The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1856-01-26
Kansas State Scrip.


The voice of the people and the press
is unanimous in praise of the people of
Lawrence and their free State brethren
in Kansas Territory, during their recent
trials and dangers. Although insulted
and injured most grievously, and with
out caase. they acted with prudence
and wisdom most admirable.
/ We feel sure that the closer the con-
duct of the free State population of the
Territory is examined, the more loudly
will it be commended.
Am,ng the points with regard to which
the Free State Party has been misrepre-
sented, is the issue of 'Escrip" under the
authority of the Executive Committee,
appointed by the Convention which
formed the State Constitution of Kansas.
Some of the newspapers appear not to
understand the subject fully.
This scrip is simply certificates of in
debtedness issued to individuals for SER
vices actually rendered to the State
Every bill, in payment of which certif-
Gates are issued, is kept on file in the
Secretary's Office, and is numbered to
correspond with the number of the GER
tifcate. Each certificate must be signed
by the President and Secretary of the
Executive Committee, and countersigned
by the Treasurer. No bill can be ap-
proved except by majority of the COM
mittee. and no scrip can be issued for
other than legitimate expenses; and the
whole amount, in every event, is limited
to S25, 900 in the aggregate.
1t is obvious that there is no specula-
ton about this, and no opportunity on the
part of the Executive Committee to en-
rich themselves by al. extravagant issue
of scrip. Il can only be given in pay
ment of services actually rendered and
the whole amount is too small for any
purpose of dishonest aggrandizement.
The people of Kansas, as a general
thing, are not rich, and the expenses of
organizing State government fall heav-
lily upon them. They cannot at present
raise money by taxation. Whoever does
a service to the embryo State Govern
ment does so, of course, at his own risk
of the maturity of that Government
But it is true that prudence on the part
of the government, no less than justice
towards such individuals, demands that
in cases of services rendered, some evil
dence of the fact and of its value be
given, to be used when the wheels of the
State Government shall be put in opera
ton.
These certificates bear interest at ten
per cent. per annum; and the State Con-
stitution directs that the Legislature shall
proyide for their redemption. The only
risk in regard to them is the failure of
Kansas as State with the Constitution
already formed. That risk is slight
one.
We have seen a private letter from DR..
Robinson, who has earned enduring
laurels by his wise and prudent course
while standing at the head of affairs in
Lawrence during the recent exciting
scenes, in which letter he says:
81 am ready to pledge myself, and give
bonds if necessary. that no certificates
shall be countersigned by me as Treas
urer, that are not issued strictly in ae-
cordance with the directions prescribed
by the Constitutional Convention, and
named above, the same as we have al
ready stated them. and have the fullest
confidence that all such will be redeemed
at an early day"
1t would greatly facilitate the proceed
ings of such patriots and statesmen as
DIR. Robinson. if some capitalists would
furnish funds for the purchase of these
certificates as are already issued. at par
or at reasonable discount. To. any
gentleman who has confidence in the
probable success of cause certainly
righteous and managed (as is admitted
on all hands with the most consumate
wisdom, this step would only be profit
able investment. At the same time it
would throw ready money-capital-into
the Territory, and this as we have said
hundred times is its greatest want. If
the true and honest settlers fail in their
glorious work, it will only be for want of
little money. Men who have devoted
all the time and means which they have
at command to the service of the State,
will be encouraged to persevere if they
receive substantial indication of conf
denee in their .doings. The purchase of
certificates from parties to whom they
have been issued in compensation for
services actually rendered, would thus
be an excellent and entirely unobjection-
liable measure on all sides. We commend
the subject to tie attention of the readers
and particularly desire them to observe
how entirely free from speculative taint
lis the issue of the scrip by the State au-
thorities .-Nass. Spy.
H It seems that "Squatter Sove-
reignty" has been repudiated at the Gen.
Ieral Land Office. The pseudo Legislature
l.e R..eo, havsvnr ,,.,cco,i an aof rsee, 81