Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-07-16

peka, Kansas, to the 4th. say that convention
met there on the End inst, and passed resolu-
tons in favor of the Republicans, and denuncia-
tory of the Democrats, appealing to the friends
of Free Kansas in Congress to stop voting sup
plies until Kansas shall be admitted into the
Union under the Topeka Constitution. Mr.
Donaldson and Judge Elmore read the Presi-
dents proclamation of February last, and Gov
ernor Shannon's proclamation; and Mr.. Wood
son read note from Col. Sumner, saying that
he would prevent the meeting of the Legislature
but they were unheeded. About 800 persons
were present, all armed.
On the 4th both branches Of the Free-State
Legislature met, when Col. Sumner entered the
town with 200 United States dragons and
planted two cannons at the head of Kansas a.
venue. The troops were drawn up before Con
Istitutional Hail. COL Sumner told the citizens
that he would not disarm them or break up the
Convention but had orders to dissolve the Leg
islature and would do so.
Col. Sumner repaired to the Hall of Repres-
entatives and said 81 am called upon to per-
form the most painful duty of my life Under
the authority of the President, am here to dis
solve the Legislature In accordance with my
orders command you to dispense. God knows
have no party feeling in the matter, and will
nave uOHe WHilc L HOiu lily pleSSnp postum III
Kansas. have just returned from the border,
where have been sending home Missourians
and am here with instructions to dispense the
Legislature again command You to disperse."
Judge Schuyler asked if they were to under
stand that they We're to be driven out at the
point of the bayonet?
COL Sumner replied that he would use the
whole force under his command to enforce the
orders.
The House then dispersed.
A similar scene was enacted in the Senate
The Convention is preparing resolutions en-
dorsing the State Government and the Topeka
constitution. The fears of an invasion kept large
numbers from attending. -
p TIE SUMNER AssAULT.--The case Of Mr. Brooks
charged with an assault and battery upon Sena-
tor Sumner, took place on Tuesday the 9th inst
before the Judge of the Criminal Court in Wash
ington City. There was large attendance, in
Guiding Senator Butler and other members of
Congress. The District Attorney read cores
pondence between him and Mr.. Sumner to show
that he had used due diligence, though unsuc-
cessfully, to obtain the presence of Mr.. s., who
had expressed himself as having no desire to
take part in the proceedings, and had left the
city.
The testimony of Mr. l.. Leader, who caused
the arrest of Mr.. Brooks after the assault, j. W.
Simonton, Mr.. Keitt Senators Foster Pearce
and Toombs were taken The last wished to
read in mitigation,at the instance of the counsel
OF the accused, extracts from Mr.. Summers
speech, rejecting on South Carolina and Senator
Butler. Drs. Boyle and Lindsey, and Senator
Benjamin, also testified the last expressing his
opinion, from what he saw of Senator Summers
notes, that lie (Mr Sumner) had his speech print
ed before its delivery. Ns az
Mr.. Brooks made short speech, regretting
Mr.. Summers absence. He had hoped, he said,
to have had the benefit of an interrogation, con-
corning his testimony before the House commit
tee. He took the ground that there are some
offences for which the law affords no adequate
remedy, and said that while he had heart to
feel, and hand to strike, he would redress the
wrongs of his political mother, from efforts to
cover her with obloquy. His property may be
squandered and his life endangered, but he would
be true to her who bore him. He then bowed
to the majesty of the law to receive his sentence.
Judge Crawford said that as the matter might,
perhaps, at that moment, be the subject of in
vestigation at another place-the House of Re-
representatives. would forbear comment on
the testimony, and pronounce the judgement of
the court, that Mr.. Brooks pay fine of three
hundred dollars
Mr.. Brooks then returned to tile House with
his friends.