Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1856-01-31
Congress.

In the Senate on Thursday, message was
received from the President of the United
States, stating that circumstances have &C.
Cured TO disturb the course of government in
Kansas, producing condition of things which
renders IT incumbent on him to call the atten-
ton of congress TO it, and he urgently recon-
mends the adoption of such measures as the
exigency seem 10 require. He alludes eulo-
gistically to the principles embraced in the
Kansas Nebraska act and the system of gov
ernment, and the laws passed to put it into
operation, and adds that while Nebraska was
successfully organized, the organization of
Kansas was long delayed, was attended by Sc
rious difficulties and embarrassmenis, partly
from local maladministration, and party from
the unjustihable interference of the inhabitants
of some states witt views foreign to the in
terest and rights Of the territory.
Gov. Reeder, instead of constant vigilance
in the exercise of his duties, allowed his at
tention TO be deviated from his official obiea-
tons by other objects, thereby himself setting
an example Of violation of law and duty, which
rendered his removal necessary.
The President in his message aludes 10 the
misdirected zeal of the propagand;st emigra-
tion as the cause of the clashing of the slavery
and anti-slavery interests, and as emphaticalIy
condemns the efforts 10 anticipate or force a
determination of that question in this incohate
state.
The first legislative assembly, whatever
may have been the informalilies of its election,
was for all practical purposes, lawful body
In this connection the President reviews Gov
ernor Reeder's conduct regarding the removal
OF the seat OF government, and his refusal 10
sign bills passed by that body.
He then adds that the ill feeling in Kansas
has now reached such a point that it now
threatens the peace, not only of Kansas, but OF
the Union.
Relative to the recent convention which
formed free state constitution, he says ii was
party and not the people who acted thus con-
trary to The principles Of public law and prac-
tce under the constitution of the United States,
and the rule of right and common sense. The
movement in opposition TO the constitutional
authorities in Kansas is revolutionary in its
character, and should it reach the point of or
gained resistance, twill be reasonable in
surrection, which it will be the duty of the fed
eral government TO suppress.
He then adds that ii is not for the President
to define the duties of states or territories, or
TO decide whether law is wise or Use,
just or unjust. II is his duty 10 cause it to be
executed. The great popular prerogative of
self-government must be respected. 1t is the
Presidents duty 10 preserve order in the terri
tory and vindicate the laws whether federal or
local, aud protect the people in the full enjoy
ment Of self-goTernment from all encroach-
ments fIom without. Although the serious and
threatening disturbances announced by Gov.
Shannon, in Dec. last, were quoted without
the effusion OF blood, there is reason TO appre-
bend renewed disorder there unless decided
measures be forthwith taken TO prevent them.
The President concludes that when the inhab-
itants of Kansas shall desire state govern
ment, and be of sufficient numbers tor the for
nation of state, that the proper course will
be for a convention of delegates to prepare a
constitution. The President therefore recon-
mends the enactment of law to that effect in
order that the admission of Kansas into the
Union as state may be considered in law
full and proper manner; and further, that q
special appropriation be made to defray any
expenses which may become requisite in the
execution of laws in the maintenance of pub
lie order In that territory.
After debate the message was referred tC
the commitle on territories.