New-York daily tribune., 1856-03-20
THE KANSAS QUESTION EPITOMzED
REMARKS OF GEN. GRANGER OF NY.
HoUsE OF REPREsESTATivEs, March ls, 1855.

HousE OF REPRESENTATIVES,, March ls, 1855.
rise Sir TO say but few words. The question is
not Sir whether Gov. Reeder or Gen. Whitfield shall
occupy a seat on this floor; but whether yOu will or
will not grant to the Committee Elections power to
send for persons and papers. Sir what has this Com
mitiee TO do 1t has TO investigate and report on
subject Of deep and pervading interest TO the whole of
the American people Millions of our constituents are
now watching with intense interest the action of this
Committee. And shall we, Sir, deny them the aid re-
quired and block the wheels and cripple the energies
Of this Committee at the outset For the honor of tas
House and the welfare of the country, trust not. But
why tlis determined opposition Why this attempt to
shroud this investigation i'll darkness The reasons given
seem TO me unsatisfactory contradictory and baseless.
Tie honorable gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Letcherl,
il aiming the other side OF the question: took occi-
sion say that if the administration of this Govern
taken from the party that now holds 1t, the
Union would be dissolved. Sir these threats have
been 20 often repeated, and from the same quarter,
that they have become STALE nspid and scarcely de-
serve passing notice. Such threats are idle. They
cease To disturb Like the rattle in the tail Of tooth
lees snake, they heard without alarm. Dis
solve this Union Who dissolve 1t The North
rH not the South dare not; the world in
AIMS can not. Away with such silly nonsense.
The Hon. Member from Maryland tMr. Davis denies
us jurisdiction. There he comes in conflict with the
Constitution. The Constitution clear that point
Ii ays expressly that Each House shall be the Judge
Of The election returns and qualifications Of its
emo mbers.' There is not a legislative body in the
world that does rot exercise this power over its own
Members, and even to expel Member at discretion.
lie Hon. NtnltInun IOuBht ShhdhIy, uut nc lVucW
"As that be ate IN the air."
He dealt fearful blows but his adversary was beyond
bis reach II pity such valor was wasted. Sir,
the Hon. Member from Mary land was on the wrong
side. Tie Hon. Member from Missouri (Mr. Oliver
charges the Massachusetts, Aid Society with maprac-
tice II the charge is true, why not investigated tie
charges the Kansas settlers with having niles Is 1t
possible What Freemen have arms in their hands
Who ever heard of these rifles till Kansas invaded
Thtn Sir you did hear of them. Then they came out
and spoke for themselves. 1t is charged that the
Now-England eInigrants go to make Kansas Free
State Ay Sir Free State. 4" A lion in the way"
Sir the sos of the Pilgrims 60 their fathers came,
TO plant and Free State II that ~ wrong, 1t
is the fault Of the family. Their fathers did 70 before
them. Free Speech, Free Press, Free Schools, Free
to make a Free State. And, God be praised, they
will do it. But Gov. Reeder is in the way Gov.
Reeder has been assaied-rudely assaied-on this
floor Gov Reeder is the last man to be here COM
planed of. The blame before tne country rests else
where than on the head of Gov. Reeder. Has the
Hon. Member from Missouri 70 soon forgot that the
invasion of Kansas from his own state ! And
when the Hon. Gentleman says he did approve of
it. it will be news TO me. Does he not know that If
Missouri approves or paliates, she must share
the shamel But she will not do it. And l
was surprised to hear what ! did hear from one
Of Ler Representatives But Gov. Reeder is in the
way. He is the evil genius that haunts the dreams
of the Hon. Member from Missouri by night and
disturbs bis equanimity, by day. The Hon. Member
suys Reeder comes pOking along here" a traitor"
Suppwe were to say-which surely will not-that
Whitfield comes pokng along here True they are
both here; and what OF it What he's that to do with
the question Sir Gov. Reeder comes here by the
voice of the people of Kansas; and they sent him here
in accordance with the Higher Law and the Lower
Law-the Law Of Selfpreservation and the Law of
Self-dcfense. If he has not a right here who has
Gen. Whitfield comes here the fruit Of election-an
election ordered by spurious Legislature Legisla
ture forced unwilling people by band of armed
invaders with guns and drums, and implements of
death-who marched into Kansas Election day,
and stormed nearly every poll at once, elected this
Legislature and returned back TO Missouri in triumph.
Sir let the Counitte examine; give them all the help
they ask for; let have the truth aud no dodging
the country demands it. Sir, am ready forthe vote,
and envy not the who shall record his vote in
the negative.
Mr.. Speaker, demand the Previous Question!
tGen GRAseER at the request of several Members with.
drew his call for the Previous Question and it ihs'
tie House should proceed to vote tOnouow "Wednesday
fof.i