Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-09-13

KansasssMass Meeting fthe Settlers.
From tho st. Louis Republican.
The meeting was called to order by Mai.
Wakefield, the former Presidedt, who on
taking the Chair, proceeded to make some
remarks explanatory of the object of the
meeting.
] There were present at this meeting up
wards of one hundred persons. or this
number, many were already living in the
Territory Others had small claims, but
were unprepared for immediate settle
ment, and improvement, and others were
there fer the purpose of making claims,
and Immediately becoming residents
The issue between these parties was
one most beautifully calculated to make
trouble, and eventually end in the most
serious consequences, unless avoided by
the very fashionable and modern improve
ment of settling disputes-that Of compro-
mise. The actual settler party commended
that none should have voice orvote in the
meeting whose name was not enrolled as
an cndorser of their previously adopt
ed ordinances Of the Territory. The
other patty most ably contended that in
Justice and equality they had a right to
vote and TO be heard. At this juncturc,
the powers and charms of discussion were
resolved into their original elements and
the excited disputants were left surging
upon the wreck Of quarrelsome and con
tentious debate. The scene that followed
for few hours would come more properly
within the province Of the painters pen
Gil than the reporters pen. Personal an
inosities. party Feuds-contempt of Courts
claimants wrongs and trespass-Out-
side sparring, and some accidental noise
and confusion" incident 10 all public
gatherings, mingled together and formed
the majestic and dignilied bearing Of the
Convention.
During the performances some appro-
pirate remarks were made by various
gentlemen, that, under ordinary circum-
stances, would have restored order and
peace. But here the passions were in
famed, and the most cool and rejecting
minds seemed to disdain tranquility.
During the early part Of the session,
some debate and dispute were had where
veracity seemed to be the bone of contcn-
ton.
For long while discussion was but
adding fuel to the flames, when, rs a
locker on in Venice" a gentleman from
New Orleans was introduced and he f.
nallY sucdecded in fixing limits to the
storm.
At his suggestion, Committee of Con-
ference was appointed, three from each
party, 10 prepare series of ordinances.
At the expiration of an hour, they re-
turned with their report, which. happily.
was acceptable TO all present. A copy of
their ordinances l herewith inclose, sub
ject to your own disposal They iaay
prove Of some interest to the pubic.
After the election Of oficers, no other
business being before the meeting, they
adj ourned, every one satisfied with the
decent termination of e most ludicrous he-
ginning. Yours, &C., AMERICrs.
Ordinances Adop:ed by tho Kansas Settlers.
W1ereus, the laws Of the United States
confer upon citizens the privilege of holI-
ing land by presumption right, and !;
whereas, tho Kansas Valley in part is
now open for such settlement, or location
of claims; and. whereas. we the people Of
this convention, have. and are about to
select homes in this Territory, in order to
protect public good. and TO secure equal
Justice to all, we solcmnjy agree and bind
ourselves to be governed by the following
ordinances
1. We recognize the right of every
citizen of the United States, Of lawful
age, or who may be the head of q family,
to select, work and claim $40 acres Of
land, viz 100 acres Of prairie, and 50
acres of timber land and who shall
within sixty days after the ratification
ofthe treaty, proceed to erect thereon, IL
cabin, or such other improvements as
he may deem best, and shall within six
ty days after the treaty is ratified enter
thereon as a resident.
9. A claim thus made and registered
shall be good sixty days after the ratlIica-
ton Of the treaty, at which time, il the
claimant is the head Of family. shall
move upon, and make his home either on
the prairie or timber land. which shall
make them both good, and shall be SO re-
garded by the settlers. Single persons
or females making claims, shall be entitled
to hold them by becoming residents Of
the Territory, whether upon their claims
or otherwise ; any pesons making a claim
ms above shall be entitled to a day addi-
tional for every five miles they may have
to travel to reach their families.
3. No person shall hold more than one
claim, directly or indirectly.
4. No person shall be allowed to enter
upon any previously made claim.
s. All persons falling to commence i'm
provement or entering thereon within the
time specified. shall forfeit the same, and
it shall be lawful for any other person to
enter thereon.
6. Each claimant shall. at all times,
hold himself in readiness to point out the
extent Of his claim to any person who
may wish 10 ascertain that fact.
I. 1t shall be the duty of the Register
to put every applicant upon proof OATH
nr affirm ation that the clnino offered for