principles, then we are sure that Kanzas will be blest with peace, that the blast of the trumpet will be hushed, that her sons reconciled to each other, will "beat their swords into plow-shares and their spears into pruning-hooks," and march forth, an army without banners, to hew down her forests and cause her hills and vallies to "bud and blossom as the rose."
The opinions we have advanced embrace our position in regard to the political affairs of the Territory. It shall be our object to maintain this, and we will endeavor to be fair and faithful exponent, whilst we will be a fearless defender of the Free-State party, so far as it is in the right, at all times, however, cheerfully according to every one a free expression of his sentiments through Free Speech, or by a Free Press. If we receive that encouragement which will assure us that our humble endeavor is deserving of the approbation of those who desire of our common country gather a multiplied power and prosperity and influence through the spread of her Free Institutions over the Territories of the West; we shall feel grateful to them for their support, and have abundant reasons to be grateful to that Providence which, we trust, has directed our steps to this field of labor, afar from those associations the memory of which brims with pleasure and those scenes to which our thoughts must often return and behold blooming as with the beauty of flowers.
ITEM-We publish to-day the letter from the citizens of Lawrence to Acting GOVERNOR STANTON, proposing a compromise in regard to the management of the June Election, and his reply to the same. While we are not disposed to approve of the action of the Free-State men in Lawrence, in this matter, we surely see nothing in his Honor's reply that merits commendation, and for reasons we may specify hereafter, our columns being otherwise occupied this week.-We ask our readers to examine both documents carefully, as they will have a bearing on political events in the future.
QUINDARO.
As we have commenced publishing a new paper in a new town, our readers will, perhaps, expect us to say something of the prospects and promises of the place which, above all others in Kanzas, we preferred. It has become so common for persons interested in a new place, who have an opportunity to speak to the public relative thereto, to do so in such glowing terms, that we approach the task before us with reluctance, and with the old and homely adage forcing itself upon our mind, that "self praise is half scandal." That little coin which because of its influence is frequently called "the almighty dollar," we can assure our readers, has lost none of its potency by being transported to Kanzas. Persons pursue it with an avidity that would astonish many of its zealous devotees in the States. Speculation is the resort of many of its votaries, and this speculation very often causes them to see their interests through a colored medium.
There are few towns or "cities" started in the Territory, that were not originated for the purpose of making money, and very few persons become interested in a town enterprize through any other motive. If they buy lots, or open a business, or even only select it for a home, as a general thing, one consideration, and often the paramount one, will be of a pecuniary character, which, while it may be altogether right and proper, makes it natural for them to think they have made a good selection, and quite as natural for them to try to convince others of the same thing. At most it is pleasant for a person to have others concur in any opinion, and particularly so when that concurrence is likely to result in a pecuniary advantage. Hence we infer that our readers will expect us to say something very nice about Quindaro, to dilate upon the wonderful advantages of which we think it possessed, and go into a rhapsody over some vision in which we may behold it a city, with busy wharves and thronged streets, great stores and extensive factories, lecture-rooms and seminaries, "gorgeous palaces and solemn temples!" in which conjecture, however, they are likely to be mistaken. We must leave the journalists of other places to write about "the great metropolis of that vast region of country lying between Missouri and the Rocky Mountains," which "is destined to hold a proud position as a commercial and mercantile emporium," and, in the nature of things, "is the National gateway into Kanzas."
The position of Kanzas and the rapidly expanding commerce of the Great West, or rather the Great Center of our country, will cause the upbuilding of a mart of trade at some point on the Missouri river, and that too, within the limits of Kanzas, but we do not say that point will be Quindaro. It may with certainty be predicted that in a few years there will be some city west of St. Louis, in Kanzas, and on the Missouri, that will hold the same commercial relation to the western portion of the Mississippi Valley that Cincinnati does to the eastern, but we are not disposed to predict that the village which is now our pioneer home, will be the Cincinnati of this region. There will be some great Railway center, some commercial point where northern and southern and eastern and western routes will intersect each other, but those roads are yet to be built, and it is the business of the capitalists to select the location of their routes, and not ours to prophesy in regard to them. Wherever this fortune-favored point may be, there most surely will be a fair proportion of American artisans and manufacturers make for themselves a useful and profitable field of labor. As there are "cities" in Kanzas on the Missouri, whilst this place is only a thriving village, might it not hazard our foresight to vaticinate in its especial favor? We think it best to state what we know, in preferences to what we may anticipate about Quindaro.
ITS HISTORY
The founding of Quindaro was the result of necessity. Its existence is attributable to circumstances which form an important chapter in the history of Kanzas. A large proportion of the Free-State men residing in the Territory one year ago had sought homes on the Kanzas river, and in portions of the country south of that stream. Many had selected those locations when all was tranquil and subsequent difficulties were not dreamed of. When the disturbances arose and the opposition "Came down like the wolf on the fold," the Free-State men found themselves hemmed in by their foes, found that even in the Territory they could only reach the nearest national highway, the Missouri river, by going to ports under the control of the enemy, for there was not a town on the river which was not under the dominion of the Pro-Slavery men.
These circumstances led active Free-State men to engage in the project of selecting and improving a town site on the Missouri, through which they might with safety, pass into and out of the Territory. The party that engaged in this were somewhat divided as to where that place should be located, but after a careful examination of all the practicable points, the leaders and most prominent Free-State men of the prospecting party and engaged in the enterprise, selected this site, organized a town company, bought the land, plotted the town and styled it Quindaro, the given name of the person from whom part of the purchase was made-a favorite name for females, common among the Wyandott Indians. The officers of the town were chosen: Joel Walker, President; A. Guthrie, Vice President; C. Robinson, Treasurer, and S. N. Simpson, Secretary. The town was surveyed by O.A. Bassett, in December, 1856.
NATURAL ADVANTAGES
Quindaro is situated on the Missouri, about three miles by land and six by water, above the mouth of the Kanzas river. The site is hilly and rocky. Without a rocky formation it is almost impossible to make a wharf on the Missouri that will be permanent, and along its course such a formation is found only where the banks rise up into hills. Besides this solid base for a wharf the course of the river is such that the channel must remain on this side, which will ensure the continuation of a good landing steamers. Along the town site, when the river has been at a very low stage, by accurate sounding the shallowest place found was seven feet, and most of the way the water was ten feet deep.
To persons accustomed to living in a level country, the hills here at first sight, seem high, but one soon become familiarized to them that they loose their apparent magnitude. The rock which they contain are of a good quality for building purposes, durable and yet not hard to work.
The town site was a woodland, and it is yet surrounded by an extensive tract of forest, which abound in huge walnut, hickory, lin, ash and oak trees, and other valuable timber. Excellent stone and dusty trees being so near at hand, will render the erection of substantial business houses and elegant dwellings comparatively easy.
The lands adjacent in Kanzas, composed of the grants of the Wyandott and Delaware Indians are very fertile. These grants extend westward from the Missouri along the north side of the Kanzas river, so that while they contain much valuable prairie lands, they also are abundantly supplied with timber. To the south and south-west lie the Shawnee Lands, that desirable portion of the Territory, with which we are already connected by a good road, as well as with the rich region beyond them. Immediately opposite to Quindaro, and extending northward in Missouri, is a "..."country much of which is now under cultivation.
PROGRAMS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Under this head we will not speak of the future, which to all persons is adorned with glorious expectations, but of the past, which is a reality.-On the first day of January, 1857, the ground was broken, the first spade full of earth removed. On that day nearly every primitive tree stood here, scarcely due had ever been cut down; the rocks jutted their grey edges out of the hill-side, but the moss that grew on there had not been disturbed; the river swept along in its swift course, washing against a bank that had not been touched by pick-ax or shovel. Since then there have been two rigorous winter months, and two inclement spring months to impede the transportation of implements, and machinery essential to improvements, and to retard the labor here. The ice, snow, rain and cold weather were obstacles not to be controlled.
The trees have been removed from several acres of the town site. Enough grading has been done on the hills nearest the river to make access to the wharf very easy. Kanzas Avenue, the main street running south from the river, has been sufficiently improved to its junction with a good road leading into the country, to enable heavy loads to be hauled along it without difficulty. A considerable force is now engaged upon grading the wharf and its avenue. Between thirty and forty houses have been erected and are occupied. The largest is a hotel, which is the second in size in the Territory, and among other buildings is a school house, in which during the week there is a school, and for the present, on every Sabbath there is church. There are also sixteen business houses in progress of erection, some of which are nearly completed. Most of them are being built of stone, in a substantial manner and good style.
CHARACTER OF BUSINESS
By referring to our advertising column it will be seen that there are already opened, two Hotels, two commission houses, two dry goods store, and an apothecary shop, a saw mill, stone yard, carpenter shops, several land agencies, a surveyor's office, and, that in case of affliction, the citizens will not be without medical attendance. Besides the business exhibited in the advertisements, there are builders, cabinet makers and blacksmiths located here.
The term Hotel, as used in this Territory, is a very equivocal in its signification. It is applied in common, to places where travelers are fleeced for sleeping on boards, and where they can get good accommodations at reasonable prices. The accommodations here are ample and good enough for us, and persons who have traveled extensively in Kanzas attest that they are not equalled at any other point. The stores are not mere "shops" where remnants and antiquated articles are sold at exhorbitant prices, but are furnished with complete and fresh stocks, which besides supplying an already active retail trade, are sold to other dealers in wholesale quantities at wholesale prices. The saw mill is projected on a large scale, having sufficient motive power to drive five saws, a lath machine, turning lathe, &e. One saw is in operation that cuts at the rate of 5,000 feet of lumber per day.
PROSPECTS
In this paper we are not declined to expatiate upon the future, but feel disposed to say in conclusion, that the prospects for the rapid growth of Quindaro in size and business importance are flattering. The fact that her citizens manifest no discouragement and no laxity in their respective enterprises, we do not think attributable to any illusion from speculation but to actual profits which they are already realizing, and richer rewards which they have a conscious assurance will soon be theirs.
In regard to Quindaro it has been our object to deliver "a round unvarnished tale," that whoever may be induced to come here, will not be disappointed through aught we have published.
ITEM-Next week we shall publish an article entitled "Kansas and her Railroads" which we merit the particular attention of all those who feel interested in the future prosperity of our future State. The development of the natural resources with which Providence has blessed this region, depends to a considerable extant for its rapidity, upon the completion of good railroads. Their projection and construction is therefore a matter of general interest, which it is the province and the duty of journalists to present. Believing this, and not being in possession of the necessary facts, a friend who has had ample opportunity to ascertain them, at our request prepared the article alluded to. Being familiar with those general principles, the knowledge of which enables the possessor to calculate with certainty what great lines of roads the trade and travel and emigration if our country will yet demand, and being so familiar with the construction of railroads that he is fully competent to judge from the surface of the country, the probable route and location of such roads, we are pleased to lay his views before the public.
ITEM-The trial of the Free-State men, Charles Robinson, G. W. Deitzler, G.W. Smith, John Brown, Jr., G. Jenkins, H. H. Williams, and G. W. Brown, for Treason, and Sam C. Smith, and Sam F. Tappan, for rescuing Jacob Branscom from "Sheriff" Jones, on the night of November 26th, 1855, was set for Monday, May 3d., inst., before Judge Cato, at Lecompton. The court met on the appointed day. The Grand Jury was sworn in and charged, and a petit Jury empanelled, and all the persons to be tried were present except G. W. Brown. The proceedings thus far are of little interest. We understand that a question has arisen whether it is the province of the District Attorney or Attorney General to prosecute the trial, and at last accounts this question was being argued. From what we can gather, we are inclined to believe that among the parties under whose control the prosecution comes, there is a difference of desire and purpose-some wishing to have a nolle prosequi entered, and others to have the matter undergo the judicial investigation that has been instituted. Wonderful if there is a division in the camp?
ITEM-The officers of some of the steamers on the Missouri take especial pains to ignore the existence of Quindaro. We have frequently been informed by passengers up, that whilst in regard to their inquiries respecting other points above and below on the river, they would receive affable replies, to those in regard to this place, they received nothing satisfactory; and when they wished to land here, instead of cordially complying with their request, the officers would endeavor to discourage them from such intention, and persuade them to land either below or above. This is unjust. We ask no special favors; all we desire is a fair show. We have our eye upon persons who are so officious for other points; and hereafter any recurrence of the above petty tricks will be definitely specified.
ITEM-In Kanzas some things are projected on a grand scale. The 'enterprising' folks of a 'city' containing a score or two of houses are circulating tickets of invitation to a Ball, having no less than fifty-one names on it announced as 'Managers.' Fast people in Kanzas!
"DUTY TO SUBSCRIBE!"
In one of our Territorial cotemporaries, a considerable space is occupied with an advertisement of itself, abounding in displayed lines, in which it is assumed that it is the duty of every Free-State man in the Territory to subscribe to the so and so; that for specified reasons "every man in the Territory should become a subscriber!" and "Every man outside the Territory should" become one, also.
In the Territory, it may be with newspaper proprietors as it is with the proprietors of towns and "cities," (of which there is such an abundant crop springing up,) that each one thinks his "institution," for divers and sundry reasons, is the summun bonum, the sine qua non, the chief promise and main-stay of the present prosperity and future advancement of Kanzas. And this may all be very well; for it is very certain that if the owner of anything underrates its value, others seldom take the trouble to elevate the standard he has fixed, whilst on the other hand, we are inclined to believe that in all things, except religion and politics, it is not very difficult to persuade others to think very nearly as you do.
But the assumptions above cited, have suggested to us the propriety of stating that we do not come before the people of the Territory or of the States with any such imperative claims upon them for their support. We cannot conceive wherein it is a duty incumbent upon any person to become a subscriber to any particular paper. As a general thing, the publishing of a newspaper is an individual enterprise, undertaken by the proprietors to conserve their own interests.-All journalists should, and we believe very many do, have a true conception of the responsibilities they assume in undertaking to direct the influence which a paper has upon the mind of the public; but we are inclined to think that very few editors or proprietors become such for the sole purpose; and with no other hope than of directing that influence for the good of humanity. It may be that that journalist has the most correct view of his position who feels that he takes upon himself the responsibilities of his profession, as a part of the task he is required to perform, and perform in such a manner that his own mind will be enlivened and his heart gladdened, by a review of its results.
Being an individual enterprize, it comes with few, if any higher claims for support, than many, perhaps all other undertaking, for it is no farther from being indispensible to the well-being of society than they; but like them, it may have that within itself which will make it advantageous for a community to give it a generous patronage. This being the case, the publishers of a newspaper should expect their success to be measured by the merits of their paper; and we feel safe in saying that our countrymen so fully comprehend the advantages of having good newspapers, that few meritorious ones ever dwindle and die for want of support.
Whilst, then, we do not feel that it is any person's imperative duty to subscribe for the Chindowan, we intend to earnestly endeavor to make it a paper of such merit that all in our vicinity, and very many persons in other parts of the Territory and in the States, will feel it to be to their advantage to subscribe for it, and interest themselves in its behalf, that it may have a liberal support. If, however, any persons may feel that it is their duty aside from other considerations, to aid our enterprise, to such as to all other patrons, we tender our thanks in advance.
ITEM-The address prepared by the Committee of the Free State Convention, which occupies a considerable portion of this week's paper, is worthy of being carefully read. It contains we believe, an impartial resume of occurrences in Kanzas during the past two years, and thus presents in a desirable form, facts which have created a deep sensation throughout the land, and which may yet be invested with a new interest because of the influence they may have upon that adjustment of affairs here which remains to be made, but which, if they should not, it will be interesting to have collated in so concise a manner, they -being to horrid first-fruits of that new governmental policy which was concocted for the nationalization of slavery, and has been inaugurated through civil war.
IMPORTANT MOVEMENT.
On the second day of May the citizens of so-called Anderson county held a public meeting at Hyatt, for the purpose of taking steps to organize a government for the town of Hyatt and said county. Nearly two hundred persons were present. The meeting was duly organized, after which a declaration of rights were made. It was asserted that the county has been entirely without a government, there being no legal officers appointed by any authority. A town government was organized, Mayor, four Aldermen, and eight councilmen elected, also clerks and constables, and a citizen's Guard, composed of two companies, sixty men each, was formed.
On May 4th another meeting was held, and a County organization perfected.-One Judge and four Associates were chosen. The County was divided into School and Road Districts. W.F.M. Arny was chosen Judge. A resolution was passed to nominate and elect a representative to the Free State Legislature.
"CITY."
Kansas is the land abounding in "cities." We know there are some of that class denominated "old fogies," who during the recent Presidential campaign, could not be induced to believe that it was a matter of any great importance what might be the future of Kanzas, because it was so far from their homes that to them it seemed no less impossible than incredible for it to become a great State. Since that time scarcely half a year has passed away, and yet we are not enabled to announce that Kanzas is a land of cities, yea, a land abounding in cities!-A few months ago, the Opposition were compelled to exhaust their rage by burning villages-but villages now are unheard of in the Territory, for it has become the land of "cities." Scarcely more than two years ago the flowers of the prairie bloomed unseen by any save the Red Man, and the forests were dense and pathless; but now this region of wild woods and natural meadows, has become a land of cities!
If our readers think we are exaggerating, we ask them to look at the recent maps of the Territory; read the papers published in Kanzas, and the "Kanzas Correspondence" of papers in the States, or travel over the Territory in search of a place to make investments, and they will find a catalogue of cities that will verify our declaration, and they will moreover be ready to admit "..." the changes which occurred during the Rip Van Winkle's twenty years' nap, have been eclipsed here in as many months! Is there not "Wyandott city" and "Leavenworth city," "Delaware city" and "Manhattan city, " and a host of other cities too tedious to mention? Who will gainsay that in our glorious confederacy, where some men "native and to the manor born," are not to be regarded citizens, and others, who first saw the green earth beyond the ocean may become citizens, there is a march of improvement so wonderful as to be almost fabulous? Who but the "live Yankees" could fill a primitive country with cities whilst other folks were gathering one or two crops of corn?
Some absurdities are amusing, and we are inclined to think that the manner in which the term "city" is applied in Kanzas is one of them. Every person must know that the largest collection of houses at any point in the Territory can only be denominated a village, unless there has been a revision of definitions since those who are now men used to play "hookey" at school; and yet the country is flooded with plots and newspapers are teeming with recommendations of numberless 'cities.' Very many excellent sites for business places have been selected and located for future towns, which certainly is very wise, but in a large number of instances, to the chosen name the proprietors have appended the term "city," which surely is funny. It is true they may be cities in embryo, and we expect many of them are, but the indiscriminate and general application referred to, is both ludicrous and absurd. It recalls to our mind an incident in the life of a woman who used to live near our early home.-She had a passion for raising chickens and always had a swarm of them in and about the yard, and likewise had a name for each member of her flock. When a very boy, it was to us a great favor to get to visit her, and few things were more gratifying to our juvenile fancy than to see her call up her feathered host in the evening to feed them. Her favorite was a large smooth white hen, (no a shang-hai, however, for it was before their day,) which she called "Speckle." To account for this, we puzzled our little poll some time in vain, and then we ventured to ask of "Lizbet" an explanation, with which she favored us. Upon a time she was presented with a "setting" of choice eggs, and so much interested was she in having choice names for the expected brood that she named and marked each particular egg, and lo! in due time from the shell marked "speckle" came forth the chick which had grown up to be her favorite white hen! We hope that the proprietors of no embryo "city" in our Territory will, in a single instance, be compelled to see that they have made such a misnomer as did "Lizbet," and then indeed will Kanzas be a land abounding in cities!
ITEM-There is a strong feeling among the Free-State men in favor of setting the Free-State Government into an active operation. We almost daily see persons from different parts of the Territory, who affirm that this hope is extensively cherished, while objections are urged only by a few disappointed aspirants in the party.
ITEM-Last week there was a meeting of Free-State men held at Lawrence, at which we understand a committee was appointed to codify laws to be presented to the Legislature at the June session for its action. We also understand that a subscription of $300 was raised in a few minutes to defray the expenses of said committee.
ITEM-The Kanzas river is low and entirely unnavigable. Freight and passengers should ship to Delaware or Leavenworth, as there is little hopes of navigating the Kanzas river the present season, and the overland distance is fourteen to fifteen miles less to Delaware than to any point below that on the Missouri river.- Herald of Freedom.
Delaware is thirty miles from Lawrence, while Quindaro a "point below that on the Missouri river," is thirty-one miles from Lawrence. Will the editor of the Herald oblige the public by trying his hand at subtraction?
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item-The "..." "..." of good schools "is a matter" of first importance to the prosperity of our young town and Territory. Without noticing other appliances necessary to the successful teaching of youth, we would call the attention of those interested, to the subject of School Books. Much time has been wasted, as well as money, and good teachers failed to advance their pupils as they should have done, simply because of false economy which would retain a multiplication of old books, to save the expense of new ones. Books equally adapted to the purposes of instruction cause great loss of time and interest in the school, if allowed to divide the scholars into an unnecessary number of classes. Other conditions being equal, the fewer the classes the better the progress of the school, as the interest of the scholars is less divided and that time of the teachers can be more economically applied.
We make these remarks at this time, in order to call the attention of parents to a series of school books at Dr. Budington's office, placed in his hands by the publishers, at less than remunerative prices, for reasons which the Doctor will no doubt be happy to explain. These books, published by A.S. Barnes & Co., New York City, are most extensively used in New England, recommended by Public and State Boards and Superintendents of Instruction, with a view to the establishment of a uniform system of instruction.
Parents will see at once the good economy of adopting throughout the Territory, serial editions of standard works for our schools. The series of books noticed, have the rare merit of securing thoroughness, and it is to be hoped that parents will second every effort for a thorough and systematic course of Instruction. N.
CARBONDALE.
We refer our readers to a notice in another column, for the Trustees of the Carbondale Town Company. We understand the location of this town to be the most desirable portion of the land once covered by the map of Council City. This will explain to most citizens at the Territory that advantages of the election, and will perhaps suggest "..." of the miserable failure of and fraud perpetrated by the so-called American Settlement Company of New York. Council City has been long known as one of the most admirable town sites in Kanzas. Situated between the Switzler and Dragoon Creeks, which constitute the head waters of the Osage, surrounded by the most valuable coal beds yet discovered in the Territory, and lying on the great Santa Fe road, which furnishes a market at all times for every thing raised in Kanzas soil, its advantages are not surpassed by any inland town with which we have any acquaintance. The presumed proprietors of this valuable tract having never taken any steps towards procuring title to the lands, it has now passed into the hands of the Carbondale Town Company. The gentlemen constituting this Company have never had any connection with the American Settlement Company, and now propose the building of a town with bona fide capital and character. We understand the officers of the Company to be as follows:
Prof. E. Daniels, President.
Horance White, Secretary.
P. Sidney Post, Treasurer.
Dr. Charles Robinson, Director.
A.N. Hubbard, Director.
We learn that improvements to the amount of $20,000 will be placed on the ground as fast as possible. The known ability and energy of the proprietors guarantee a new order of things in that locality in a very brief time.
PITTSBURG.
While we have heard of divers and sundry "cities" in Kanzas, the above is the only "Burg" of which we have any knowledge. It is situated at the junction of the of the Big Blue and Kanzas rivers, lying on the east side of the Blue and north side of Kanzas, opposite to and east of Manhattan 'City,' and two-thirds of the site it occupies is surrounded by the above rivers. The great military road from Leavenworth to the western forts passes through it. It is fifteen miles from Fort Riley. If we understand the configuration of the surrounding country, this place and Manhattan, are located in a kind of gap or passage through which it will be most natural for all the travel and trade from the Missouri river about the mouth of the Kanzas, to pass to the great West beyond, to the fort therein, to Santa Fe and other points. Pittsburg is surrounded by the Big Blue River Valley, remarkable for the fertility of its soil and its "..." growth of timber, besides which "..." is a extensive tract of fine country "..." westward, which may be made "..." to its prosperity. The proprietors of this town are making great "ex..." to connect it directly with the Missouri by a good road, and it is confidently expected that this undertaking will be speedily consummated. The advantages of this town we expect to give more in detail, hereafter, having only stated the above points to direct the attention of our readers to it.
ITEM-School was opened in Quindaro on Monday, May 3rd. Enough money has been subscribed to defray the expenses for several months-"..." CARPENTER, daughter of Mrs. C. I. H. "NICHOLS", has been engaged as teacher.
ITEM-Richardson's Missouri Express, runs regularly on the Lightning Line Steamers, and connects at St. Louis, with all the Express Companies of the East. An office has been established in Quindaro, M. B. Newman, Agent. All things entrusted to them are forwarded with promptness and dispatch.
ITEM-Within the last ten days, about two hundred thousand feet of pine lumber has been landed at the wharf in Quindaro.
"ELOTTMENT."
On Sunday morning May 2nd the good people of Quindaro were surprised by learning that the population of the town had been depleted since the going down of the sun the evening before. "Judge"-and a red cheeked Miss-had taken to themselves wings and flown away or departed in some other mysterious manner. As it was the second attempt for them it is to be supposed, that they knew the ropes well enough to make a sure thing of it this time.
AN AFFRAY.
Yesterday, at Franklin, a messenger of Richardson's Express Co., and a Free-State man got into a quarrel; the messenger drew a knife, his antagonist took out a revolver and killed him. We have not heard the particulars.
CHURCH.
There will be church at the School House in Quindaro next Sabboth, at 10 ½ A.M. Sabboth School in the afternoon, as usual.
I.O.O.F.
The members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows are requested to meet at the Quindaro House, on this (Wednesday) evening.
MASONIO.
All Free and Accepted Masons in this vicinity, are requested to meet at the Quindaro House, on Friday evening May 15th inst.
STATE LINE.
The Hacks for Lawrence start from Quindaro every morning, at 8 o'clock. The morning line from Lawrence reaches here at 4 o'clock, P.M. This line runs regularly, and has a large patronage.
ENTER FROM LECOMPTON.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, May 13.
We have just heard, through reliable authority, that nolle prosequi has been entered in the case of the Free-State prisoners who have been on trial there, under charge of treason.
RIVER NEWS.
The Missouri river is rising slowly and steadily, and has been for three or four days. The boats passing to and fro are well loaded with freight and passengers. The Lightning line running in connection with the Pacific Railroad, from Jefferson City to Weston, make regular trips. The boats in this line are the Polar Star, F. X. Aubry, Cateract, New Lucy, and Australia. Hereafter we shall report all the Steamboat arrivals at and departures from our wharf.
The Kanzas river is very low. We understand that the Lightfoot is aground near Eureka Ferry.
Yesterday (Tuesday) it rained here about two hours. The river was rough-the weather chilly.
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
From the Mo. Democrat of May 9th-
Washington, May 8.-The cabinet to-day were almost exclusively occupied with Kanzas affairs, Mr. Walker being present several hours. He will take the oath of office as governor here, before leaving for Kanzas, Monday or Tuesday.
The official and private accounts daily received induce both him and the administration to believe there will be no serious, if any, obstruction to the adjustment of the pending difficulties in that territory.
The Dallas Clarendon Treaty, as amended, has been virtually rejected in England.
Queen Victoria has given birth to another princess, which makes the ninth royal baby of which she is mother.
LETTERS OF THE CITIZENS OF LAWRENCE AND GOV. STANTON.
LAWRENCE, APRIL 25, 1857.
Hon. F. P. Stanton, Acting Governor of Kanzas Territory.
Dear Sir:--In your address to the people of Lawrence last evening, we understood you to say, in substance, you would enforce the laws enacted by a legislature elected by the people of another state, until they should be repealed; and also, if the laws are unjust and distasteful, our remendy is the ballot-box. History has indelibly recorded the fact, which Gen. McLean admitted in our presence last evening, that the ballot box was taken from the people of Kanzas Territory on the 30th March, 1855, and has not to this day been returned. From that time to the present, the people have had no voice whatever in making laws or in selecting officers to administer them, notwithstanding the world-wide declarations of the administration at Washington, and its friends elsewhere, that the people should be perfectly free to regulate their institutions in their own way, subject only to the Constitution of the United States.
We are now invited to participate in an election of delegates to a Constitutional convention, to meet in September next, to form a Constitution and State Government. We are told that the election law is a good one, and the voice of the actual settlers can be heard at the polls, and justice will be meted out to all parties. We regret that the past conduct of the officers to superintend this election has not been such as to permit us to believe that they will secure a fair vote of the people; and the fact that many well-known citizens in Kanzas are omitted from the registery list, and that as well-known citizens and residents of Missouri are registered, is conclusive proof to us that a fair election is not intended and will not be permitted by the officers who have thus far had the matter in charge. But if a fair election is intended, notwithstanding the body of men calling it was not elected by the people of Kanzas, and notwithstanding the people have already formed a constitution of which a large majority approve, we, the undersigned, are willing to overlook the past, and go into the election of delegates to a Constitutional Convention, should a convention of the people of Kanzas concur, if the following course will be adopted by the officers of the election, to wit:
1st. Two persons shall be selected in each township or district, to correct the registry list-one by the pro-slavery and one by the free-state party-who shall proceed in company to take the census and re-register all legal voters; and the Probate Judges shall correct their first lists, and the apportionment of delegates shall be made according to these returns.
2d. Four judges of election shall be elected from each voting precinct--two by the pro-slavery and two by the free-state party--and the names of three of said judges shall be required to a certificate of election to entitle a person to a seat in the convention.
We think your Excellency will at once perceive that some such course must be pursued to correct the list, or no correction can be made. We are informed by credible reports that in some districts non-residents to the number of thousands have already been registered, while actual free-state settlers have been refused; and how else can the lists be corrected than by a re-taking of the census by some person or persons who have regard for an oath? Testimony of a negative character can avail nothing; and to obtain positive testimony with reference to the residence of those enlisted from another state would be impossible, in the short time before the election.
That you have the power to take any course you may think proper to secure a fair election, we have no doubt. It is not material that the letter of the law calling the election should be strictly followed; indeed, no law at all is requisite, so that the will of a majority of the people can be ascertained. Congress can give legality to a constitution formed in accordance with a previous territorial act or without one; and we trust your Excellency will restore the ballot-box to the people of Kanzas, in all its purity, at any risk of informality in minor and non-essential provisions of the election regulations. Very respectfully Your obed't servants. [signed by several citizens of Lawrence.]
GOV. STANTON'S REPLY.
LECOMPTON,K.T., APRIL 30, 1857.
GENTLEMEN:
Yours of the 25th inst., reached me only by last night's mail. I proceed without delay to reply to the propositions you make in reference to the election, about to be held, for Delegates to a Constitutional Convention.
As I take a different view of the laws of the Territory from that which you express, it will be impossible for me to consent to any new proceeding in opposition to that which has been sanctioned by the Legislative authorities. I did not hear from Gen'l Maclean, any such admission as you represent him to have made.--That gentlemen spoke only of his individual action in the particular mentioned; and whether that action was right or wrong, or whether it occurred in that individual instance only, or in a thousand others, by men either from Missouri or Massachusetts, it could not invalidate the laws which now prevail in the Territory. If I believed, as I do not believe, your assertion that the laws of Kanzas were "enacted by a Legislature elected by the people of adjoining State," it would still be impossible for me to set them aside. The attempt to do so would be an act of gross usurpation, not less objectionable in its character and effects than the fraudulent interference which you attribute to the people of Missouri. I must therefore say to you, in the most explicit language, that I can do nothing which denied the authority and validity of the laws enacted within the Territory. Congress alone has power to abrogate them.
I have no authority over the Probate Judges. It is not my province to advise them in relation to the performance of their judicial functions. Yet it would not be improper for me to say that it would be very judicious and becoming in them to obtain every possible information from respectable men of both parties, in order to enable them to correct the list of voters. If such impartial men of their own will, and within the time limited by law, could take a new census and present it to the Probate Judges with sufficient proof of its fairness and accuracy, I think that the Probate Judges would be bound to adopt it to and return it to the Governor as the true list legally corrected. I should be sorry to see any Probate Judge in the Territory refuse to receive sworn testimony of two respectable men, differing in politics, as to any matter within their knowledge connected with the residence of citizens, and their qualifications as voters. I do not believe such a wrong can possibly have occurred, and I therefore say, that if you had been desirous of obtaining a correct list of voters for the coming election, you had it in your power to accomplish that object in perfect conformity with the law.
It is not my purpose to reply to your statements of fact. I cannot do so from any personal knowledge enabling me either to admit or deny them. I may say, however, that I have heard statements quite as authentic as your own, and in in some instances from members of your our own party, to the effect that your political friends have very generally, indeed, almost universally, refused to participate in the pending proceeding for registering the names of the legal voters. In some instances they have given fictitious names, and in numerous others they have refused to give any names at all. You cannot deny that your party has heretofore resolved not to take part in the registration; and it appears to me that, without indulging ungenerous suspicions of the integrity of the officers, you might well attribute any errors and omissions of the sheriffs to the existence of this well-known and controlling fact.--I forbear to say anything of the unreasonableness of your requirement that we shall set aside the law in order to accomplish what you have refused to do in obedience to its provisions. But I will be most happy to learn that you gentlemen, and your party friends, generally, have been at work in earnest with a view to enable the Probate judges to present a true and perfect list of the legal voters of the Territory. You have had power to correct the lists; if you have failed to do it the fault will be your own.
In reference to your proposition to appoint four judges of election at every place of voting, I have to say that the law very wisely authorizes only three.--The Governor has nothing to do with their appointment. It is not in my power, therefore, to adopt your suggestions in this particular. If I had any authority in the matter, I would in every instance appoint as judges of election, one Republican of your party, one National Democrat in favor of a free State, and one National Democrat in favor of a slave State. This would be quite as fair and impartial a mode of proceeding as ever is, or indeed can be adopted by political parties in any country. I most sincerely hope the Probate judges may adopt this suggestion, or any other which may better avail to secure a perfectly fair and independent expression of the popular will. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obed't serv't. FRED. P. STANTON.
To Dr. C. Robinson, Wm. Hutchinson, Ed. Clark, Eph. Nute, Esqs., and others, Lawrence, K. T.
We also subjoin a letter from Gen'l. McLean, published in the Lecompton Union, it is said in explanation of a portion of the letter from the citizens of Lawrence:
Lecompton, K.T., 30 April, 1857,
Messrs. Editors: -The admission alleged to have been made by me, as stated in the letter show to me to-day, and which you design publishing, from Dr. Robinson and others, of Lawrence, to Hon. F. P. Stanton, Acting Governor, is perverted from the following statement made by me at the supper table there, while refuting the general charge made by them, of the interference of the Missourians with the ballot box of Kanzas. I stated that the most flagrant instance they could find was that of my own case. That for years previous to the organization of Kanzas as a Territory, having known the country well, I had determined to reside here whenever opened for settlement. That not being ready to move over at the time, and anxious to have a voice in moulding the institutions under which I design living, I had come to Kansas and voted, then returned; but considered myself a citizen of Kanzas, had not exercised the elective franchise since that time in Missouri, but have resided and voted here for nearly two years past. That I felt that I had neither done them injustice or wrong by that vote or any other cast since--though always on the opposite side. Respectfully, &c., L.A. MACLEAN.
ROMAN CATHOLIC COUNTRIES.
In Protestant England, says the New York Observer, the cases of murder annually have been found to be four to every million of the people. In Ireland they have been found to be nineteen to a million. In Belgium, the best Catholic nation on the Continent, the murders have been found to be eighteen to a million. In France, they are thirty-one to a million. In Austria, thirty-six; in Tuscany, fifty; in Rome, the sacred seat of Romanism, one hundred and thirteen; in Naples, one hundred and seventy-four; in Spain and Portugal, twenty.
The difference as to licentiousness is fully as great. In London, out of 75,000 births, (speaking in round numbers) in one year, 3,000 were illegitimate; in Paris, there were 29,000 legitimate and 19,000 illegitimate; Vienna, 8000 legitimate and 10,000 illegitimate; Rome, out of 4,000 births, 3,000 were foundlings--three-fourth of whom died in the asylum. This may give us some idea of what a scourge to the world Romanism is. Ignorance, filth, poverty and crime ever walk in its path.
These facts were sometime ago furnished in a letter of Mr. Hobart Seymour to Lord Palmerston, and we present them now with a view of calling attention to the connection between Popery and vice. We are appalled at the increase of crime in this country, and the statistics of our prisons continue to exhibit the fact that foreigners constitute a large portion of the criminals. And it is needless to say that most of these foreigners are Roman Catholics.
Why are fowls the most economical things farmers keep? Because for every grain of corn, they give a peek.
Fast men, like fast rivers, are generally the shallowest.
A man never forgets an insult to his pride or purse; a woman to her beauty or love.
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AN ADDRESS
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"..." in the polluted garments of fanatical "..." before such a tribunal charge against a Free-State man, no matter how base, how "...", how frivolous, was equivalent in conviction. Law was a mockery, principles meaningless, and justice but a word. To illustrate the truth of what we affirm we need but "..." murder of "..." and the subsequent action of the Supreme Court, of which Gov. Geary gives the following account: When he reached Buffum the poor fellow was lying upon the earth in his agonies, the blood streaming from his wounds, and the cold sweat of death upon his brow. He seized the Governor's hand, and declared that as he hoped for mercy hereafter he was innocent of all cause of offence--that it was a most foul and unprovoked murder. He asked his assassin why he sought his life or desired to take his property--that upon his efforts depended the subsistence of an aged father and mother, a deaf and dumb brother and sister--that he himself was a cripple, and therefore harmless.--To this appeal he was told he was a "d----d Abolitionist, and that they intended to destroy the whole of them. Upon which Hayes, one of the gang, seized him by the collar, and, placing the pistol against his stomach, shot him. The Governor pledged him, while he held his cold hand in his own, that he would use all his power to bring his murderers to justice. "I spent," said the Governor, "five hundred dollars to have his assassin arrested; and I would have spent five thousand dollars to have done so, if it had been necessary." It is well known that the Goveror had Hayes arrested, but scarcely was he put in prison when Lecompte issued a writ of habeus corpus, had him released and set at liberty upon straw bail. Hayes is now in Missouri, and is playing the gentleman. The Governor further states that after the release of Hayes, Surveyor General Calhoun took occasion, in a public speech upon the matter, to declare that the discharge of Hayes was perfectly legal, and that it was a mistake to suppose that the Territorial laws were enacted for the benefit of any other persons than the Pro-Slavery men.
In consequence of Judge Lecompte's course in this case, and his determined opposition to Gov. Geary, the Governor demanded his removal from the office he disgraced.
On the first Monday in January, 1857, the second bogus Legislature "convened" at Lecompton. A more disgraceful session could not have been conceived, nor could a body of men have been found more bitterly opposed to the views and convictions of the Free-State party. Their legislation was a perfect mockery, forming a fit sequel to, and connecting link with, the enactments of the first odious and illegal body which inaugurated a "Reign of Terror" in Kansas, and spread a blighting devasation over the beautiful and peaceful face of the Territory. In vain Gov. Geary strove to moderate their fury and allay their passions. To no purpose did he veto their outrageous measures. Insensible to the dictates of reason, and deaf to the pleadings of justice, they yet had the impudence to believe that the actual residents of Kansas, would be forced to acknowledge their legality as a Legislature, and the binding force of their enactments. God forbid that such another "Legislature" pollute the soil or taint the atmosphere fo the Territory.
The Pro-Slavery Convention that met at Lecompton on the 12th of January was an outgrowth of this rotten and pestiferous trunk--an ugly but natural excresence. The address they coined is too palpably counterfeit to pass current, and adds but another to the formidable list of crimes of which the "Law and Order Party," or "National Democracy of Kansas," have been guilty-the crim of falsehood and perjury.
On the 4th of March Gov. Geary sent on his resignation to Washington. His reasons for this are only too well known. The faithfulness of the Federal Administration; the hostility of the Judiciary; the inactivity of the Military; the refusal to remove Lecompte; the want of funds, and the development of conspiracies against his life, compelled him to decline. His statements prove the desperate character of the Pro-Slavery leaders who have so long disturbed the peace of the Territory, and must convince even the most skeptical that the half of what the Free-State citizens have suffered has not yet been written. If it were but possible for every intelligent qualified elector of our country--either from the North or South--to come out here and examine for himself, listen to the accounts of those who have passed through the fiery ordeal of a two-year's residence, and learn, from personal observation the truth of what has occurred, loud and deep would be the indignation against the Pro-Slavery party.
Nor were the invading Missourians and Southerners the only opponents with whom the Free-State men of Kansas were compelled to contend. In defiance of protests, and petitions, and memorials, of the Congressional Committee's report, and detailed statements substantiated beyond the shadow of doubt, a Democratic majority in Congress has not only refused to grant the Free-State men redress, but even gone so far in the madness of party zeal, as to ridicule their prayers, to admit Whitfield, the bogus Delegate, and to refuse to adopt the Topeka Constitution, which had been endorsed by fully three-fourths of the residents of Kansas.
On the 10th of March a Free-State Convention assembled at Topeka, and adopted a platform which will be found appended to this Address. In that platform it will be seen that the Free-State men refuse to vote for delegates to a constitutional convention, under a register act which passed the last bogus Legislature. Late developments have proved the wisdom of this policy, for by the lists of qualified electors returned by the sheriffs of different counties, thousands of Free-State voters have been ignored, while the names of numerous unknown and mythical individuals are entered as "qualified electors."--All the machinery of the election is to be controlled by Pro-Slavery partizans, and it would be suicidal for the Free-State party to go into an election in the face of such odds, and with their past experience.
Although the present Federal Administration owes its success to the impression that prevailed at the North that the Chief Executive would use his influence and authority towards securing the freedom of Kanzas, if such should be the will of the people, we can see as yet no indication of any such policy on the part of Mr. Buchanan, and with moderation, yet firmness, we emphatically protest against Federal appointments that have been made in the Territory, selected, as they have been from the most guilty and obnoxious of our Pro-Slavery opponents.
Both President Buchanan in his Inaugural, and Gov. Walker, in his letter of acceptance, have pledged themselves to obtain "an open, honest, and independent expression of opinion from the bona fide residents of Kanzas." We look to see this pledge redeemed, and feel satisfied that if it is, the next Delegate to Congress and the next Legislature of Kanzas will be preeminently Free-State, and that, with a Free State Constitution, Kanzas will come into the Union.
At the municipal election in Leavenworth City, held Monday, April 13th, a Free State Mayor was elected by a majority of 184, over all other opponents. This is the first time in the history of the city that a fair vote has been obtained, and the result may be regarded as significant of the pervading opinion in Kanzas on the question of Freedom or Slavery.
Having this, "delinested" the course of events that have transpired in Kanzas; having shown how the Free State party, though embracing more than two-thirds actual settlers, have been deprived, through, fraud and violence, of any representation in legislative assemblies, and of any voice in the enacting of laws or the selection of Territorial officials, and being threatened with the enforcement and adoption of a Slave Constitution by Congress, for Kanzas we appeal, with the deepest sincerity and earnestness, to the Northern people, without distinction of party or creed, to aid in averting such a national calamity. We ask but that Congress may adopt the Topeka Constitution which has already passed the House, or that both it and the one that will be adopted by the Pro-Slavery convention in September, be returned to the people of the Territory, with an ennabling act providing for a fair and honest vote of the bona fide residents. We ask no more then this--we ask for no less.
None are more devoted to our Union and our Constitution than the Free-State citizens of Kanzas. For the institutions of our country none can have a deeper or more loyal attachment.-But we believe the purity of our Government, and the integrity of our institutions can only be preserved by the admission of Kanzas as a Free State. And such, we are convinced, are the convictions of a large majority of our population.-Though the past is voiceful with the wrongs and oppressions to which we have been forced to submit; though the marks of a tyrannous hand, with which we have been scourged have not yet been effaced, we can forget it all and forgive, if simple justice is granted us in the future.
We wish but that the Slavery or Freedom of Kanzas may be settled, once for all, by an honest and legal vote of the actual residents, in accordance with the principles of the Organic Act.
From our new-made homes in the distant West, far from the comforts and conveniences of settled society, yet struggling with the hardships and difficulties coincident with a border life, and suffering from the trials and sorrows to which we have been particularly subjected, we again appeal to Northern Freemen to stand by us in the dark emergency that threatens our future progress and prosperity. Let Northern Representatives be instructed to support our righteous prayers and claims, and let the people in their sovereign capacity, rising in dignity and might cheer us with their active sympathy and earnest cooperation.
Thus will the schemes and plots of political demagognes be foiled, and the freedom of a new State be attained. To the cause, and for the principles which have become endeared and saucitified through our sufferings, we acknowledge an unwavering devotion. Strong in the confidence of truth, reliant in the sincerity of our purpose, and hopeful in the patriotism and intelligence of our people, we cheerfully unfurl our standard, on which is inscribed our watchword and our motto--"Free Kanzas for Free Labor"--to realize which we pledge anew "our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."
JAMES DAVIS, Chairman,
Our readers, no doubt, recollect the exciting case in Boston, some time ago, in which a young man, by the name of Sumner, was whipped so severely by two men, named Dalton and Coburn, for alledged intercourse with their wives, that he died shortly after. Dalton has since applied for a divorce from his wife, on the ground of improper intercourse with Sumner, and the case being on trial in Boston recently, the following letter from Mr. Sumner to Mrs. Dalton was read:
Wednesday,A.M. My best beloved, dearest Nellie, forgive me, if in a moment of thoughtlessness, I have said or done aught that would wound your feelings; forgive me, if the excess of my love has caused me to express myself too warmly.
My own Nellie, if you experienced for perfect agony of love which thrills my breast, you would be able to overlook all the indiscretions into which such an ardent passion might lead me.
Dear Nellie, I cannot much longer support this unspeakable pain--this sinking of the heart--this burning of my brain--this tension of every muscle, and fullness of every vein. My mind is much confused, and my whole system seems burning with a liquid fire. Dear Nellie, it is you, and you alone, who can allay this agony; you, if you will, can bid these fires to burn more brightly, and yet less consumingly; you can still the overwhelming tempest of my passion, and soothe my troubled brain. And will you, Nellie, will you, after teaching my young heart to love, will you not let it feed upon love, or teach it to cease loving? for it must do one of these--either possess you entirely, or else think of you never again.
Nellie, dearest, appoint some time when we can meet, and be alone, free from disturbance, where I can pour into your ear what I cannot express with the pen. Do this, Nellie, and trust me when I assure you of my unwavering attachment. W.S.
The following verses, sent by Sumner to Mrs. Dalton, were also read by Mr. Dana:
Fly from the world, O Nellie, to me,
'Thou wilt never find any sincerer;
I'll give up this world, O Nellie for thee,
I can never meet any that's nearer.
Then tell me no more, with a tear or a sigh,
That our love will be censured by many;
All have their follies, and who will deny
That ours is the sweetest of any?
The idle are a very heavy tax upon the industrious, when by frivolous visitations they rob them of their time. Such persons beg their daily happiness from door to door, as beggars their daily bread, and, like them, sometimes meet with a rebuff. A mere gossip ought not to wonder if we evince signs that we are tired of him, seeing that we are entirely indebted for the honor of his visit solely to the circumstance of his being tired of himself. He sits at home until he has accummulated an insupportable load of ennui, and then sallies forth to distribute it among his acquaintance.
During the absence of the Governor, by the organic law of the Territory, the whole duties and responsibilities of the Executive are devolved upon me by virtue of my commission as Secretary. In assuming to exercise the functions of this high office, at this critical juncture in the affairs of the Territory, it is not inappropriate that I should briefly indicate the course which I shall feel it my duty to pursue.
The government of the United States recognizes the authority of the Territorial government in all matters which are within the scope of the organic act of Congress and consistent with the federal constitution. I hold that there can be no other rightful authority exercised within the limits of Kanzas, and I shall proceed to the faithful and impartial execution of the laws of the Territory, by the use of all the means placed in my power and which may be necessary to that end.
The government especially recognizes the Territorial act which provides for assembling a convention to form a constitution with a view of making application to Congress for admission as a state into the Union. That act is regarded as presenting the only test of the qualification of voters for delegates to the convention, and all preceeding repugnant restrictions are thereby repealed. In this light, the act must be allowed to have provided for a full and fair expression of the will of the people through the delegates who may be chosen to represent them in the constitutional convention. I do not doubt, however, that in order to avoid all pretext for resistance to the peaceful operation of this law, the convention itself will, in some form, provide for submitting the great distracting question regarding their social institutions, which has so long agitated the people of Kansas, to a fair vote of all the actual bona fide residents of the Territory, with every possible security against fraud and violence. If the constitution be thus framed, and the question of difference thus submitted to the decision of the people, I believe that Kansas will be admitted by Congress, without delay as one of the sovereign states of the American Union, and the Territorial authorities will be immediately withdrawn.
I need scarcely say that all the power of the territorial executive will be exerted with entire impartiality, to prevent fraud, to suppress violence, and to secure to every citizen a fair opportunity for the safe and peaceful exercise of his elevated privilege. It will be no less the duty than the earnest desire and great pleasure of the Governor or acting Governor of the Territory to carry out, in good faith, the policy of the President's Inaugural Address, in which he declares it to be "the imperative and indispensable duty of the government of the United States to secure to every resident inhabitant, the free and independent expression of his opinion by his vote. This sacred right of each individual must be preserved." and, "that being accomplished, nothing can be fairer than to leave the people of the Territory free from all foreign interference, to decide their own destiny for themselves, subject only to the Constitution of the United States."
Nothing is wanting but to secure the confidence of the people of all parties in the sincerity of the declared intention of the Territorial Executive to carry out these principles in good faith, in order to induce the co-operation of all good men in the pending measures for adopting a state constitution. The principles themselves cannot fail to be acceptable to the sober judgement of the people; and I ardently hope, for the sake of the paramount interests involved, that the necessary confidence will not be withheld.
The deplorable events which have marked the history of the Territory up to this, have doubtless left their natural results of enmity and heart-burning among the people, as also upon the criminals records of the Territorial courts. Indictments have been found against many of those who acted in a military capacity under the authority of the Territorial government, for acts and excesses alleged to be wholly illegal and unjustifiable. On the other hand, similar prosectutions have been instituted against those who resisted the Territorial authorities, and who undertook to retaliate for the alleged wrongs committed against them. It is my deliberate opinion, that, in order to promote peace and harmony, and to secure the future repose of the people, there ought to be a general amnesty in reference to all those acts, on both sides, which grew out of the political contest and which were not corruptly and feloniously committed for personal gain, and to gratify individual malignity. This measure, if adopted at all, ought to be adopted generously, without any consideration of the origin of the difficulty, and without question as to the party which may be responsible for the wrongs. It will involve no concession or advantage to either party, but will be merely an act of clemency, designed to obliterate, as far as possible, from the hearts of the people, all memory of the disastous and lamentable contest which has heretofore desolated this unhappy Territory. If it shall have that effect, though it may pardon some instances of gross wrongs and outrage, it will tend to calm the excited passions of the people, and to prevent similar occurences in the future. It will be a measure of conciliation and peace, and will leave the people free from apprehension in the future, so that they can securely devote themselves to those important labors which are destined to make this Territory a great, prosperous and happy State. FRED. P. STANTON, Lecompton, 17th April, 1857.
Joshua Ford, a Buchanan democrat, of Minnesota territory, published a letter in the Chicago Tribune, detailing a conversation which he held in Washington, a fews days since, with ex-Gov. Geary on Kansas affairs. The following extracts will be read with interest:
"I have all my life been what is called a National Democrat; and though my territorial residence forbade me taking any part in the presidential election, my sympathies and hopes were earnestly for Mr. Buchanan. I was not then, as you may imagine, exactly prepared to hear the tale that Gov. Geary told. I had looked upon the reports which had been circulated in the opposition newspapers as grossly exaggerated statements of occurences in the territory; and, though willing to admit that the pro-slavery men had been guilty of gross excess, I consoled myself with the natural supposition that the other side was equally to blame.
Even the report of the conversation of the Governor in the office of the Missouri Democrat, I looked upon as a partisan statement, greatly distorted for political purposes. Judge then of my suprise to hear from his lips a confirmation of all that I had looked on as false before, and to hear the remarks attributed to him by the Democrat not only re-affirmed, but repeated with minute details, which greatly heightened the effect of what he had to say.
I do not purpose to detail at length the conversation that filled almost an hour; but I cannot refrain from calling your attention and that of your readers to the few points which had not appeared in the many reports given by the public press. Passing over his confirmation of the charges of atrocities which have filled the Republican papers-a confirmation direct, positive and unequivocal-I will mention what he said in relatiou to the withdrawal of the troops:
"Every pro-slavery man of influence, as well as many of the saloon keepers, common loafers and the like, knew of the proposed withdrawal; and I was taunted by them-some of them the vilest of the vile-with the fact that I was to be left unsupported, long before I had an official notification of what was intended. I did not pay any attention to these things, in as much as I, though then suspicious, yet depended upon the positive assurances of the administration that I should be substained. The discovery that the people of the territory were to be left at the mercy of the assassins by whom they were threatened, was the severest trial to which I was subjected."
I repeat his language as literally as possible, and I am sure that I do not color or exaggerate the facts. In relation to the character of the men who have been laboring to destroy his power and influence, he observed:
"There are men here in Washington now, seeking for office, and with the probability that they will get what they ask, whose hands and arms up to their elbows are red with blood! I know them to be murderers! Yet they are graciously received by Mr. Buchanan and the cabinet, and their statements are taken as truth wherever they conflict with mine. They are treated with more cordiality and favor than I, who have tried to discharge my duty faithfully and honestly can ever hope to be."
In relation to the coming election and the probable complexion of the Constitutional Convention he said:
"I believe that at least two-thirds of the people of the territory are in favor of making Kansas free; but under the operation of the plans which their opponents have devised, there is no doubt that a pro-slavery constitution will be formed."
The Governor was very direct and explicit in his charges against the late administration, and by no means disposed to spare that now in power. He seemed to speak as an honest, injured man. Going to Kanzas with the intention of dealing alike with all parties and enforcing the laws as he found them, without inquiry as to how or by whom they were made, he soon learned that that policy was not what his party there or his superiors in office desired.
"They (I use his words) dread nothing so much as imparitality;" and as soon as they ascertained that he was not to be used for their purposes his troubles and persecutions commenced. He complained that his dispatches sent to the Department of State were grossly garbled in publication, when they were permitted to see the light at all. The parts which were supported to be offensive to the pro-slavery party were stricken out; and the "country," said he, "has never yet learned the whole truth." He thought that no objection was ever made to any structures upon free state men; but when the truth was told of their opponents it was "goring our ox."
In this converstation, of which I have given but a brief outline, the Governor, though there were others in the room, a part of the time at least, spoke principally to me, as I had particularly requested statement of facts as they had come under his observation. He did not speak under his observation. He did not speak under excitement, but discreetly, and with apparent care to tell me the exact truth. His secretary-the name I do not recollect-was present during the conference, and he, often in the most emphatic manner, confirmed the Governor's words. Indeed, so excited was he at times, when a topic of peculiar interest was touched-the murder of Buffum, for instance-that his indignation was manifested not only in words but in an exceedingly demonstrative manner. When thoroughly aroused by the Governor's narration, I asked him: "Governor, what am I, a northern Democrat to do? I am tempted to declare here that I am ready to work hereafter with the Republican party!" He answered quickly and decisively:
"There seems to be no other course for an honest and intelligent man to pursue."
I have thus given you a sketch of what occured in an interview which has left me in doubt of what is my duty to do. I believe-religiously believe-that Gov. Geary is an honest and conscientious man, and that he told me the truth. I go home to my farm in Minnesota ready to co-operate with any man or any party to make not only Minnesota but every other territory now and forever hereafter free.
Thousands of acres of land have been, and are in course of being pre-empted in Kanszas, by persons desirous of making this their home in future, and doubtles there is a host of others in the States who contemplate seeking homes in this beautiful Territory, and if possible, of securing them under the pre-emption law. For the special benefit of all such, we publish below an abstract of said law, originally published by C. C. Andrews, Esq., of Ft. Leavenworth, and also a letter from the Commissioner of the Central Land Office, relative to the same subject, the latter of which first appeared in the National Era:
Mr. Editor: --I send you herewith, for publication, the following abridgement of the pre-emption law of September 4, 1841, the provisions of which have been applied to the public lands in this Territory. This I do at the suggestion of some of the actual settlers; and because I believe that at the present time it is inconvenient for most of the pre-emptors in Kansas to peruse that law as readily and frequently as they might desire. The act may be found in volume V of the United States Statutes at large, pages 453-458.
I.Lands Subject to Pre-emption.-- By section ten of said act it is provided that the public lands to which the Indian title had been extinguished at the time of the settlement, and which had also been surveyed prior thereto, shall be subject to pre-emption, and purchase at the rate of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre.--And the act of July 22d, 1854, section twelve, the pre-emption of unsurveyed lands is recognized as "?legal?". Lands of the following description are excepted: Such as are included in any reservation, by any treaty, law or proclamation of the President of the United States, or reserved for "?salines?", or for other purposes; sections sixteen and thirty-six in each township, they being reserved for school purposes (organic act of Kansas, section thirty-four;) lands included within the limits of any incorporated town, or which has been selected as a site for any city or town; lands actually settled and occupied for the purposes of trade and not agriculture; and lands on which are situated any known salines or mines.
II.The amount designated, is any number of acres not exceeding one hundred and sixty.
III.Who may Pre-empt.--"Every person being the head of a family, or widow, or single man, over the age of twenty-one years, and being a citizen of the United States, or having filed his declaration of intention to become a citizen, as required by the nationalization laws." But no person shall be entitled to more than one pre-emptive right; and no person who is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in any State or Territory of the United States; and no person who shall quit or abandon his residence on his own land, to reside on the public land in the same State or Territory shall acquire any right of pre-emption;
IV. The Method to Protect the Right.--The pre-emptor must make a settlement on the land in person; inhabit and improve the same, and erect thereon a dwelling. And when the land has been surveyed previous to settlement, the pre-emptor shall, within thirty days of the date of settlement, file with the register of the proper district, a written statement describing the land settled upon, and declaring the intention of such person to claim the same under the provision of the pre-emption law. And within twelve months of the date of the settlement, such person shall make the requisite proof, affidavit and payment. When unsurveyed lands are pre-empted (act of 1854,) notice of the specific tract claimed, shall be filed with the Surveyor General, within three months after the survey has been made in the field. And when two or more persons shall have settled on the same quarter section, the right of pre-emption shall be to him or her who made the first settlement; and questions arising between different settlers shall be decided by the register and receiver of the district within which the land is situated, subject to an appeal and revision by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
And the settler must take oath before the receiver or register that he or she has never had the benefits of any right of the pre-emption act; that he or she is not the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in any State or Territory of the United States, nor hath he or she settled upon and improved said land to sell the same on speculation, but in good faith to appropriate to his or her own exclusive use or benefit; and that he or she has not directly or indirectly made any agreement or contract, in any way or manner, with any person or persons whatsoever, by which the title which he or she might acquire from the Government of the United States should enure in whole or in part to the benefit of any person except himself or herself; and if any person taking such oath shall swear falsely in the premises, he or she shall be subject to all the pains and penalties of perjury, and shall forfeit the money which he or she may have paid for such land, and all right and title to the same; and any grant or conveyance which he or she may have made, except in the hands of Proof of the requisite settlement and improvement shall be made by the pre-emptor to the satisfaction of the register and receiver, in the district in which the lands so claimed lie, who shall each be entitled to receive fifty cents from each applicant for his services rendered as aforesaid; and all assignments and transfers of the right hereby secured prior to the issuing of the patent, shall be null and void.
LETTER FROM THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE.
October 13,1854.
Sir:-In reply to the inquiries in yours of the 10th instant, in relation to the "rights of settlers in Kansas," I have to state:
1. That a "squatter" will not be allowed to take more than one hundred and sixty acres by pre-emption.
2. That the "terms of payment" will be one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, at any time after the survey, and before the commencement of the public sale, including the land settled.
3. The "putting a steam saw or grist mill in operation on mill sites" will not give a preference right.
4. Payment and entry can be made after survey, and before public sales.
5. The purchase money cannot be paid a portion at one time and a portion at another; nor can the pre-emptor sell his right, and the purchaser stand in his place.
6. The requisites to a pre-emption will be perceived from the accompanying copy of a circular from his office.
8. Settlement rights before the survey, will take precedence of school claims.
I would take occassion to remark that none of the lands in this Territory and Nebraska, which were ceded by the Deleware, Iowas, and "???", by treaties in May last, are subject to pre-emption, with the exception of the "outlet," within the Delaware cession. The lands thus ceded (with the exception mentioned) are to be offered at auction, to be sold for the benefit of the Indians.
The "outlet" referred to is subject to pre-emption, because it is excepted from the lands to be thus sold, have been ceded for the specific sum or ten thousand dollars.
Respectfully,
JOHN WILSON, Commissioner.
THE DEATH OF ABEL.
The following is from an article on the tragic death of Abel, published in the April number of the National Magazine:
"In the most correct editions of the Hebrew Bible there is a mark indicating an hiatus, or omission, after the address of God to Cain, and some of the ancient Targums have supplied the deficiency with a fancied conversation between the two brothers. They have described minutely the circumstances attendant upon the dark transaction which we are now about to contemplate; but as they are merely imaginary, we need not dwell upon them. The inspired writer enters not into detail, but says: Cain talked with Abel, his brother , and slew him.
It would seem from this brief account as if there had been malice aforethought on the part of Cain. They went together to the field; they conversed there; and while thus engaged, death entered our world--death in its most horrid form--death by violence and blood-- death by a brother's hand. Terribly true to nature is the language put by a modern poet into the lips of the murderer as he stands over his bleeding victim, and beholds the answer to the hitherto unanswered question--what is death?
My brother,
Awake! Why "?liest?" then so on the green earth?
'Tis not the hour of slumber. Why so pale?
Thou wert full of life but now; I pray thee mock me not.
Stir; stir; nay, only stir!
Why, so; that's well; thou breath'st breath upon me.
His eyes are open! then he is not dead!
Death is like sleep, and sleep shuts down our lids.
His lips, too, are apart; why then he breathes;
And yet I felt it not. His heart! his heart!
Let me see, doth it beat? me thinks. No! No!
This is a vision, a horrid dream, or I am become
The native of another and worse world.
The earth swims round me; what is this? 'tis wet;
And yet there are no dews! 'Tis blood; my blood?
My brother's blood; and shed by me!
But he cannot be dead. Is silence death?
No! he will wake: then let me watch by him.
Life cannot be so slight, as to be quench'd
Thus quickly!
What shall I say to him? My brother? No!
He will not answer to that name; for brethren
Smite not each other. Yet, yet, speak to me.
O for a word more of that gentle voice,
That I may bear to hear my own again."
ONE THING WE DO NOT WANT.
The Bible Record says, we do not want a new Bible. Many an old volume of human lore has been rendered obsolete by the discoveries of a succeeding age. But all true science does homage to the Bible.--We need not be apprehensive that the ever-widening circle of human literature will trench on the ballowed ground of Divine revelation. We have no misgivings lest light from that region of "???", "the milky way," should extinguish the beams of the "Sun of righteousness;" or lest the "chemistry of the stars" should disturb the elements of inspiration. Standing on the "Rock of Ages," we are conscious of no tremor from the hammer of the geologist; nor do we fear that the hieroglyphics of the archeologists may invalidate the chronology of Moses. Exempt from the mutations which pertain to mere human philosophy, the Bible, stereotyped from heaven, remains a like the glory of all lands and times:
Most wonderous book! bright candle of the Lord
Star of eternity. The only star
By which the "???" of man could navigate
The sea of life and gain the coast of bliss!
FREE STATE PLATFORM.
We Citizens of Kanzas, in Delegate Convention assembled at Topeka, March 10th, 1857, Resolve and Declare:
Whereas, A body of men recently assembled at Lecompton, and claiming to be the Legislative Assembly of Kanzas Territory, have adopted a regulation, purporting to be a law for taking the census and electing delegates to a Constitutional Convention, proposed to be held in that place in September next, and
Whereas, The said Assembly was the creature if fraud, and its members the representatives of a people foreign to the territory, and
Whereas, The Organic Act does not authorize the territorial legislative power, even when legitimately convened, to pass any enabling act to change the government of the same, and
Whereas, The act of this assembly is partizan in its character, clearly contemplate fraud, for the recurrence of which it offers inadequate security, while it deprives the Executive of the Territory of the power to prevent or remedy such fraud, leaves the control of the census and election in the hands of pretended officers, not chosen by the people of Kanzas, who are of violent characters and hostile to the best interests of the Territory; and
Whereas, Said act purports to disfranchise certain bona fide settlers of Kanzas; who have filed their declaration of intention to become citizens, and are recognized as voters by the Organic Act; and
Whereas, There is no provision in the said regulation for submitting the Constitution so framed to the vote of the people of the Territory; therefore
Resolved, That the people of Kanzas Territory cannot participate in any election under such regulation, without compromising their rights as American citizens, sacrificing the best interests of Kanzas and jeopardizing the public peace.
Resolved, That having suffered under this misrule of persons, pretending to be the local officials of this Territory, we have lost all confidence in the integrity of the administration of the laws, however just these laws may appear to some on their face.
Resolved, That with the people of any Territory "alone," rests the right to change the form of their government, subject to the approval of Congress, given before or after steps for the formation of a State government have been taken and further, that a Territorial government is extra constitutional, and, at best, under ordinances of Congress, purely temporary.
Resolved, That the Constitution framed at Topeka, by the representatives of the people of Kanzas, and ratified by popular vote, is still the choice of a majority of our citizens, as the form of a state government, and that we maintain and urge on Congress our immediate admission as a state under it.
Resolved, That the policy of the Free State party has always been averse to any movement of an aggressive character, and that violence has never been resorted to save in self defence.
Resolved, That we make no tests for membership in the Free State party, save that of the exclusion of domestic slavery from Kanzas by subsequent legislation.
Resolved, That we regard the presence of peaceful relations between our citizens as conducive to their best personal welfare as well as indispensable to the perfect development and expansion of the various economical interests of the Territory, to the end thereof that such relations may be obtained and permanently established amongst us, we earnestly appeal to all men of whatever party, to submit all differences of opinion growing out of the question of our future internal domestic institutions, to the test of sound reason, and enlightened, though friendly discussion, and to the final arbitrament of the ballot box.
Provided, That any attempt to abridge or impair the freedom of speech, oral or written, or on the ballot box, or other constitutional rights, will be held as just cause of departure from this policy.
Resolved, That Congress having presented the principles of squatter sovereignty enunciated in the Kanzas bill as the basis of the political action of the people of Kanzas, we are inflexibly determined to abide by its faithful executoin, as we ever have resolutely opposed its violation, and ever will while it remains on the statute book.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Whereas, Hon. James Buchanan, in a debate in the Senate of the United States, on the admission of Michigan into the Union with the Constitution framed in a similar manner to the State Consitution of Kanzas, declared the people "stood upon their rights--rights secured to them by the Constitution, that having formed a Constitution, elected their officers, "and the whole machinery of the State Government being perfected--that having assumed this attitude they could demand their admission as a matter of right, and as "an act of justice," and that to repel a State under such circumstances is sufficient to induce fear for the consequences and cause statesmen to "tremble at an act of such injustice," and
Whereas, The present Democratic Administration, by virtue of the pledges made by its leaders in the late Presidential campaign, is in all honor bound to use its influence, and lend its aid to make Kanzas a Free State;and
Whereas, The Democratic party has in some of the States, made the admission of Kanzas as a Free State, the issue in the election of James Buchanan, and large numbers of Democrats were influenced to vote for him upon this issue; therefore
1. Resolved, That the people of Kanzas have the right to look with confidence to the present Chief Executive of the nation for an approval of their course, and for his assistance in procuring their admission into the Union under the Topeka Constitution.
2. Resolved, That this Convention would urge upon the State Legislature, the importance of assembling in June according to adjournment, and take such action as may be necessary to secure the vitality of the State Government, and its recognition by Congress.
3. Resolved, That the Territorial laws (appealed,) of Kanzas had their origin in fraud, were inposed upon the Territory by usurpation and violence, in bold definance and subversion of the Constitution, the Organic Act, and every principle of justice, and are therefore null and void and we respectfully request the Territorial Executive to refuse to enforce any of said fraudulent enactments till Congress shall provide for an election of a Territorial Legislature by the people of Kanzas, without interference from foreign States.
4. Resolved, That it is a shameless hypocricy for a political party to adopt for their principles, the doctrine of "popular sovereignty," while they justify the most patent and flagant violation of it, and presist in subjecting citizens of the United States to a foreign tyranny unparalleled in history.
5. Resolved, That the banking system chartered by the Territorial Legislature, (so called,) not only had its origin in fraud, but is a fraud in itself, and we caution all against receiving its notes and currency.
6. Resolved, That as good citizens we are ever willing to contribute to the support of a legitimate government, but we have no tribute voluntarily to offer, to the tyranny that robs us of our constitutional and inalienable rights.
7. Resolved, That the act called the "rebellion act," is a relic of barbarism and more worthy to be approved and enforced by a Nero than a Geary.
8. Resolved, That the census act of the late Missouri-Kanzas Legislature, is a chest and a swindle, requiring in one section, as a condition for voting; registration without residence, and in another residence without registration--the design of which is apparent to all who are familiar with the usurpation in Kanzas.
9. Resolved, That with the most infamous and unscrupulous men to execute the laws and issue certificates of election, past experience has shown that legal voters are not essential to the election of any man to office, and until the people can choose their own election officers, or have them appointed by some respectable official, we request the people, the Governor of the Territory, Congress and the President of the United States, to treat all elections under Territorial auspices as an infamous mockery, and null and void.
10. Resolved, That the bombarding and burning of hotels and private residence, the destruction of printing presses, the pillaging and plundering of towns, the stealing of horses and cattle, and such other things, by acting Governors, Marshalls and Sheriffs, or their mobs, is to say the least disreputable business, and should these officials or any other person, attempt a repetition of the acts of the spring and summer of 1856 it will be the duty of the people at once to constitute themselves a Vigilance Committee for self-presevation.
"???" John," said a father to his son, "if you go out into the yard, you will wish you had staid in the house." "Well, if I stay in the house I shall wish I was out in the yard; so where is the difference, dad?"
Transcribed by Melissa Patton. 3/7/2001.