Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-07-19


Peoples Legislature Dispersed by United states
~ Troops.
fa sie A ST.. LoUrs, july o.
Adyices from Topeka of the 4th are received.
The COnve ntion met there on the I'd and passed
resolutions in favor of the Republican party and
denuncatory of Democracy, and appealing to
the friends of Free Kansas in Congress to stop
supplies until Kansas is admitted under her
present Constitutions. Marshal Donaldson and
Judge Elmore read to the Convention the Presi-
DENTS February proclamation, Shannon's prOcla-
nation. and a new one from Woodson, Secretary
of the Territory; also note from Sumner, stat
ing that he would prevent meeting of the Leg
slature, but they were not Needed. About eight
hundred people were present, all armed. Both
branches of the Legislature met on the 4tb. y
quorum was present and the roll was called.
About noon Col. Sumner entered the town with
two hundred dragons, and planted two pieces OF
artillery at the head of Kansas Avenue. Troops
were drawn up before Constitutional Hall, and
Sumner told the citizens he would not disarm
them or break up the Convention, but had orders
10 dissolve the Legislature, and would do so.
He then repaired to the House Of Representa-
tives, and in gentl emanly manner informed the
members that he had orders to dispense them, and
that he should enforce them. He said 81 am
called upon to perform the most painful duty OF
nv life, under the authority of the Presidents
proclamation. am here to dissolve this Legis-
iature, and in accordance with my orders COM
mand YOU to disperse.' Z" God knows have no
party feeling in this matter, and will have none
while hold my present position in Kansas. !
have Just returned from the borders, where have
been sending home companies of MissOurians,
and am now here with instructions to dissolve
this Legislature, and again command you to
dispense" Judge Schuyler asked if they were
to b.. driven out at the point of the bayonet.
Sumner replied, 6 will use the whole force I'M
der my command to enforce my orders" The
House then dispersed.
The Convention was preparing resolutions en-
dorsng the State Government and Topeka Con-
stitutiOn. Fears of an invasion had kept large
numbers from attending the Convention. Col.
Lane had not arrived yet.
Our informant says that murders are still very
frequent in the territory; that an officer under
Sumner told him that the dragons had picked up
and buried a great many within a few weeks
The bodies Of thirty-two murdered men were
found on the roads, several of whom were par
TALLY devoured by the wolves. 1t is some salts
faction to learn, however, that they were not all
Free State men who had thus fallen but tina,
many plundering ruiians had been made to bite
the dust for their crimes. ter
We further learn from him that the news of the
nomination Of Col. Fremont and perusal of the
Republican platform set the whole Free State
people wild with delight, and inspired every man
with new courage, and hope that the day of deliv-
erance from the reign of terror, and the grippe OF
the oppressor was drawing nigh. Prayers 90 up
nightly to heaven from thousands of women and
children, on the plains of kanzas, for the election
Of Fremont.
He tells us that the wheat crop is excellent
though not large, and that the corn crop promises
to be abundant. .f -.s..