The Kansas herald of freedom., 1856-02-16
what Is in the wind /?

What Is In the Wt0d
The Independence Dispatch states that |
the militia of the border counties in Mis-
souri, are to rendezvous at Fort Scott, in
this Territory. on the 2sth of February.
What business has the military forces of
Missouri in Kansas and why do they
concentrate their strength al Fort Scott
at that particular juncture 1t IS fact
th,t military organizations have been
forming everywhere along the border in
Missouri, consisting generally of mount
ed riHemen. We have observed these
demonstrations for some time, and now
comes a notice to invade the Territory on
the 29th inst.
Davy Atchison. in his speech at Platte
City a few days ago, told his "Ruffians"
to hold themselves in readiness against
the 4th of March /; that their services
would then be demanded that they
would be called upon to march into the
Territory. Is it probable their mission
is peaceable one? If so they have as
much right here as any citizen. If they
are coming for the purpose of destruction,
and to drive out the Free State settlers as
they claim, and as their presses have
enunciated from week to week for more
than year, then they are fllibusters
they partake of the character of guer.
rilla party /; they are outlaws; and their
destruction is the first demand of nature.
In law person is not required to wait
until he is knocked down before he is
justified in resorting to force to disable
his assailant. A revolver drawn in a
menacing manner upon another, and
within bullet reach, is prinaa facIa evil
dence of an intent to take life. To shoot
down such person is considered justif-
able homicide.
The people of Kansas have been me-
naced for long time; we have observed
preparations for imonths to destroy US
they have invaded our Territory rob-
bed us of every legal right; and now
they seek our utter, extinction. They
declare their purposes openly they have
promulgated their determination in pri-
vate conversation, from the forum, and
the press We have appealed repeated
ly to the National Executive for redress
and protection We have importuned
Congress to come to our assistance we
have sent expresses throughout the I'm
ion, detailing our wrongs and asking the
kindly interposition of some power to aid
us in our extremity. We are left alone,
unaided, and unprotected. The only
means of defense left us are found in oul
good right arms, an unerring aim, and
Sharp's rifles.
We deprecate collision with oul
neighbors in MisSouri-we choose te
live on terms of friendship and good fel
Ilowship with them we stand ready, as
we always have, to vie with them in
neighborly kindnesses. We disclaim
now and forever that we have ever
sought to interfere with the domestic in.
stitutions of Missouri and do not intend
to do SO save in self-defence. If we are
to be destroyed; if our homes are to be
wiped from existence If our women
and children are to be made widows and
Iorphans if all we hold dear has to be
sacrificed at the shrine of American
slavery-lhen, when the blow as com
meuced on the part ofour oppressors, We
will pray God for instrumentalities tt
wipe the invaders from the earth ! We
go further, and will cheerfully exert al
| the influences which wise Providence
assisted by inventive genius, have placed
in our hands to rid the world of these
monsters or, in the graphic language 0
Mr.. STEARNs, these "wild beasts" fo
they are destitute of every ennobling Inn
tpulse which throbs in the bosom of hu
manity.
| We know we express ourselves strong
ly. We feel as we write, and believ,
The time is rapidly approaching for &C
ton. If others wish to remain silen
when threatened with determination the,
may do so, but they shall not censure u,
for pursuing that policy which we be
tlieEe the times demand.
Business Mems Party.
The Merchants of Lawrence, with
their wives and daughters, had part]