Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-03-19

prescribed BY this questionable Legislators /,
| We understand you to ssy that the people o.
Kansas are strongly en- your side
Reeder-Simply because they were morally
| certain that the gigantic frauds of the Legis
latiye Election in March would be repeated and
probably aggravated at the Delegate Eiection
| In October. They knew right well that they
stood no chance, few and unarmed as they
then were, in attempting to contest an sec-
tion against the organized Rufhanism Of tho
entire Missouri Border. And beside, they
could not have voted at the Election prescrjb
ed by that Legislature without acknowledge
its authority and agreeing to be bound BIZ lis
enactments. Yet these enactments allow eye
ry inhabitant of the TeTritory-no matter
whether he has been such over a year or less
than day-zto vote at each election, unless he
is opposed to the Fugitive Slave Law or the
kaE sas-N ebraska act, in which case, if chal
tenged. he cannot vote at all, no matter how
long he has been a resident. Of course uu
der such laws, expressly calculated and inten-
ded to let Missourians vote and shut out Free
State citizens of Kansas, our side had no
chance Our only hope lay in the Reputation
of that bogus Legislature and all its works
Hhitfeld-Do you deny that the vote by
which was chosen was Z legal one?
Reeder-Yes, sir, do. l am credibly ia-
formed that large portion of it was poiled By
Missourians who came over on purpose.
Whftfetd-But suppose L were NOT legally e.
lected, how does that help your case
Reeder-Just thus: The Legislature having
been corrupted and destroyed by Pro-SlsverJ
frauds, the People were thrown back on their
primary rights-rights such as Michigan Cal.
lioFnla and other States asserted when thew
formed their first Constitutions rcspec;iyelr
they held meetings resolved 10 have an elec-
tlon for Delegate, appointed day, gave pub
llc notice, chose judges, held an election and
made me their Delegate by a nearly unani-
nous vote. In other words stand here ex-
aetly as did the first Delegate from Nebraska
CHOSEN by spontaneous movement of the
People. You, Sir, stand here the representa-
tive of that Pro-Slayery faction which corrup-
ted our baIlot-boxes and vitiated our Legisia-
iure, and which cannot be permitted TO plead
its own willful and gigantic wrongs as a bar to
other mems assertion of their most sacred
rights. In short, claim the seat becauseI
vas voted for and fairly chosen at the only e.
lection which the People of Kansas have been
10 hold; while You are here the rep
,eseDtative and attorney OF their invaders. Oh.
oressors, peTsecntoTs, despoilers, and murder
srs.
WhitfeId.-Thet is al Buncombe. II does
lot mako out even a priEla facie case.-
Though all You assert were proved, it would
lot support your claim TO the seat. / move
ION suit.
The C031miffee-You are not entitled TO
,on-suit, Mr.. Whitfield, The case turns On
acts; and if Gov. Reeder can establish what
ie asserts, 1t will go hard with your seat. We
must ADVISE the House TO proffer Gov. R. the
uilest opportunity TO make good his alIega-
IONS. We lnnst not grudge expense and trou-
'le when the rights and liberties of whole
PEOPLE are involved.
1Ae Mtgority-We object TO sending for per
ons and papers. We concur with Whitfield.
a3f Sc 81 g9nYti- tsaf i o'se7.s' -
The PeoPls-Let the whole truth come ont,
nd let the seat be accorded to whousoever
hall be proved the true representative Of TIA
it;zens OF Kansas. Amen.