Squatter sovereign., 1856-02-12
We copy the proceedings

~ 'i 11~ - "oS
We copy the proceedings:
sEEATE.
A message was received from the Pres
ident OF the United States, SAYING that eir-
cutns,ances had occurred 10 disturb the
course o. government in Kansas, reducing
a condition oil things which, nevertheless,
it was incumbent upon him TO cali the at
tention of congress, and 10 urgently re-
commend The adoption of such measures as
the exigency may require. He aiiades
eulogisilcally TO the principles embraced
III tie Kansas and Nebraska act, and the
system OF government and laws which it
was passed to put in operation. While
Nebraska had been successfully organized,
an organizations had been long delayed in
Kansas, attended by serious difficulties aud
embarrassment, partly from local mal-ad-
Ininis,ration, and partly from uniusil6able
Int herence from the inhabitants of other
States, with views foreign to the interest
and rights Of the Territory. l-..s
| Governor Reeder, instead of constant
vigilance In the execution OF his duties.
himself sets the example In violating law
and duty, which iinpeiied the President 10
remove him.
He alludes 10 the misdirected zeal Of
propagandlSts, and the clashing OF slavery
and antl-Siavery interests, as the cause OF
the mischief, and as elnphatically con-
demns the efforts to anticipate or force the
determination OF that question in This IN
ciioate state. The first Legislative assem-
bly,, whatever may have been the informal
| n III. 1T ,htsrS
all practical purposes, lawful body. and
in this connection tie President reviews
Reeder's conduct regarding the removal OF
the seat OF government, and Reeders re-
fusal TO sign bills passed by that bod "
The Ill feeling in that Territory has now
reached such pitch that 1t threatens the
peace, not only of Kansas, but of the
Union.
| Relative to the recent Convention, which
formed a Free State Constitution, he says
ii was a party, y,and not the people, who thus
acted contrary 10 the principles OF pubic
law, the practice under the Constitution ol
the United States, and the rule OF righ
and common sense. Tie movement In
opposition 10 the constitutional authorities
in Kansas was revolutionary IN lis cha ac-
ter, and If it should reach a point OF organ
izel resistance, become treason and lnsur-
reetion, and it will be the duty OF the Fed
eral Government to suppress 1t, 1t is not
for the President 10 define the duties OF
States and Territories, or decide whether
the law is wise OF unwise, just or unjust.
1t IS his duty to cause il to be effective.
The great popular prerogatire OF self
government mus, be respected. The fres-
ldent further says j, is HE duty 10 preserve
order In the Territory and vIndicate the
laws, whether federal Or Local, and proteCi
the people in the full enjoyment Oh sell
government from all encroachments from
without. Although the serious and threat
) ening disturbances announced to him BY
Gov. Shannon, in December last, were
quieted without an effiIsion Of blood, there
is reason 10 apprehend renewed disorder
there, unless decided measures be forth
with taken to prevent them.
He conludes by saying that if the inhab
r itants OF Kansas shall desire State Con
stiiution, and there shall be sufticien
number, the proper course Will be TO cal
convention of delegates to prepare con
stitution, and recommends the enactmen
of law to that effect, In order that admls
sion into the Union may Le in a Lawful
and proper manner, and that special ap
preparation be made to dt.iray any expense
I which may become requisite IN the exeeu
o ton of the laws, or the maintenance c
:, public order in that Territory.
Mr.. Seward differed from the Presiden
under the present state of our foreign rela
. tions be would forego argument IN tha
: matter now, when In the judgment of th
t majority of the Senate. the time shall com
for action on the subject, he would endear
or to make his position good, OF Opposition
: to the positions, sentiments and policy
J. which are contained IN the President
: Message. 'tI
Mr.. Mason moved reference of tn
; message to the coinmittee on Judiciary.
Mr.. Clayton thought il better TO seies
i the Committee on. Territories.
a Mr.. Seward suggested that in the Com
mi,tes on Judiciary, there We're no oppo
nenls OF the Administration, while Ill th
: Committee on Territories there was onl
,, one, and tI1ought'it would be generous an
n fair to let the minority have a hearing. bl
:. would not insist upon il.
ARer further debate, the message wa
referred to the Committee on Territorie;
81 and the Senate then adjourned TIL Mon
> day. siss
Rrponr or THE PosT MASTER Gen