Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1856-07-12

the number Of legal voters was asccr,ained to
be 2905. Previous to tho election in the
spring Of 1855, active preparations were made
in Missouri TO invade The Territory, and com
plete organization was effected. Leaders were
chosen, tents, provisions, ammunition and arms
distributed, and the forces were drilled In CON-
panies in Missouri; and on the day before the
election, il is testified, at least fve Thousand
Missourians took up the line Of march for Kan
sas, aud companies went into every representa-
tive district Of the Territory except one From
accurate and almost absolute proofs il appeared
tina, Of about $500 votes cast Mt the election
for members Of the Territorial Legislature s.
900 were those Of non-residenis The major.
~ Of The members Of 10th houses Of he Lceisla-
fure, tcOaH haze been free State men II fhere had
been no inudsion Of Msso1idns.
The committee took large mass Of los,imo-
ny regarding the proceedings Of the Legislative
Assembly, which proceedings they state are
characterized by recklessness aud injustice.
The report likewise aludes to the murders,
robberies and other crimes committed in tho
Territory, and states that 10 no oasg, except
that Of McRae, "a free State man) was there
any prosecution for those offences No indict-
menis were found no arrests made, aud no
measures taken TO bring the perpetrators to JUS
lice. The report says ii is clearly proven that
Samuel ]. Jones, the Sheriff, was the main
cause Of the recen, disturbances 10 which he
so prominently figured. 1t is also proved that
Mr.. Oliver, one Of the Investigating Committee,
went into Missouri with one Of the invading
companies"
The Committee conclude their report with
the following statement Of the facts and conclu-
sions established by the testimony.
First: That each election in the territory
held under the organic or alleged territorial law
has been carried by organized invasons from
the state Of Missouri by which the people of
the territory have been prevented from exercis-
ing the rights secured 10 them by the organic
law.
Second: That the alleged territorial legisla-
ture was an Illegally constituted body and had
no power to pass valid laws. and their enact
ments are, therefore, null and void
Third; That these alleged laws have not,
as general thing, been used to protect persons
and property and 10 punish wrong, but for IN
lawful purposes.
Fourth That the election under which the
sitting delegate, John w. Whitfield, holds his
seat, was not held in pursuance of any valid
law, and that ii should be regarded only as the
expression of the choice of those resident ciii-
zens who voted for him.
Fiji: That the election under which the
contes,ing delegate, Andrew II. Reeder, claims
his seat, was not held in pursuance of law, and
that il should be regarded only as the express
ion of the choice CT the resident citizens who
voted for him.
&rth That Andrew II Reeder received
greater number Of votes Of resident citizens
than John w. Whitfield, for delegate.
Seventh Tha, in the present condition Of
the territory fair election cannot be held with
ont new census, a stringent and well-guarded
election law, the selection of impartial Judges
and the presence Of United States troops at ev-
cry place of election.
Eghh That the various elections held BY
the people of the territory preliminary 10 the
formation Of the state government have been as
regular as the disturbed condition OF the terri.
tory would allow and that the constitution
passed by the convention, held in pursuance Of
said elections, embodes the will of majority
Of the people.
AS 1t is not the province Of your committee
10 suggest remedies for the existing troubles in
the territory of Kansas, they content themselves
with the foregoing statement of facts. All Of