The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-01-03
ice would be done Iv any action that

tlcc would be done by any action that
did not recognize these latent facts.
..Gov. Geary acted upon such facts
as were apparrht. and / feel assured
that he will yet see the truth in this
matter, if he does not already. 1t
might be objected to this yisw, that
he might have waited for fuller infor-
nation before taking a decisive step.
1t must be remembered, however, that
the Territory was in state of anar-
chy. No mans life or property was
safe. The country was fast being de-
populated.
{ seIhe FIRST duty Of the Governor
was, therefore, to reduce the well
tering chaos to order, to restore peace
and inspire confidence again, that the
people might remain and have time to
prepare for the coming winter
"Only in this manner could an op-
portunity be afforded for the investi-
CATION of complaints, the redress of
wrongs, and the reformation of abuses.
"Another mistake which the critics
of the Governor fall into is. in over
looking the fact that while he is respon-
sible for the preservation of the peace,
and has full power to enforce processes,
his power to reform abuses in other de-
partments of the Government, is very
limited. He is held responsible for ev-
cry abuse of power that occurs either
by the Federal or Territorial authori-
ties. Thus it is asked why Gov. Gea-
~ has not discharged the Free State
prisoners from custody, the answer is
very simpie-because the prisoners
are under civil process, and until they
are convicted, he has no power to lib
crate them.
'Iet US, however, give him credit
for what he has done in our favor.
''Ee has expressed his willingness
to provide escorts for all provision
wagons, or other trains, when asked.
He has travelled all over the country,
and visited the localities of previous
disturbances, and by observation and
conversation with all parties, has en-
deavored to elicit the truth. He has
offered to arm and commission all vol
unteer companies who may choose to
organize, and promises to call upon
them only to protect the Territory
from invasion. He has accepted into
the service Captain Walkers Compa-
ny of Free State men, and stationed
them at Lawrence. He has given a
kind and respectful hearing to the COM
plants and outrages by the pro- slavery
men, and has exerted his influence to
bring the criminals to justice. In all
these particulars, his conduct has been
in direct contrast to the weak and at
trociouSly wicked policy of Shannon
and Wooison.
1.-The action of the Governor in the
case of Hayes, indicted for the murder
of Buffum, illustrates his character
and policy. Bufum, a poor cripple,
was shot by a Kickapoo Ranger, be-
cause he would not give up his last
horse. Gov. Geary came along few
hours afterwards, took his dying state
ment, and Immediately sent secret
agent.after the murderer, and offered a
reward of five hundred dollars for his
arrest. After several weeks search
Hayes was identified, arrested. and in
dieted by a Grand Jury, almost entire
ly composed of pro-slavery men.
Judge Lecompte admitted him to bail
in the sum Of ten thousand dollars.
Upon hearing Of this, Gov. Geary
issued an order for his re-arrest, and
sent it to Marshal Donelson. The
Marshal refused to comply, and Colo
mel Titus was sent after Hayes, who
soon brought him in.
''An attempt was then made to get
out a writ of habeas corpus from Judge
Cato, which failed.
1.-The action of the Governor in this
case has stirred up the fire eaters, who
have long managed the Government
here their own way. The Lecompton
Union, the Sqaatter .Socereign, and the
Leavenworth Herald, again sec Wis
ions of war and blood in this timely
use of Executive power to protect the
most sacred rights of the people, and
stay the hand of an incouigibly cor
rupted and helpleSsly bcsotted Judici-
arv.
"To all men of sense familiar with
the facts, the act needs no Justification.
The authority is found in that mighty
police power, inherent in every civiliz-
ed society, which overlooksthe ordi-
nary limitations, and sets aside the
forms of law, whenever the safety OF
its members requires
Every trne friend of Kansas
should be willing to give Gov. Geary
time to initiate his policy, and should
cooperate with him heartily in al
endeavors to redress her wrongs, ant
bring peace and freedom to her suffer
ing people. Far better this than tc
stand aloof and embarass and fettel
him by opposition or unjust criticism
Let us redouble our energies now, ant
seize upon every opportunity, an(
pursue every expedient, and encourage
every means, by which we can make
even the smallest gain in behalf O
Freedom. Let US feed and clothe hel
poor, robbed people. and sustain then
by our counsel and sympathy.
"No man on the continent can, a
this moment, do more for himself ant
hisrace. than Gov. Geary.
ITO him the genius of this youne
commonwealth lifts her hands, i'm
ploring protection and succor from
the tyrant brood who seek her life.
'Let him give her peace and free
dom, ,and what glory will be his. From
dust and ashes, where she sits il
chains, she viii arise, and putting of
her weeds of mourning. will welcome
home her scattered orphans. In tht
center of this great continent she vii
/ foupd a y7iohfv Stafo anricbod h1, m,