Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-09-12
Interview of the Kansas Committee with Presi
dent PIerce--OpinIOms of the President, &c. .

Interview of the Kansas Committee with Presi-
dent Pierce--OpinIons of the President, &c.
The depuation of free Statemen that lately waited
upon President Pierce in relation to affairs Kansas,
have made report of their mission TO the National
Kansas committee. They give the following a
summary of results
The opinions expressed by the Executive ale sub.
slantally as follows:
While government has been exhausting its consti-
tutional powers (Which are limied) to maintain
ORDER Kansas Aid Societies have been actively stir
ring up rebellion factious spirit among the people
of Kansas respecting institutions which they need not
have concerned themselves about and which would
have all right in time, originated the troubles.
From the nature habits and education OF the border
men, it natural to find them excited by such an
agitation. At this crisis, the North, instead of send
ing in armed men, who went about boasting of their
ability 10 protect themtelves, should have sent in
oder-oving and aw-abiding citizens; should have
sent IN peace seeking men, who would have promoted
concord by moral agenciesby Bibles rather than by
Sharpe's rifles. Such course would have strength
ened the hands Of the President, instead of tying
them, as they have been, The suferings of the set
tiers are, therefore, of their seeking, and the
legitimate fruits OF that gunpowder bible preaching
which they and their supporters at the North have
advocated. Each SIDE is doubtless TO blame lnfam-
matory appeals are circulated both South and North
and reports false or exaggerated put forth by heated
partlsans to stir up sectional strife If each party
would get ri of about hundred of their designing
|
speedy end be put to the disorders.
| The nerpositon of the Executive is claimed by
both Sides each party urging against the other ex-
acty the charges. At this distance from the
scene of strife, the President cannot determine be
| tween them. His action must be guided by official
reports Gen. Smith communicates very different
condition of things from the exaggerated statements
which have gone abroad No apprehension of an
armed invasion need be apprehended. But should
! II happen, the whole power OF the government will
! be eXered to repel it, from 1chGteUer source
1t may The army in Kansas is not there to prevent
correct outraes unless they amount to invasion OF
Instruction 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
! He applied to the wrong quarter. He should have
gone to the courts. AS to granting him escort
g Gen. Smith thought if Mr.. Strawn smart en-.
ough TO find his way safely 10 him without one, he
ought TO be able to find his way back !" The courts
open all classes of citizens without distinction
No authentic nforn.atian has ever reached the Exc
culive of an individual who has sought redress Of
wrongs at the hands of the civ power in Kansas anc
failed to obtain it. If one such had been pre-
>ented, he would at have removed the offending
official Ii the majority of the people in Kansas had
wanted peace and quiet they could have had it. The
way to get it was Tor 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 solictous about the
Territory, and had exerted his constitutional powers
to their full extent to preserve order. The affair
Lawrence had given him great anxiety, and he a
that time teIegraphed both to Col, Sumner and Gov
Shannon, besides sending special messenger. (Here
the President produced copies Of his telegraphic
dispatches, which, we believe were made public a
the me.) The outrages at Lawren ce were not done
by authority. The President admits that mistake
have been made as evident by his removal of Shan
non. But impartial man has gone there, whs
will see justice done to both parties II he shoulc
catch either party in acts of violence they shall b.
hung up on the spot. The ciUH po,cer Of the Terri
tory must be maintained!
The committee further report that the Presiden
assured them that there would be no change lii the
policy pursued towards the territory