Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-05-05
" 4opular sobereigntp. .
lFrom the Easton Argus.
KANSAS.

KANSAS.
The result of the late election in Kansas
Territory has already been announced through
the Union. and it is very generally understood
how it was conducted. According to the cen
sus, taken but few weeks previous to the
election there were little over 5000 legal
voters in the Territory, and yet the returns
showed vote of between seven and eight thou
sand 1t is to be deeply regretted that such
state of things should exist in this interest
ing Territory and that so little regard is paid
to the action and directions of the constituted
authorities of the government Any such vio-
lation of the principles that govern us as peo-
pie, while it agitates and convulses the entire
nation, will go far to shake the faith and weak
en- the confidence Of the democratic party of
the North, in the principle of popular sover-
eighty" as recognized in the Kansas and Ne
braska bill. There are thousands of warm,
true democrats who approved Of the plan, deem
ing it no more than just and fair and in keep
ing with republican principles, that the citizens
of every Territory should mould their own in
stitutions but if such scenes as Kansas has
witnessed are to be enacted whenever a new
territory is to be organized-if the "actual re-
sidents" in each instance are not to be permit
ted to carry out the intent of the law-if the
people of another State are encouraged or sus-
tanned in systematic and formidable invasion
they will soon arrive at the conclusion that
it were far better that no such bill had ever
passed. We speak plainly on this subject and
wish to be properly understood. We were an
ardent supporter of the Nebraska doctrine of
popular sovereignty"-we are so still, if it
can be properly aud practically carried out
We desire to see those who have right to vote
in new territory, exercise that right without
hindrance or restraint When they are not al
lowed to do this the doctrine becomes farce
and a humbug. And if this course is to be
persisted III, we regard it as the bounden duty
of the National Administration to enforce the
spirit and the letter of the law, even if it must
be done at the point of the bayonet What is
it bat rebellion against the laws of the United
States What is it but sef-constituted mob
law? Suppose the people of New Jersey or
New York should come in large bodies to Penn
sylvana, disregard the acts of our legal authori-
ties, seize upon the ballot boxes, thrust out of
their places the legally chosen election officers.
fill the vacancies with men of their own selec-
ton and do all the voting to the exclusion of
our own citizens?. Would we not be Justly in
dgnant, and demand the interference of the
government in our behalf? That this has been
done in Kansas no one pretendS to deny. And
yet the citizens of another State have no more
right to overrun Kansas and oyer-power her
people than the residents of Ncw-J Jersey have
to do so in Pennsylvania Such conduct. let
it come from what quarter it may should not
be tolerated, and the sooner it is checked the
better for the peace and the happiness not on
ly of Kansas, but of our whole country
Governor REEDER has proven himself, in this
crisis a brave and an honest man and a true
patriot He fills position that calls for the
exercise of much moral courage and irmness
Those who knew the man felt satisfied lie would
never finch Knowing him as we do, from a
long and intimate social and political acquain-
tance, We have no fears from him. Bad and
reckless men may threaten to hang" him, but
no power on Earth can force him to swerve
from what he feels to be bis duty He will
die at his post before he will be forced into a
wrong act He has too much of the spirit of
old Hickory in his composition, to be driven
into any step that his conscience does not ap
prove If threats of assassination make him
yield one inch, then we don't know the man
| 1t is very evident those who made them die
not know him, OF they would have spared them
selves the trouble The following articles from
the Lawrence (Kansas) Herald, prove our es
innate of the man -
True SrEEL.-We feel proud of the Cover
nor of Kansas He has shown himself to b,
true steel during the exciting times of the las
week The Missourians waited on him in per
son, and threatened to hang him unless ht
would give the pro-slavery candidates certif
Gates of election. His reply was :" Gentle
men, taco or three Of gOu can GSsaSsinate me, bu
a legion cannot compel me TO do that mhsch nj
conscience does not approre" Such a man de
serves well of the country, and the people o
Kansas will not be slow to do him justice.
THE GovERNoR-Our news from the Cover
nor, at the Shawnee Mission, is down to Fri
day noon The state of matters there had as
sumed pacific aspect, and no apprehension
of violence to any one were entertained. 1t is
represented that committee from Missouri
waited upon the Governor and told him he haG
the choice of one of three things "To sign tn,
certificates of election within fifteen minutes
to resign, or hang" The response was ready
" GENTLEMEN, MY MIND is MADE UP WITHOUT FUR
Their AMUSEMENT; i SHALL HANG" Th,
fact that the Governor is still living is conclu
sive evidence that it was deemed risky busnes
to attempt mob violence on the Executive o
Kansas. He had friends in the crowd VIII,
would have been at home in apractical enforce
ment of this threat
| [From the Evening Postl