The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-01-30

erlessentrely without capacity to Vindicate the majesty
OF the law and restore the broken peace the existing df
cuties were Of far complicated character than
had anticipated predatory bands, whose sole AIM unre
evedby the mitigation Of political causes was asssSsna
ton arson plunder and rapne had undsthrbed posses
sion osome portions of the Territory while every part OF
kept constant alarm and terror by the advocates OF
political sentiments unitng according TO their respective
sympathes in formidable bodies of armed men, completely
equipped with munitions Of war and resolved upon mu-
tua determination the only hope of peace; unofendinR
and peaceahe citizens driven from their homes ohe
murdered in their own dwellings, which efe given to the
flames that sacred respect for which has charac
erized all civilized nations seemed in the houy of mad
element to be forgotten partisan feeling, all sides
intensely excited BY question which naamed the entire
haton almost closed the minds of the people dgaist me
idle and mendacous rumors well calculated TO produce
evaporation and destroy confidence were eeryThere rife
the most unfortunate suspicious prevailed Ia isolated
country places mans life safe robberie5 and unr
ders we're of daily nearly every arm-house
deserted and traveller could safely venture the
highway without This state aairs greatly
aggravated by the interference OF prominent politicians
outside Of the Territory.
ton of things which ruled Kansas and convased the
tion The full picture will be drawn by the iron pen o.
impartial history and the actors in the various scenes will
cattle here stranger to your difficulties without pre- u
dice with solemn of my official obligations and
with lofty resolution tq Put speedy termination 70
would have oated the country into the most bloody civil
| war. ,f"a e.sa.t. ar 4e& sE
Hesitation or partisan affiliations would have resulted
|
affairs To peace and order and relieve the people
from the evils under which they were aboTng it was
cessary that impartial independent and just policy
should be adopted, which would embrace s protection
all good citizens without distinction OF party, and 5erny
punish all bad who continued to disturb the public
y amog nns
people in order that they might have early notice OF my
! Intentions. &
On the fourteenth day of September reliable information
received that large body of armed men were march
ing to attack Hickory Point the north side of the Kan
river. Immediately despatched squadron Of United
States Dragons with instructions to capture and bring to
this place any persons whom they might find acting in vi
oation of my proclamation In pursuance OF these instruc
tions one hundred and one prisoners were taken and
brought here, and committed for trial.
While portion of the army performing this duty
advised that large body of men was approaching
the town of hawtence dethrmiHed Upon It's destruction
ordered three hundred United States troops to that
place. and repaired there in person. Within four miles OF
Lawrence found force of twentyseven hundred men
consisting of citizens of this Territory and of other places
organized as territorial militia, under proclamation Of
the late acting dsoanded this force ordering
the various companies comprising it to repair to their
specve places of rendezvous there to be mustered out OF
service. My orders obeyed the militia retired to
ervation of Lawrence effected and great step made to-
wards the restoration Of peace and confidence.
To recount my various official acts following each other
in quick succession under your immediate observation
would be work of supererogation and would occupy
space than the limits of executive message would
justify My executive minutes containing truthful his
tory Of my official ransaconsl with the policy which die
ated them have been forwarded to the general govern
ment and open to the inspection of the country
In relation to alterations notifications Of the ter
roria statutes which might deem advisable promised
in my inaugural address TO direct public attention at the
proper time In the progress of events that time has
rived and you the tribunal to which my suggestions
must be submitted On this subject bespeak your can
did attention. has inseparabe conneXion with the
prosperity and happiness of the people FEaaf
1t has already been remarked that the territories of the
United States the common property OF the itzens
the several States may be kened 70 joint ownership
in an estate and no conditions should be imposed or re-
sricton placed upon the equal enjoyment Of oil the ben
fits arising herefrom which will do the least injustice to
any of the owners, which is not contemplated in the
tenure by which it is held which is less than the
stuon of the United Satesthe sole bond of the Amer
Union This being the true position obstacle should
be nteposed to the free speedy and general settlement
The durability and imperative authority of State con
stituon when the interests Of the people require STATE
government and direct popular vote is necessary to give
it sanction and effect will be the proper OCCASION fol
all decide the grave political questions which underlie
! well-regulated Commonwealth. @ ae vHa
Let this then, be the touchsone of your deliberations
Enact law which will not clearly bear the constitutions
al test and if any laws have been passed which do
up this Standard is your solemn duty to sweeI
| them from the statute-book. t-.... .s .s....,
The territorial government should abstain from the
ercse oil authority clearly delegated to it, and should
permit all doubtful questions to remain in abeyance until
| the formation of State constitution. gts
On the delicate and exciting question Of slaverya sub
ect which peculiarly engaged the attention of Congress
at the passage of our organic actI cannot too earnestly
invoke 10 permit 1t TO remain where the constitution
of the United States and that act place it subject to the
decision of the courts upon all points arising during
present infant condition. ... Esss|a.
The repeal of the Missouri line which restriction
popular sovereignty consecraed the great doctrine
OF setgovernmen and restored to the people their full
control every question OF interest to tn mseves both
1 north and south of that line .. .ss ="
Justice to the country and the dictates of sound policy
require that the legislature should conne itself to such
subjects will preserve the basis of entire equality and
when sufficient population is here, and they choose to
| n feet v
freep without let hindrance form all their domestic
institutions in their way and to dictate that form
government which, in their deliberate Judgment may bt
deemed proper. y, n
Any attempt to ncte serve nsurrecton, and to inter
fere with the domestic institutions of sovereign States
extremely reprehensble and shall receive counenancs
from Such Intervention result in no good
pregnant with untold disasters. Murder arson rapine
and death follow In its wake while not link in the
ration in his condition secured Such interference d
rect invasion of State rights only calculated produce
] irritation and arrangement
Every dictate of selfrespect-every consideration o
State equaty-the gloies of the past and the hopes Of
the fuure-al with soul-strring eouuence consin M
sheetanchor of safety and bid u.s. in good faith
carry out all its provisions.
Many Of the statutes excellent and well suited to ou
wants and condition; but in order that they may re
ceve that respect and sanction which is the vital principle
OF all law let such be abolished not eminently
just and will not receive the fullest appreciation of the peo
pie. ust you will test them all by the light of the gen
eral and fundamental principles of government and
that all that will not bear this ordeal bo revised amend
ed, repealed To of them, which strike NV mind
! spectfully invited.
By carefully comparing the organic act printed in the
statutes with certified copy Of the from the Depart
ment OF State important discrepancies omissions and ad
i l,t,np a,r,1I ~ l..-A. q.