The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1855-10-31
WILSON SHANNON.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE. Oct. 6. 1861
Shawnee Mission, K. 7. {

j
Ms. A. G. BRowN-Sir. In your paper Of
the 29th ult, which has just come to hand,
you have published what purports to be a
speech, made by me at Westport taken
f,om the st Lolis Democrat and reported
by the reporter Of that journal, who, you
say, was on the ground. You say further,
that "lhe Governor, it will be seen by his
reported speech, comes out fatfooted for
Slavery" Now I will not suppose that you
designed to misrepresent me, or do me in
territorial wrong, yet it is difficult reconcile
the publication of this caricature speech,
with your comment on it, with I'll at impair
liality and desire to do justice to every one,
III or out of Office, which should character
ize the editor Of a public journal. There
is scarcely single idea that l uttered on
that occasion, correctly or fully represented
in the speeck which you have published aud
endorsed as genuine. did not discuss
the subjec: of slavery, in the few remarks 1
made at Wes port, in any aspect whatever;
nor did express any opinion in relation to
slavery in Kansas or elsewhere. ! did not
mention the subject of slavery during my re-
marks but once, and that was to say that l
did not intend to speak ofor discuss the sub
ject. In speaking to a mixed assembly, as
that was--composed, as l supposed at the
time, Of all parties, an Of gentlemen resid-
ing on both sides of the line, who had as
sembled to give me a welcome to the -coun
tay--ro one, | presume, expected me 10
speak on the subject of slavery, or to ex'
press any opinion on question which had
excited SO much feeling among the citizens
residing on both sides of the1ine. In re.
spending to welcome given me by the
people assembled on tn 1t occasion, il would
have been in bad taste, and out OF place, to
have introduced any subject calculated to
excite the feelings, passions, or prejudices
ofany portion ofmy audience. Ispoke of
Missouri and Kansas as being adjoining
Territories for more than two hun lred miles;
that thegwere intimately connected togeth-
or in all the business and social relations OF
life, and must ever continue so to be; that
being SO connected, it was the interest and
duty Of the citizens Of each to cultivate
friendly and social relations, that nothing
was to be gained on either side by keeping
up a border feud; but on the contrary, the
settlement, growth and prosperity of both
wonld be greatly promoted by cultiyating
harmony and the most friendly relations.
took occasion also to make some re.
marks which / believed then and still be-
lieve, to be entirely melited Oh Il 9 kindness
and hospitality Of the citizens of Western.
Missouri. There was nothing in any of
these remarks to which any one of proper
feelings eould take the slightest exception,
no matter what bis views might be on the
subject Of slavery. | have made no speech
since my arrival 10 the country in which j
have expressed any opinion On the subject
Of slavery; nor have l been placed in po
sition since my arrival, where public ex-
preston ofsuch an opinion would have been
proper. In my private intercourse with the
citizens Of the Territory, l have not conceal.
ed or sought to conceal The views which
entertain in relation to my duty on this sub.
ject--and on proper occasion / should not
have the slightest objections to express them
in public speech---but no such proper oc.
casion in my judgment has presented itself.
| voted for the Nebraska Bill when in Con-
gress, because ! then believed and still be.
lieved the principles Of that bill Is right. and
will bear che test Of the most rigid scrutiny
The principle Of that bill 10. go far as the
question of slavery Is concerned. } that the
people Of each Territory have tho tight tol
determine for themselves whether they win
OF win not have slavery. The question Of
slavery BY that bill is referred TO the free
and unbiased determination Of the inhabi.