The Kansas herald of freedom., 1856-02-02
From tie 81. JcsepA. To-. Cycle.
Troy, KANSAS TERRITORY,
Jan. Is, 1856.

TLEMEN When the treaty signed by
Gov. Wilson Shannon on the part of the
law and order party, and by c. Robinson
and ]. II. Lane, the representatives OF
the people of Lawrence, was placed in
my hands a few days ago, l at once
pronounced it a base forgery, and ex-
pected daily to see statement from Gov.
Shannon, or some personal friend of his
to that effect. But as several days have
elapsed and no intimation from any quar-
ter has appeared, going to show that
said treaty does not embrace the terms
upon which the late disturbances in
Kansas were settled, by the gentlemen
above named, the conclusion is forced, L
confess very reluctantly upon me, that
the treaty in question is genuine having
been agreed upon by the high contract
ing parties whose names are signed to 1t.
This being so, l feel it due to myself and
every other man who rallied to the res
cue of claw and order" in obedience to
the proclamation of the Governor of
Kansas, to make the following state
ment:
After troops sufficient. had rendez-
voused at Lecompton and Wakarusa, to
have destroyed half dozen such towns
as Lawrence and their defenders, Gov.
Shannon took upon himself the Office of
peace-maker and visited Lawrence. He
returned to Wakarusa after having spent
the day at Lawrence in arranging the
terms of compromise with Robinson and
Lane, and assured the troops there assem-
bled that everything had been honorably
adjusted-that the people of Lawrence
had agreed to recognize the validity of
the laws passed by the Kansas Legisla-
ture-to cordially cooperate in their en-
forcement, and to surrender to-the Sheriff
of Douglas county all of the offenders
against the laws of the Territory who
were in Lawrence, and in all respects to
observe and keep the peace and obey the
laws. He moreover stated that as the
only object he had in view when he issued
his proclamation was to enforce obedience
to the legally constituted authority, and
as this object had been fully accomplished
there was no longer necessity for the
militia to remain under arms, and that
he (Shannon) would go the security of
the people of Lawrence that they would
do all he had stated they agreed to do.
The terms were satisfactory-they
were honorable-they were just.
But what did the people of Lawrence
agree TO do? To what extent, and in
what particular did they abandon sim
gle position ever assumed by them before
the issuing of the Governors Proelama-
ton. Why, if the Treaty really embod-
les the terms of the compromise agreed
upon, there is quite as much brazen trea-
son and rebellion in the treaty itself as
was ever manifested in the conduct of the
people of Lawrence.
Let US examine the facts and see if
this is not the case. Ever since the
Kansas Legislature met at the Shawnee
Mission" the Reeder, or Freesoil party,
have contended that it was not a legal
body, and that no respect was due to any
act that was passed by it; and that they
would not submit TO any of its laws
True to this promise the Lawrence peo-
pie forcibly take from the Sheriff of
Douglas county, violators of the laws
passed by the Kansas Legislature-bid
defiance to the Sheriff and to the laws un-
der which he acts-commit a great many
other outrages of sufficient y violent
character to induce the Governor of the
Territory to call out the militia to force
them into submission. The militia as
semble-are ready to compel them into
obedience-they only require an order to
do SO, and they will accomplish it or die.
The Governor sees this-the Freesoilers
all see it-everybedy sees it. everybody
knowsit. Robinson and Lane are quak-
ing in their shoes and expecting every
moment to reap the reward which their
treason and rebellion merit-when, to
their great JOY and utter astonishnent,
they see Shannon, the "Sword of the
law" enter their lines, not Sin the pomp
and circumstances of glorious war" or in
the stern habiliments of the ayenger of
violated law. but as suppliant, syco-
phant, base, false-hearted, white liver
ed, seeker of popular favor. They at once
know their man-recoileet the hive from
whence he sprung; the doctrines rooted
and grounded in hisheart; and they at a
glance see victory within their reach
They will fatter-cajole-and ii necessa-
ry promise him their support for Office
hereafter if he will only keep the stern
and bloody customers in their vicinity
from them. This he is willing to do,
but how to do it is the question? They,
Shannon, Robinson and Lane, are no
longer enemies but friends, kindred spir-
its, caring neither for law, honor. justice
or right-and so they set to work to see
how it is possible to satisfy the people
who always love the law, and are ready
to support it, and force others to do so.
A whole day they deliberate-at last q
bright idea strikes the Governor. He
exelaims "I have it-all is right. / viii
| let you out of this scrape. l will 60 and
tell the gallant spirits who are here ready
to destroy you, my friends, a grea. lie
viz: that you have surrendered and
ayreed to enforce the laws; this will sat