The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-07-12
MISSOURI LEe1sLAT1EG FOR KANSAS.

We call the attention of our readers to the
following letter, copied from the New York
Ecening Post. Its statements are confirmed
by letter quoted in the newspapers from the
Journal Of Commerce. The rufhanly violence
attempted against Governor Reeder will pro.
woke deep indignation. Would to Heaven that
the Governor had furnished no occasion for the
President to pander to the Atchison bullies by
removing him; for we fear, after all, that his
removal is propitiatory sacrifice demanded
by the Slavery Propagandists.
1t will be seen that the persons said to be
elected to the Legislature of Kansas have ia.
ken up their line of march from Missouri. headed
by Stringfellow, who undertook to bully the
Governor into pledge to ratify whatever dew
iltry the mock Legislature might perpetrate.
KANSAS.
correspondence OF the Evening Postl
fa1aee, achere the Kansas Legislature as to Meet ::
iShdsonee Mission, TO aohich 1t sUW Remooe-
Hrinqjellotc - HIS Demands of Gorernor
Reeder-His Assault upon the GoUe1nor-
The Governors Cool Behaviour.
WEsrPoRT, Mo-, June q, 1855.
Last night and the night before, considera-
BILE number of the members of the Kansas Le-
gisature stayed at this place, having made this
kind of general rendezvous from which to
start for Pawree, tie point designated for their
meeting by Governor Reeder They go gener-
ally in companies of five to eight, taking their
own camp, striking their tents, and picketing
out upon the prairie wherever night may over
take them. 1t is rumored here, that the build
ings for their accommodation, which should
have been furnished according to the contract
by the LIST of April, are not yet under cover, in
which case the Governor will no doubt issue a
new proclamation, assembling them at Shawnee
Mission, three miles from this into the Terrific
ry. But should he not deem the occasion suffi-
cient, the Legisa ure will no doubt, Immediate
ly upon its organization, adjourn to that place.
1t is convenient to Missouri, and constant ex-
element may thus be kept up. The Shawnee
Mission is, furthermore, the hot-bed of Pro-Sla-
veryism in the Territory, and the holy man
johnson, who has the saving Of souls in chrrge
in that latitude, the most violent of all wifully
wrong minded men.
In company with the members of the Legisla-
ture were many outsiders, who go intending to
manage their men according to their liking and
Missouri interests. Among them was the no.
torious Stringtellow, who added another to the
disgraceful scenes in which he has had a part,
in the form of violent and entirely unwarrant-
ed attack upon Governor Reeder, at the Mis-
sion. where he and a considerable number of
the Territorial officers reside.
The Governor was preparing on the Goth to
leave for Pawnee, when Stringfellow rode up,
alighted, and entered the office, sat down, and
commenced general conversation. 1t became
shortly apparent, however, that his purpose was
no other than to seek quarrel, it being neces-
sary in some way to disable or remove the Gov
ernor, all attempts to caiole him or to frighten
him. and prevent his return, having failed. Mr.
Stringfellow, as a basis of compromise, propo-
sed to the Governor that he should agree to
sanction any and all laws that sho aid be pass
ed furnishing the abduction or attempted abduc-
ton of negroes, and the propagation of Adolf
tionism.
This Governor Reeder refused, at the same
time saying that his refusal was not in conse-
quence OF any objection to the principle of such
an enactment; on the contrary, that the own
ers of slaves had an undoubted right to be pro-
tected, and should always have his assistance
as Governor, but that he could promise to sign
no bill of whose form and provisions he knew
nothing. Stringfellow then demanded that he
officially recommend the Legislature to adjourn
from Pawnee, when they should convene. Gov.
Reeder declined to make any such promise. es-
pecially to a man who did not pretend to live
in the Territory. Failing thus, Stringfeow re-
sorted to low, violent, personal abuse, the Gov
ernor meantime-whom every days experience
proves to be a man of great nerve, and deliber-
ately Understanding cool and calm. Among
other causes of complaint, Stringfeow charged
Governor Reeder with having accused him of
dishonorable conduct. This the Governor de-
MED, but said he would now charge him with
being, in his opinion, at the head of all this ex-
element, which was both unlawful and dishon-
orable.
Upon this Stringfellow challenged the Gov
ernor to go out and fight, which was respectful
ly declined, not being EXACTLY in his way T."
whereupOn Stringfellow arose, and pushed the
Governor over in his chair, and a scuffie ensued,
in which the Governor was slightly scratched.
He succeeded, however, in casting his adverse
ry off. BY this time the affair began to be Sc
rious, both gentlemen having risen and drawn
their pistols, when. OPPORTUNITY Mr.. Isaacs and
another gentleman seized Stringfelow Just as
the Governor was about pulling trigger on him,
when the Governor laid down his weapon, as
his antagonist was not in condition to defend
himself Several persons then interfered, and
took Stringfellow away. This morning he again
went over to the Mission, but the Governor and
his party had left for Pawnee
There is deliberate design apparent all
through this disgracefnl afair-frst, to induce,
if possible, the Governor to aid them in doing
certain things which they fear they may not be
able to do over his head and not accomplish
ing that, to raise fight, which would end in
putting him out of the way for, had fight en-
sued, and Stringfelow been hurt, the next day
would have seen a mob pouring towards the
Mission, bent on the humiliation of the Gov
ernor, and, as he has few trustworthy friends
around him, this would not have been accom-.
plished without a desperate struggle and serious
loss of life. In view Of this, the Governors
GOODNESS, prudence, and foresight, are as praise
worthy as his courage.