The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-05-10
HOW TO SETTLE THE QUESTION.


The Pro-Slavery papers might as well spare
themselves the trouble of misrepresenting the
late transactions in Kansas. Everybody I'M
derstands the thing too we'll to be deceived.
The repeal of the Missouri Compromise would
never have been effected, but at the instance
of Atchison & Co., shareholders on the borders
of Kansas, and who had determined to plant
Slavery in the Territory adjoining. Their sole
object was to open the door for Slavery, and
they organized for this purpose while the bill
to repeal the Missouri Compromise was yet un-
der discussion. The moment it was passed,
their creatures, advised of the fact, took posses
sion of as much of the best lands as they
could, and then organized for the election of a
Territorial Delegate. That Delegate was chosen
chiefly by the votes of imported DULLES, main
tanned by contributions raised in the slayehold-
ing counties of Missouri bordering on Kansas
A demand was made for an immediate election
for the Legislature, so as to consummate the
conspiracy at once, without further expense ;
and the resolve of Governor Reeder to post
pone it till the spring, was denounced as a
Free Soil trick. The additional expense ne
cessary to support the fraudulent voters till the
election, was provided for by contributions
levied at a series eff meetings held in the same
counties. On the day of election they ap-
peared, in armed bands, at the polls in Kan
sas, overawed some of the judges, compelled
the resignation of others, inundated many
peaceful settlers, and elected the whole Pro-
Slavery ticket, the vote cast in many districts
being larger than the whole numder of inhab-
itants, men, women, and children, returned by
the census. 49,.
The Washington Sentinel "a this " Squatter
Sovereignty" the imported Missouri voters,
the People of Kansas" and the contest thus
raised, the People of Kansas as. Governor
Reeder." That it should justify the farce OF
deposition enacted by these DULLES, ~ de-
struction of the press of the ParkciUe Nrmi-
nary, and any other outrage the Pro-Slayery
party may choose to perpetrate, is to be ex-
pected.
1t is useless to argue the matter; the ques-
ton is to be settled in the Territory by force
The bona 1fde settlers must defend their own
rights the flibusters then will be compeled-to
respect them. There is this difference between
them: the latter recognise no law, and are
trained to habits of violence the former have
been accustomed to rely upon law for protec-
ton, and to respect civil authority. They have
the ability and courage to protect themselves,
but they must act under authority, in Uirtue Of
la,c, not rs mob, in violation of it. Let them
enrol themselves in volunteer companies, and
put themselves at the service of Governor
Reeder, as police force, to protect the Terri
tory and the independence of the elective fran
chise. Acting under the Governors order,
with the sanction of Law, we should be quite
willing to trust them to deal with the DULLES
who should attempt to modest them. No in
tervention from the States would be required,
unless the slave States should make common
cause with the flibusters-an act that would
draw the whole Union into the conflict. The
fearful hazards of such struggle will probably
prevent any such interference, however warlke
the tone Of those who counsel deeds in which
they have not the slightest intention to take
mart