Squatter sovereign., 1855-09-11
Kansas Legislature

| Kansas Legislature.
We promised in our last summary o
the doings of the Legislature. Before we
commence it is necessary to say what we
did not do, as the press over in Missouri
are representing us, as having done a
great many things which we have moi
done.
First, we did not pass any law exempt
ing negroes from sale under execution
A bill was introduced into the lower
house, of that character but it met with no
favor, and after it was amended, SO as
only to exempt household slaves, it receive
ed but four votes We did not pass law
preventing free negroes and mulattoes
from emigrating to the Territory, though I
think from the feeling amongst all parties
here, they viii meet with but poor e'scour-
agement to come. We did not pass law
permitting negroes to testify against white
persons, all of which have been charged
against us by the Abolition press. We
passed a law for the encouragement of Alb
clifton emigration from the Territory
Amongst other provisions, is one providing
against the uiterance OF the opinion that
slaves cannot be legally held in bondage
in the Territory. Against this terrible
cry is raised. We propose to investigate
this. The Abolitionists contend that is a
terrible outrage upon the freedom of speech.
When the law was framed, it was not in
tended or expected that any Abolitionist
would be pleased with it; it is one of a
dozen sections, and we venture that not
one of the whole dozen, pleased them any
better than this.
Men have the right to hold any opir,-
ION they may chose; they can conclude
that their neighbor is horse thief, but if
they utter that opinion. heavy damage
will be the result of slander suit; he may
tkink his neighbor burned house, but if
the charge is made and not sustained, a
SANDER suit is again the result and money
damages follow. So if one thinks that
negroes cannot be held In seryitude here,
and utters that opinion, SO that negro prop
erty is endangered by it-and it will be if
the negro hears it-then our law comes in
and because ofthe injury done to the prop
erty, the penalty of imprisonment and hard
labor is inflicted. We would ask what me-
cessity is there for the ufterance of any
such opinion, unless some suit for freedom
is commenced, if so, then no one presumes
that lawyer who would make such plea,
would be considered as having violated the
law. Outside of such circumstances the pf-
tering of such sentiment could only be with
evil intent, and should be punished. We
are very much gratifed..t that this is the on
ly provision Of the twelfth section that is
objected to.
1t is amusing to see such papers as the
Democrat and Intelligencer of St. Louis,
deploring the great injury the Kansas Leg
islature has done the slavery interest; one
would think to read some of their articles,
that the whole cause was in their special
charge. If we had entertained any doubts
as to the correctness of the policy we had
pursued, the Intelligencer and Democrat
would have removed them all. The mis-
cradle Abolitionists who conduct then. mad
better keep in St. Louis, or they may meet
the fate of their friend Pardee Butler. 1t
is humiliating reflection that Missouri.
at this particular crises, has to endure such
Infamous sheets. We hope that the next
session Of her Legislature, will initiate the
example of Kansas. and muzzle all such
vile sheets.
Next week we viii give further sum-
mary of our acts. S.