The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-07-18

in Leaycnworth City, but for several years
citizen of Weston, No., kindly furnished
the Committee information. % to tho resi-
dence of persons voting at tho elections, and
IN somc cases examined witnesses before 1t.
He was arrested ON the streets Of that town
NV an armed band of about thirty men,
headed by w. d. Wilkes, without any col
or of authority, confined, with other, citi-
yens, under q military guard for "a hours,
and then notified to leave the Territory. His
testimony was regarded as important, and
mon his sworn statement that II would en-
danger his person to give 1t openly tho ma
;ority of your Committee deemed It proper
10 examine him exparte and did 90.
By reason Of these occurrences, the con-
tcstant, and the party with and for whom
he acted, were unrepresentcd before US dur
inc a greater portion Of the time, and your
Committee were required to ascertain the
truth in the best manner they could.
Your Committee report the following,
facts and conclusions as established by the
testimony.
Fint.That the election in the territory
held under the organic or alleged territorial
law was carried by organized invasion from
the State of Missouri, by which the people
of the territory have been prevented from
exercising the right secured to them by or
ganic law.
Second-That the territorial Legislature
was an illegal constituted body and had no
power to pas valid laws, and their enact
ments are therefore null and void.
Third-That these alleged laws have not as
a general thing, been used to protect per-
sons and property and to punish wrong, but
for unlawful purposes.
Pourth-That the election under which
the sitting deleg tie, John w, Whitfield,
holds his seat, was not held in pursuance OF
any valid law, and that 1t should be regard.
ed only Us the expression Of the choice Of
those resident citizens who voted for him.
Fifth-That the election under which the
contesting delegate, Andrew ii. Reeder,
claims his seat, was not held In pursuance
of law, and that it should be regarded only
as the expression of the choice Of the resi-
dent citizens who voted for him.
Sixth-That Andrew II. Reeder had O
greater number of votes of resident citizens
that John w. Whitfield, for delegate.
Seyenth--That in the present condition
of the Territory fair election cannot b.
held without new census, q stringent and
well guarded election law, the selection Of
impartial judges, and the presence OF the
United States troops at every place OF cleo
ton.
Eighth-That in the present condition Of
the Territory fair election cannot be held
without new census that the various ell
octons held by the people OF the Territory
preliminary to the formation Of the State
Government have been rs regular as the dis
surhed condition of the territory would al
low, and that the Constitution passed by
the Convention, held In pursuance of sale
elections, embodics the viii Of tho majority
Of the people.
As it is not in the province Of your Com
mittee to suggest remedies for the existing
troubles in the territory of Kansas, they
content themselves with the foregoing state
ment of facts.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
WIN. A. HOWARD.
JOHN SHERMAN.