Tribune and telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1855-1856, 1856-01-31
Kansas Message.

W ASHiA6ICN, Jan. "A.
SENATE.--A Message was received from the
President of the United States, stating that cir
cunstances have occurred to disturb the course
of Government in kansas-producing a condi-
ton OF things which renders it incumbent
him to call the attention of Congress to it; and
he urgently recommends the adoption of such
measures as the eXigency seems to require. lie
alludcs enthusiastically to the principles embraced
IN the Kansas Nebraska act, and the system Of
Government, and thc laws TO put it into opera
ton and adds that, while Nebraska was sue
cesStully organi zed, the organization of Kansas
was. long delayed, and was attended by serious
difficulties and embarrassmcnts-p from To-
Cal maadministration, ard partly the uniustif.
able interference OF the inhabitants Of some
States with views foreign to The interests and
rights OF the Territory. Gov Reeder, instead
Of constant vigilance in the exercise OF his du-
ties, allowed his attention to be dtviated from
his oihcia Obligations by other Objects thereby
himself setting an example of violation of law
and duty which rendered his removal necessary.
he President IN his message also aludes TO
the mlsdirectcd zeal of the propagand;st cmi-
grafton as the cause Of the clashing Of the Slave
ny and Anti-Slaycry interests, and as emphatic
ally condemns the efforts 10 anticipate or force
determination If that qpcs tion IN this iHchoate
stale. The first Legislative Assembly, what
ever may have been the iniUrmalities Of its cleo
ton, was, for al practical purposes, a lawful
btdJ- III tiI4c CD!.4lccFIUu Inc PRESIDENT reviews
Governor Reedcr's conduct regarding the reno
val Of the Of government, and his refusal to
sign bills passed by that body. He then adds
that the lll-teclng in Kansas, has now reached
such point that it threatens the peace not only
of Kansas but OF the Union, Relative.to the re-
cent Convention which framed a Free State Con
stitutjon, he says: 1t was party and not the
people, who acted thus contrary to the principles
of public law and practice under the Constitution
the nIEpI States aud tho r1lp &C iuht nd
common sense The movement in opposition
to the constitutional authorities of Kansas is
revolutionary in its character and should it reach
the point of organized resistance, it will be trea-
sonabe Instruction, which it will b" tie duty
OF the Federal Government to suppress.
He then adds that it is not for the Presiden:
to define the duties of States or Territories or
to decide whether law is wise or unwse, lust
or UNJUST; 1t is his duty to cause it to be exc
cuted. he great popular preroga;iyc Of self
government must be respected. 1t is the Pre-
sdent's duty to preserve order in the Territory,
and vindicate the laws, whether Federal or To-
cal, and protect the people in the full endowment
of seifgovernment from all encroachnents from
without. Although the serious and threatening
disturbances announced by Governor Shannon
IN December last, were quoted without the eff
fusion OF blood, there is reason to apprehend
renewed disorder there, unless decided measures
be forthwith taken 10 prevent them. He con-
'l"NSo ~ say liidl Nilclt TIE lUHaDlIdltS OF
ansaa shall desire State Government, and be
OF sufficient numbers for the formation OF a State,
that the proper course viii be for a convention
OF delegates TO prepare a Constitution. The
president. therefore, recommends thG enactment
ot a law 70 that effect, in order that the alnis-
sion OF Kansas into the Union rs 4 State may
be conducted in lawful and proper manner;
and further, that 2 special appropriation be
made to dehay any expenses which may become
requisite III the execution of laws or the main
tenance OF pubic order i'll that Territory.
Mr.. SEWARD differed from the President:
but, under the present state of our tucicn at
fairs, he would torogo any argument on that
matter now. When, in the Judgment of ma
lority of the Senate the time shall come for ac-
ton ON the subject he would eudcayor to make
good his opposition to the policy, the position
and the sentiments which are contained in the
Message Of the President
Mr.. Mason moved the reference of the Mes
sage TO the Committee on the judiciary.
MIR. CLAYTON thought if would be better to
organize 4 Select Committee of thirteen.
Mr.. SEWARD suggested that rs there were no
opponents to the Administration on the judi
ciary Committee, while on that Of Territories
there was only ont, it would be but generous
and fair to let the minority have a hearing but
he would net insist on a motion for that refe-
renee.
After further debate, the Message was refer
red to the Committee on Territories.
Adjourned till Monday.