Squatter sovereign., 1856-03-04
The Settlers Of Kansas.
In Response to the Presidents Special
Message.

rritory on Wednesday afternoon Feb. 18th
1856. took place the largest and most en-
| thuastic gathering of the inha bltants. oil
central Kansas that had ever been held IN
the Territory. Pursuant to spontane-
| GUS call that had been issued upon receipt
of the Presidents Special Massage, the
settlers assembled, irrespective OF party TO
| manifest their devotion to the Union and
confidence IN Republican Government.
| On motion E. Houghland, N. Y.,)
| DIR. d. w, Hunter SMo. was called to
the chair. The following gentlemen were
appointed officers: Vice Presidents. I. N.
Stlnson. Shawnee NJ } w. A. NJ. Waugh
an (Ft. LARAMIE. H.J. Strickler, (Va)
T. K. Ways,nan, (Mo.) John Horner,
(va.) B. j. NeWson and ]. Martin,
(Tenn.} Secretaries. E. Honghland n.
y and w. o. Yager (Va.)
DIR. Hunter on taking the chair stated
the object of the meeting and made neat
and patriotic speech in support OF the mes
sage and the views. of the President. He
said he was delighted to see such enthusi-
asm manifested and hoped it was the guar
antee and harbinger OF future peace; that
he went heart and soul with the President
in supporting and maintaining the supreme
acy of the laws.
On request of the cha irlnan L. Byerly
ESQ.,, read the Presidents Message which
was earnestly applauded throughout. On
| motion a committee on resolutions was ap-
pointed. viz: E. Byerly, e. Houghland DIR.
Gagan. Capt. Hicklin and w. A. M.
Vaughan who reported the following
/. Resoiped, That we cordially approve
of the tone and policy of the late Special
Message of the President of the United
States on Kansas affairs, as truly states
manlike document truthful in its historical
details and impartial in its bearings, af-
fording. if rendering effective, fair and
| honorable basis for quieting the presentag-
itated condition of the Territory.
2. Rssojpei. That the Presidents recon-
| mendation to Congress to pass resolution
authorizing 1.-THE people of Kansas" at
proper time to frame at State Constitution
deserves immediate attention and adoption
as the peculiar condition of the Territory
| renders it most advisable that the prelin-
mary arrangements for admission as a
state should take place under the protec-
| ton and sanction of the general govern
ment.
3. Resolred, That we consider with the
| President in his view that ''showed pro-
| sed movement. revolutionary in Its aim
| and and motives reach the length of or
ganized resistance by force TO the legiti-
mate authorities Of the Territory, it must
| then he regarded as Unreasonable insurrec-
| ton and as such be dealt with according
| to law
| 4. That whilst we adhere TO the pledg-
es and guarantees of the constitution OF the
United States. that 1.-THE people may peace
| ably assemble and petition for redress Of
grievances. and that the liberty of speech
shall not abridge, bnt holding every one
responsible for an abuse OF any right, we
| heartily approve of the determination man.
| ifested by the President to maintain the
supremacy of the laws, TO protect the rights
of the people Of Kansas, and pledge our
hearty cooperation therefor.
| 5. ResoIrea. That we consider the pres
ent as a lncst suspicious time for the true
patriots, bona fitle settlers and conservative
| men OF all classes to come to a perfect un-
| ders,anding and unite upon one Platform,
| ty of the people of the Territory and Nom
intervention with or from the people Of the
States.
6. Resoleed, That the proceedings Of this
meeting be generally published.
The resolutions were Immediately adopt
ed by acclamation.
Gen. Stricklcr moved the adoption of the
| following additional resolution carried nem.
con.
! z. Resolped, That though the prudent and
commendahie efforts of Gov. ShaAnon
peace was maintained and bloodshed avoid.
ed 1T most critical period and under cir
cumsta nees that should render us allthank-
full for the result.
Mr.. E. Hoagland { N. Y. } being called
for said that he considered the message it.
self complete epitorne OF the history OF
Kansas, and that no speech from him could
enforce or make stronger the position of
the President. Mr.eH alluded to the an
ticipated assemblage of the so-caIled con.
stitutional Legislature and protested against
it as party movement, premature in its
character and dangerous to the peace oil
the Territory. He went into short but
sucelnct argument as to the precise point
when unreasonable insurrection and organ
lied resistance by force" against the au-
thority of the United States would begin
and was of the opinion that the taking al
an oath TO support a constitution and laws
which virtually ignored the authority of the
:. Territorial and General Government would
be the first overt act, and he was assured
that at the proper time the United States
authorities would interfere and punish Of
tenders. Until called upon by the United
States authorities 1t is unnecessary and un.
advisable for any of the people of the Ter.
ritory, or their sympathisers abroad to in.
, terfere and attempt any counter movement
Let every thing be done cody and accord
ing TO law. Uncle Sam is strong enough
and rich enough to protect himself. Mr.
Fl. believed that the message would exer
beneficial influence. not only in ths
Territory but in the States. and be ths
means of maintaining peace and order.
Mr.. Byerly beng called Cor said, tha
after the fatigue of reading the message