The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1855-09-22
Correspondence of the st. Louis Democrat]
Reception of Gov. Shannon at Westport.
WEsTpoRT, Mo-, Aug. 3lst.

d
in the steamer Martha Jewett. General and
terson, Weddle, Forman, Recess, Blair and
other Kansas legislators, entered her as she
reached the wharf, for the purpose of return
ing home. They met and were introduced
TO the new governor on board, who satisfied
them, balieve, that he was likely to prove
as efficient and cordial a co-operator with
the regulators as could have been selected
from the free states, even if I" d. D." Atch-
ison, or his most devoted disciple had been
the elector instead Of the president Of the
United States .. s.. ......
After dinner committee Of gentlemen,
residents of Westport, accompanied by act
ing Governor Woodson, and two or three
members of the Legislature, rode down to
Kansas City, visited the governor at the
American Hotel, where he put up, and invi
ted him to return with them. He rode with
them TO Westport. .....
In the evening he was serenaded, and call
ed out to address the audience who had gath
cred around the steps of the hotel. He ap-
peared.
GOVERNOR sHANNoN's PLATFORM,
Gov. Shannon began his remarks by thank
ing the audience for their courteous recep-
tion. 1t gratified him, he said, not because
it was personally fattering, but because it
showed him that they We're not disposed TO
decide on his official career in advance. 1t
showed him that he might rely on 'your aid'
in endeavoring to overcome obstacles which
he was aware existed, but hoped were not
insurmountable.
A voice---Yes, you shall have our aid.
He regretted to see in certain portions Of
the territory a disposition to nullify the
laws which have been passed by your leg
isature." This was revolutionary move
ment which was greatly to be depIored He
regretted he said that lie had arrived too
late to form the acquaintance of the mem
bers of the legislature. He knew nothing Of
the laws passed by them, but from the abil-
ity and patriotism of the gentlemen who
composed it, he doubted not that they were
wise and iudicious. But, even if they were
not wise and judicous open resistance and
qualification Of them was not the proper
way to defeat their provisions. If they were
unconstitutional, there were courts to appeal
to, which had been created for the purpose
of deciding such questions.
AS to the legislature that recently adj journ-
ed, at the Shawnee Mission, he regarded it
as legal assembly, Cheers and thought
that the objection to its power, grounded on
its removal from Pawnee, was puerile, as
every legislature enjoyed the right OF remoV-
ing the seat of government at pleasure. The
executive and judiciary of the territory had
acknowledged the legislature as legal body,
and so would he. Good.
He regarded their laws as binding on eve
ry citizen of the territory, and would use all
his executive power and authority to carry
them into effect [Cheers.1
He said he did not intend to address them
on the various questions that divided the
parties in the territory; perhaps he did not
understand them and he had not expected
to speak on this occasion.
TO one subject, however, he would allude
slavery. His official life and career were
citizens Of Kansas. He had no intention of
changing his political faith; He thought.