, 1856-10-24
President Pierce on The Kansas DialcuItics

Pierce, praying him to interfere agains
the imaginary invasion of Kansas from tht
Missouri border, and give the following
report of the views expressed by the
President ...
While Government has been exhaust
ing its Constitutional powers (Which are
llmited) to maintain order, Kansas Aid
Societies have been stirring up rebellion
A iactous spirit among the people Of Kan,
sls respecting institutions which they need
not have concerned themselves about, and
which would have all come right in time,
originated the troubles. From the nature,
habits and education of the border men, it
was natural to find them excited by such
an agitation. At this crisis, the North,
instead Of sending in armed men who went
about Boosting of their ability to protect
themselves, should have sent in order low
ing and law abiding citizens should have
sent in peace seeking men who would have
promoted concord by moral agencies-by
Bibles rather than by Sharp's rifles Such
a course would have Strengthened the hands
Of the President, instead of tying them, as
they had been. The sufferngs Of the set
tiers are, therefore, of their own seeking,
and the legitimate fruits of that gunpowder-
Bible preaching which they and their sup
porters at the North have advocated.
Each side is doubtless to blame. Inham-
matory appeals are circulated both South
and North, and reports, false or exaggera-
ted, put forth by heated partisans to stir up
sectional strife If each party would only
get rid Of about hundred Of their desigl-
ing and restless leaders, agitation would
cease, and speedy end be put to the dis
orders.
The interposition Of the Executive is
claimed by both sides, each party urging
against the other exactly the same charges
At this distance from the scene of strife,
the President cannot determine between
them. His action must be guided by Off
cial reports. Gen. Smith communicates a
very different condition of things from the
exaggerated statements which have gone
abroad. No apprehension Of an armed IN,
vasion need be upprenended But, should
it happen, the whole power of the Govern.
ment will be exerted to repel it, come from
tcAat source IL mdy. The army in Kansas
is not there to prevent or correct Outrages
unless they amount to invasion or insurrec-
ton. The civil power alone is competent
to this. Application should be made there
Gen. Smith had no power to redress the
wrongs of Mr.. Strawn. lie applied 10 the
wrong quarter He should have gone to
the courts. As to granting him an escort,
Gen. Smith thought il Mr.. Strawn was
smart enough to find his way safely to him
without Que, he ought to be able to 6nd
his way back 7 The courts are open to all
classes Of citizens without distinction. No
authentic information has ever reached the
Executive OF an individual who has sought
redress of wrongs at the hands Of the civil
power in Kansas, and failed to obtain it.
If one such case had been presented, he
would at once have removed the Offending
official If the majority Of the people in
Kansas had wanted peace and quiet, they
could have had it. The way 10 get it was
for the settlers among themselves to frown
down all agitation growing out Of differ
ences of opinion as to local institutions.
The Executive had always felt solicitous
about the Territory, and had exerted his
constitutional powers to their full extent
to preserve order. The affair at Lawrence
had given him great anxiety, and he at
that time telegraphed both to Col. Sumner
and Gov. Shannon, besides sending special
messenger. Here tho President produced
copies Of his telegraphic dispatches, which
we believe were made public at the time, |
The outrages at Lawrence were not done
by authority. The President admits that
mistakes have been made, al it is evident
by his removal of Shannon. But oil i'm
partial man has now gone there, who will
see justice done to both parties. II be
should catch either party in acts Of vio-
lence, they shall be hung up on the spot.
The Ciril pOOer Of ths Territory must be
maintained" l na
OPINIONS OF THE PRESIDENT.