Squatter sovereign., 1855-10-23
Address to the Law-Abiding Citizens

Order, held in the city of Leavenworth, on
the Sd day of October, 1856, the under
signed, appointed committee for such
purpose, beg leave to submit the following:
In reviewing the present aspect of po-
litical affairs throughout the Territory,
there is much 10 be seen well calculated to
create apprehension and excite alarm in
the breast of every well-wisher of his
country's good. A cloud has arisen in the
political armament, portcntious of much
evil to our country fanatical spirit cn-
litionism at the North has sprung into ex.
.istence In our midst, and threatens to null
lify and disregard the Code of Laws recent
ly given by the Legislative Assembly to
the people of the Territory. Open rebel
lion and hostility to the laws are proclaimed.
and defiance to the authority of all Leg.
islative enactinents threatened. A crisis
has arisen in our political affairs, which
requires the calm reflection, and solemn
and serious meditation of all who have ths
welfare OF Kansas at heart. Tie recent
Developments in political matters are cal-
cuIated to awake into activity the latent
spirit of Patriotism wherever it may exist.
Our Territory has from the beginning,
unfortunately been the theatre where the
extremes of sectional antagonism have met.
Men from the North, bred in an atmos-
phere of hostility to the Institutions OF the
Southland from the East, with all the
bigotry of the ancient Puritans, their FORE
fathers-and from the South, with their
fiery, hot blood, and inpetuous temper, inn
potent of any restraint-and the bold Pio-
neer Of the West, rude and uncultivated
have all met on our soil as one common
centre, and now compose one distinct po-
l;tical organization.
With such. an origin, it could only be
presumed and expected that strong section
al animosities would betray themselves.
It could not be anticipated that a popula.
ton, composed of such discordant materi-
ais would Immediately harmonize, and set
tie down with community of mutual broth.
erIy love. But we are proud to be able to
Fsay. that in spite Of these conflicting ele-
ments, the people of Kansas have estab-
lished, and up to the present time enjoyed,
the reputation and character Of law-abi-
ding people. The American instinct, to
live in harmony and in accordance with
the eternal principles Of justice and right,
has always asserted its supremacy over the
grosser passions Of our people. This Pc
cuiiar feature, Of the American character
has in no instance been SO manifest as
among the people Of Kansas. In review.
ing the past history of the Territory, the
unprejudiced observer is astonished to see
how this love of justice-this American
instinct-has of itself been sufficient to Sc.
cure TO the inhabitant, some. if not all the
ends of good government. And at peri
cd, when the existence Of any law was
doubted, they lived and acted in obedience
to its requirements, almost in the same
manner as though living and acting undel
the provisions of a well-digested code.
1t is not our intention at present TO dis
cuss the relative merits Of the various polit
ical sentiments entertained by those who's,
doctrines are now linked together. for wea
or for woe. in the future fate Of Kansas
the home of their adoption. The mass o
our people have but one common interest
the general good and welfare OF the peo
Pile.
+, Notwithstanding the various impedi
ments towards its onward progress, Kansa
+: has advanced rapidly in all things tendin.
= to develope the greatness Of her future des
tiny, and now enjoys great degree Q
prosperity. Nature has blessed us with
rich profusion of all that can make coun
try desirable for mans abode. Our Lowell
plains spread out their broad bosoms, an
seem to invite in the most cordial manner
the cooperation of the arts and industr
t of the civilized man in developing thei
). boundless resources. It would be unbe
coming the settlers of such domain {
b lose all the advantages they are sure (
reap, by permitting anarchy and confusio
to run riot and dispei the law-abiding POI
ton of the community. Rather let all tn
lovers of Law and Order combine to resis
e the efforts which are now being made {
e throw distraction in our midst. Let u
with firm composure assure those who ar
e now opposing us, that treason cannot fin
$ Ia resting place in Kansas.-withous
strict maintenance Of law and order, ther
can be no security for our persons or proT
n erty.
;. The Legislature, which framed our cod
. of laws, was according to the admission
!. the Governor of the Territory, legal
/