The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-07-11

have been Free State men IL there had beer
no invasion Of Missourians. The Goyerno
set aside the election in some Of the districts
and new election took place therein on thu
I'D OF May, resulting in the choice OF IRE
worth, where there was still Illegal voting.
Tn, committee took large mas OF testi
mony regarding the proceedings Of the Leg
islatiye Assembly, which proceedings they
state are characterized by recklesness and
injustice. The report likewise alludes 70
the murders, robberies and other crimes
committed in the territory and states that
in no case except that OF McRae Ia Free
STATED was there any prosecution for those
offence. No indictments were found, no ar
rests made, and no measures taken, to bring
the perpetrators to justice.
The report coutains full and complete de-
tails Of everything connected with the ter
ritory of Kansas prior to the 10Th Of March
last, and says il is clearly proven that SAM
uel j. Jones. the Sheriff, was the main cause
OF the recent disturbances in which he 30
prominently figured. IL is also proved that
Mr.. Oliver, one Of the investigating COM
mittee, went into Missouri with one Of the
invading companies, and made speech in
the 18th election district, but il Is not prov
cd that he voted.
that each Of the elections in Kansas was
carried by the invasions from Missouri; that
consequently, the Legislative assembly, an
illegally constituted body and has no power
to pass valid laws, therefore its enactments
are void. The election Of G. W. Whitfield
as delegate TO Congress was not held under
any valid law. neither wasthatof Mr.. Reed
er in accordance with lawi
The report ailudes to obstsartions that
have been thrown in the ~ayer the Com
mittee, and to the general violence which
prevails in the territory. Ii is very yolum-
nous, and Is signed by Messn. Howord and
Sherman.
The committee close their report as fol- |
lows -
Your Committee report the following,
facts and conclusions as established by the
First-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
'f the territory have been prevented from
the right secured to them by or
,anic law.
Second-That the territorial Legislat ur
vas an illegall constituted body and had no
'ower TO pass valid laws, and their enact
nents are therefore null and void.
these alleged laws have not as
frappral thinNr hoat, Nsn1 20 trataat
ons and property and to punish wrong, but
or unlawful purposes.
Fourth-That the election under which
he sitting delegate, John W. Whitfield,
Olds his seat, was not held in pursuance Of
ny valid law, and that il should be regard
d only rs the expression Of the choice of
hose resident citizens who voted for him.
Fifth-That the election under which the
ontesting delegate, Andrew III. Reeder,
lalms his seat, was not held in pursuance
{ law, and that il should be regarded only
5 the expression of the choice of the resi-
ent citizens who voted for him.
Sixth-That Andrew III. Reeder had
reater number Of votes of resident citizens
nat John W. Whitfield, for delegate.
Seycnth-That in the present condition
the Territory fair election cannot be
cid without new census, stringent and
ell guarded election law, the selection of
npartial judges, and the presence Of the ;
nited States troops at every place Of cleo
On.
Eghth-That in the present condition Of
he Territory fair election cannot be held {
Tithout a new census that the various ell ,
ctions held by the people of the Territory
TO the formation of the State
Government have been as regular as the dis
lrbed condition Of the territory would al 3
NV, and that the Constitution passed by
he Convention, held in pursuance of said
lections, embodies the viii of the majority !
{ the people.
AS it is not in the province Of your Com
nittee to suggest remedies for the existing
roubles in the territory of Kansas, they
ontent themselves with the foregoing state
nent Of facts.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
WM. A. HOWARD.
JOHN SHERMAN.