Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-07-05
THE ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNOR
REEDER.

THE ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNOR
REEDER.
We do not see how the rabid character of
the Pierce administratioR.on the slavery ques-
ton, and its entire subsefviency to Southern in
terests and Southern demands, could be more
clearly demonstrated than in its course towards
Governor Reeder. This functionary was, from
the first, heart and hand Nebraska mana
hard-shell, Hunker Union-saver, Of the straitest
sect, and ever ready to uphold the South in ev-
cry measure which could be so shaped as to
wear the appearance of responsibility, for the
security and spread of their darling institution.
And when, and fer the very reason Of his known
friendliness to the slavery interest, he had been
appointed Governor of Kansas, he did nothing
against that interest, which he could possibly
avoid, without palpabe neglect of his sworn
duties. lie eveo, in violation of these duties,
rs we contend granted certificates of illegal
elections enough to give the slavery interest
clear majority in the Kansas legislature, and
thus secur ID to slavery a complete triumph in
tho legislation of that territory, to the sacrifice
of its dearest constitutional rights. And yet
oil this was not enough for cormorant South.
He should have openly..approved, instead Of cen
surfing, rs he thought be must to save the adj
ministration and his Southern friends from dis
grace, the armed foray of Atchinson y 90 anu
become a participant in their treason And be-
cause he dare not, and woald not, go to this
danning length, he must be denounced hunted
down and sacrificed by the leaders of the South;
and not content with what they themselves could
do towards this, in speeches, resolutions, and
the anathemas Of their treason and war-breath-
ing presses, they demanded Chat the President
and his Cabinet should join in this white man
hunt, and put the finishing blow to their accurs-
cd work, by removing him from Office. But will
that President and his Cabinet consent thus to
become particeps criminis in so fragrant trans
action! One month ago, nine out of ten of the
whole population Of the Free States would have
unhcsitatingly said no mo, they dare not
Even Frank Pierce, with all his detestabe sub
serviency to the Slave Power, dare do no such
monstrous act as this
But what do we now see! After profound
silence of month on the Missouri outrages,
even when silence itself was crime worthy al,
most of impeachment, the President gives a
preliminary flourish to indicate to the South
that even in this, too, their demands shall be
complied with But, being not yet quite pre-
pared to give up all claim to decency and the
name of fulfilling his constitutional duties SO
that sophistry itself could not defend his course.
he must act under cover of excuse Foreseeing
this, probably, the ministers of the slave power
have hunted up that excuse, in the charge which
they procure one G. w. Clark, the pro-slavery
Indian agent for Kansas, to make to the Presi-
dent that Governor Reeder had Joined Compa-
ny for the purchase of wild lands, which, after
allowing General Cass, and every other terrific
rial Governor, time out of mind, to enter into
and make fortunes out Of such purchases with
out molestation or rebuke, is some how all at
once, discovered to be apparently in violation
Of an act of Congress-" Whereupon, the
President hristles UP in his yirtuops indigpation
and directs, as they have don fnisr vs.
Marcy and Cushing, To writs ia soy. der
after letting him set off for his territory min
formed Of this treacherous plot and tell hi,r
this matter must be promptly explained, or he
must be removed from office
And in this condition the matter now stands
But the whole world sees through the transpa
rent meanness of the plot, and knows that Rec
der, as pro-slavery as he was, and is, a doomed
man,--not because he was not a reasonable
friend to the Slave Power, but because he woulc
not throw away, at once. every obligation o
his oath, and every appearance of honor, hon
esty, and decency, and fall in with the rufial
ninions of Missouri, in the civil war they hay
waged against the laws and constitution of tn
country
Can this state of things long remain! A
the rate those enormities are now progressing
can a civil war, which will rend the Union asur
der, be avertctl, till the term of this infatuate
or imbecile Frank Pierce shall have expired
We say no And we also say to all those VII
wish the Union to continue under such a dom
nation Of the 300, 900 shareholders of the Soutl
that they better be an the alert, for storm
gathering, and will soon burst, which will bul
the Union, and we think the Black Power tn,
has SO long controlled it,together in one CONNIE
grave.