The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-09-26

ing among the citizens of the Territory.
Coming, as you do, from almost every
part of the civilized globe, with different
manners, customs, and modes of thinking,
it must be expected that there will be
some conflict of opinion in settling the
policy which is to control the destinies of
this Territory. But while we may differ
in opinion on questions of public policy,
the object of all, it is to be hoped, is the
same-tbe advancement of the best inter-
ests of the Territory. By respecting the
opinions and even prejudices of each 9TH
fer, and cultivating social feeling, we will
soon harmonic, and learn to act together
for the benefit and advancement of our
highly favored country. Looking at
many of the public papers in the State,
one would be led to believe that Kansas
was the scene of lawless confusion and dis
order No greater error could be COM
mitted. / will not criticise the motives
that have induced these unfounded repre-
Isentations, but will say-because l be-
lieve it to be true-that there is not a
more law abiding people in the United
States than the great mass of the citizens
of Kansas. There is no State in the
Union where person and property are more
secure than in this Territory. That some
irregularities may have taken place in the
heat and excitement of q first election, is
true; but they sink into utter insignif-
canoe when compared with the bloody
riots that have characterized the elections
in some of the States, and lawless mobs
that have disgraced some of our large
cities. While the latter have received but
a passing notice from the public press
the former have been held up to the world
as enormities without a precedent. This
is all wrong, and calculated to prejudice
the best interests of the Territory, by de-
terring large and respectable class of
emigrants from coming among us. duly
appreciate the warm and generous feelings
that have ever characterized our hardy,
intelligent and enterprising pioneers in the
West
1t has been my lot to have mingled
much with them in the course of my life,
and 1 have always found them true and
warm hearted friends and patriotic citizens.
/ come amongst you, not as a mere adj
venturer seeking to better his fortune, and
then return home; but as one desiring, for
himself and family, a permanent location,
and it shall be my highest ambition to de-
vote my humble efforts to the promotion
of the best interests, happiness and pros
perity of this Territory. To accomplish
these objects, we will all admit that a gov
ernment of law and order is absolutely ne
cessary. We all feel the Importance of
this, and I trust will unite in securing so
desirable an object. We have no security
for personal property, except by the main
tenance of law and order; and interest and
duty alike unite in enforcing on us the
the obligation to maintain both. Your
Assembly, that has just ad
joured, has provided code of laws for
the Territory. 1t is my duty as an exc
cutive officer and the duty of every good
citizen, to abide those Jaws SO long as they
remain in force. To maintain the Con-
stitution of the United States; the organic
law OF the Territory; and the laws passed
by the Legislative Assembly, in conformi-
ty thereto, is an obligation imposed on
me by the oath of Office as well as by the
duty owe to the Territory as a citizen,
in common with others. With the law for
our guide, and the best interests of the
Territory for our object all uniting and
together, we cannot fail, un-
der providence, to build up great State,
furnishing happy homes to thousands of
our people, adding additional strength to
our Union, and opening the way for the
advancement of civilization and refine
ment over our vast Territorial possessions
in the Westl fatg ssl
The happy shouts of this grateful peo-
pie best told the effect of his concluding
remarks. 2G f