The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1856-02-23
THE PRESIDENTS LAST.

IL TIE ODJect OF the TreSlOent IN issuing
his last proclamation was to keep the public
attention directed to the Kansas question, he
'ouId hardly have hit upon more likely ex-
pedient. The subject was sedulously evaded
in his message, in order to give Stringfsllow
and his rufhans time to perfect their schemes.
That having been done, the President issues
bis proclamation, prejudsing the case, as
suming that the people Of Kansas are bound
to obey the laws passed BY Legislature C.
lected by horde Of brutal Missourians, and
forbidding the people to arm themselves or to
assemble together to protect their lives and
property.
The authority Of deciding what are the
laws Of Kansas rests not with President
Pierce, but with Congress, and the Presidents
duty was simply to present the facts to that
body. and point out the manner in which the
people Of Kansas could be protected in their
rights. Instead Of which this virtuously-
worded, most arrogant proclamation 10 ,s-
sued, making no distinction between the act
ual settlers in Kansas and the brutal mob
who invade that territory, and declaring that
the laws enacted BY mock Legislature Of
the latter shall be enforced, If necessary, BY
United States troops! This is executive
equity. Thisis the Presidents method of
promoting law and order. This is demo-
cratic doctrine. This is squatter sovereign
~. Heaven defend the poor settlers of Kan.
Sas.
OF course, the proclamation will fall like
= dead weight upon the head Of him who
fired it of. It is impossible to be enforced
The laws enacted by the mock Legislature
at the Shawnee Mission are so hateful, SO re-
puGnant to the moral sense of frcemen, and
SO arbitrary, forbddins even the expression
Of the opinion that Slavery ought not to be
allowed in the territory, that no Federal au-
thority could undertake with any hope Of
success TO enforce obedience thereto, withou,
externinatiny the entire Free. State popula-
tion Of Kansas. With all their atrocity We
do not suppose the administrator quite con
template such catastrophe at present. Still
it may be questioned if there is much differ
ence in the actual guilt incurred in doing the
deed by Federal cannon or ty Ratchet.
and bowie knives in the hands of Stringfel
lows cut-throats.
Latest advices, indeed, indicate that the
President will not hesitate to call on the mil
itary commanders Of Forts Leavenwor,h and
Riley, numbering together 1900 bayonets, to
break up the Legislature soon to assemble al
Topeka. The genuine Legislature Of the
territory must be disbanded at all hazards
Gov Shannon. who has recently been ir
consultation with the administration at Wash
ington, has returned to Kansas with instruc
tons to call ont the troops stationed at For
Leavenworth to enforce the laws Of I'll,
Shawnee Missouri invaders. The Free
State men are fully aware Of what may soor
be their fate, and are making what prepare
tons they can to defend their rights. Thei'
only hope Of preventing civil war is il
arming themselves so strongly as to intimi
date their enemies. Otherwise civil war vii
in all probability desolate the territory. Tn
prospect is cherries to the poor settler, AM
excites feeling Of Indignation in the hear
Of every man who reflects that We are sup
posed to live under a republican govern
mcnt.
: Meanwhile the settlers are calm. OF
, the citizens Of Free North for aid TIL
cali is responded to in many places, and
thank Heaven Presidential proclamation
are powerIess to prevent that Nothing ca
suppress the expression Of sympathy, nc
keep back the gifts Of generous men.