The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1855-05-19
The Conflict in Kansas.

pie of that Territory. The simple state
ment discloses condition of things than
which none more remarkable or reyolu-
tionary has been exhibited in our politi-
cal history since the foundation Of the
Government. Yet it does not strike us
with surprise, for it is in keeping with
their previous proceedings, and illustrates
only what we have often said and repeat
ed in regard TO the designs of the slaves
holders, and the method by which they
propose to subjugate Kansas, aud, through
| it, all the free territory of the United
States.
Slavery is to be extended indefinitely
over this continent. This is the deter
mination of the propaganda. Ii it can
be allowed to spread peaceably, very
well. If not, the purpose is clear to
force it at the point Of the bayonet. The,
act of usurpation to which we ailude is
entirely in consonance with the deliber-
ately formed designs of the slave power.
1t buckles on its armor and declares itself
ready to fight for supremacy, and for the
humiliation and subjection of the free
states. 1t invaded Kansas with 5000
armed men for this purpose. Its hordes
bivouacked on her plains, and her citi-
zens overwhelmed by numbers. were
forced to submit to their domination in
the late proceedings denominated an
election. Flushed by their success, and
finding the Governor sent out by the
President revolving at such barefaced
and Infamous conduct, they now ayow
their intention to depose him, and if he
appears in Kansas again, to take his life.
Meanwhile, without even the form of
law, or the pretense of regularity, they
undertake TO appoint one in his stead
This revolutionary proceeding viii
force the Government at Washington to
recognize the acts of the propaganda
headed by Atchison. Gov. Reeder must
/ now be sent back, sustained by suffi-
cient military force to protect his person
and enforce his authority, and the pro-
ceedings of the late election so-called,
must be set aside, or the Administration
must tamely submit to the Shareholders
usupation. We know well enough that
the head of the War Department is man
who is not only on the side of the slave
power in this crisis, but is one of the
champions of slavery extension, and of
disunion also, unless the Government
can be used to further his designs. How
much he can be relied on to do, by way
of detailing sufficient military force to
put down the lawless proceedings of the
Missouri mob, can be judged from this
circumstance We expect nothing of
him but to afford aid and comfort to the
usurpers. As to the President and
majority of the Cabinet, we are not pre-
pared to Judge. The Nebraska measure
is child of the Administration; its aim
was to surrender free territory to slavery !;
and in the war to complete this hateful
purpose, however irregularly and infa-
mously waged, what can we expect but
to see the Administration assist in the
fconsummation of the enterprise? Ney-
ertheless, we await future developments
before charging completely upon the
members of the Government with this
violent and Infamous attempt to make
Kansas a slave State.
We are not prepared either to say to
what these proceedings are likely to lead.
They seem, however. pregnant with the
seeds of great good or evil. They sound
in our ears like the distant roar of the
coming tempest. Events of startling
character and magnitude may stand in
fearful proximity behind that dim and
sbadowy veil which divides the present
| from the future. There is Kansas. Her
territory is free soil. 1t was never stain
ed by the tread of slave. Her plains
never echoed to the lash of the slave
drivers whip, nor the groans of the en-
chained bondmen. The millions of the
free States have thundered out the declar-
alton that they never shall. On one side,
the slave power has risen inits highland
declared its purpose to subjugate that
Territory, and plant slavery there. in de-
fance of the North, in defiance of the
pleadings of humanity. in defiance OF the
spirit of freedom. Ii has armed its myr-
midons, marshaled and sent them forth
| to execute its purposes. The symbols of
their errand were deiantly promenaded
through the Territory in the late seanda-
lous inroad, in the shape Of negro fiddlers
and negro attendants. As the conquer
ors of old carried their captiyes in their
train, so did our m6dern- brigands open
their career by similar demonstration.
The appeal is now made to arms. By
the sword they declare shall Kansas be
gained to slavery. The yaunt is openly
flung forth, and the challenge to all the
world IS, let him dispute US who dare.
The first step taken has been to put be-
meath their heel the reslresidents and ec-
lcupants of the soil. The next is to
tdepose the Governor, and pronounce
Ianother in his place. A third is to de-
lclare war againstall who dare oppose their
plans. The army of slavery IS thus en-
camped on the soil of Kansas, belliger-
lent and fierce. It presends to hold the
country by the conqueror's title.
/ Such is the position of one side IN the
istruggle for the possession of Kansss.--
/ On the other. stands little band Of the
lsons of freedom, just now borne down
lby numbers, but resolute in purpose and
ready TO do their part toward repelling the
barbarian invaders. The question is
whether they ara TO be seconded by thu
lpeople of the North. Is there genuine
spirit offreedom In the country, ready to
ldo somsthing againstthe atrocious strides
Iof the slave power to continental doH,ln-
ion ? Are there those who are wiIhngto
migrate to Kansas to aid in maintaining
1.-THE freedom of Kansas, at the cost Of such
lper;ls as may arise Are the northern
people generally up to the demand Of the
and the humanity of the
times? Do they mean Kansas shall be
Ifee? If they do, that is enough. The
force that shall drive out the hordes of
Hand pirates who have made their descent
upon Kansas. viii not be long in form
ing. Svayed and inspired by the seuti-