Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-03-19

prescribed by this questionable Legislature
We understand you to say that the people OF
Kansas are strongly en- your side 2
Reeder-Simpiy because they were morally
certain that the gigantic frauds of the Legis-
lative Election in March would be repeated and
probably aggravated at the Delegate Election
in October. They knew right well that they
stood no chance, few and unarmed as they
then were, in attempting to contest an cleo
tion against the organized Ruffanism of tho
entire Missouri Border. And beside, they
could not have voted st the Election prescrib-
ed by that Legislature without acknowledging
its authority and agreeing TO be bound by its
enactments. Yet these enactments allow eve
ry iaha5itaat Of the Te.ritory-no matter
whether he has been such over 9 year or less
than a day-to vote at each election, unless be
is opposed to The Fugitive Slave Law or the
haEsas-N Neerasla act, in which case, If chal-
lepged, he cannot vote at all, no matter how
long he has been resident. OF course ua-
der such laws, expressly calculated and inten-
ded to let Iissourians vote and shut out FREQ
State citizens Of Kansas, our side had no
chance. Our only hope lay in the reputation
Of that bogus Legislature and all its works.
Hhigeld-Do you deny that the vote By
which [ was chosen was legal one
Eee2er--Yes, sir, do. I am credibly in
formed that large portion of it was polled by
MissoGrians who came over on purpose.
WhUfeld-But suppose l were not legally e.
leeted, how does that help your case2
Reeisr-Just thus: The Legislature having
been corrupted and destroyed By Pro-Slavery
frauds, the People were thrown back On their
primary rigbts-rights such as Michigan. CAL
iforuia and other States asserted when they
formed their first Constitutions respectively.
They held meetings resolved to have an elec-
tion for Delegate. appointed day, gave pub
| lie notice, chose judges, held an election and
made me their Delegate by nearly unani-
nous vote. In other words, stand here ex-
actly as did the first Delegate from Nebraska
chosen by q spontaneous movement of the
People You, Sir, stand here the representa-
tive of that Pro-Slavery faction which corrup-
ted our hallot-boxes and yitiated our Leg;sla-
ture, and WHICH cannot be permitted to plead
its own wiilful and gigantic wrongs as bar to
other mems assertion of their most sacred
rights. In short, l claim the seat because L
was voted for and fairly chosen at the only G.
lection which the People OF Kansas have been
permitted TO hold; while you are here the rep
resentatiYe and attorney OF their invaders, op-
pressors, prosecutors, Gespoilers, and murder
ers.
THiffsld-That is all Buncombe It does
not make out even prima facie case
Though all you assert were proved, it would
not support your claim TO the seat. / move
non suit.
The Commifes-You are not entitled to q
non-suit Mr.. Whitfield The case turns on
facts; and if Coy Reeder can establish what
he asserts. II "lIf-go o laru with your seat. we
must advise the House to proffer Gov. Z. tho
fullest opportunity 20 make good his alega-
tions. We must not grudge expense and trou-
bic when the rights and liberties OF whoio
people are involved.
TIE Wiaority-We object to sending for peg
sons and papers. We concur with Whitfield,
that all that is alleged by Reeder would not, II
established, entitlc him 70 oust the former.
The HcRSG--
The I'eopIe-L4et the whole truth come out,
s,-l - -s. -. .9~ecrficd to whomsoever
shah be proved the true represertusfrv ur th-
citizens of Kansas. Ameni