St. Charles Republican intelligencer. (St. Charles [Charles City], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1857-02-12
Kansas.

We have Kansas dates to the 18th of Janua-
nv. Both branches of the bogus legislature
met on the 18th Mr.. Matthias of Leavenworth
was elected Speaker, and NJ. Bishop Clerk.
Capt. Robertson, who was wounded at Hickory
Point, (he being on the pro-slavery side,) was
elected Sergeant-at- Arms, on account of his
military services. The Council retained its
old organization of committees and officers.
The Governors Message was received. 1t is
along document, and gives great dissatisfac-
ton to the Free State men. Gov. Geary had
given the Free State men to understand that
if they would abandon their organization I'M
der the Topeka Constitution, he would get the
Pro-Slavcry men to wipe out all and begin
anew. In his message he fully recognizes the
bogus legislature, and recommends them to
take the necessary steps to have a constitution
framed for State Government.
The pro-slavery convention which met at
Lecompton on the same day, was largely at
tended about one half Of the delegates being
residents of Missouri. Many were from West
port, some from Platte City, and some from
Weston, Mo- Gen Atclliscn, who had been
expected, did not get there. One Of the String
fellows was the leading spirit.
The Convention met on Monday evening in
the hall occupied by the Legislature. Colonel
Coffee, dignified, elderly man, was called to
the chair. Calhoun, the Surveyor General,
and some Others, 4Rade pro-slavery speeches.
The Convention was wholly and violently pro-
slavery resolution wasintroduced by String
fellow, which read as follows:
Whereas. This is Pro-Slavery Convention:
and whereas there is a motion to appoint
Committee on Credentials
Resolved That no one who is not known to
be a good pro-slavery man shall pc admitted
to a seat as delegate, or allowed to participate
In this Convention.
Here discussion cnsucd, which consumed
the whole of the first evening. Stringfellow's
resolution was carried unanimously On the
second afternoon and evening there were meet
ings, A. J Isaacs was elected President, and
John Donaldson Secretary.
The second day was consumed by motion
of Sheriff Jones to expcl Capt. Hampton, who
was a delegate on the ground that he was not
a sound pro-slavery man. \ violent discus
sion ensued. This Hampton is from Kentucky
and came there last spring with Col. Titus. lie
was appointed master of the Free State con-
victs by Gov Geary. He is a man of rough
appearance, but is considered humane. He is
now under Gcarys influence. 1t was on ac-
count of the kind treatment the convicts have
received on some occasions, and his action in
concert with Gcary, that caused him to be
suspected He would have been expelled from
the convention 10y an almost unanimous vote,
but he, seeing his danger, made speech in
which he took strong pro-slavcry ground At
the instance of Stringftllow, a committee of
three were appointed to examine his case.
They finally received him.
The convention was very disordcriy. Ma
ny of those present were drunk or half drunk.
some of the latter being men Of acknowledged
influence with the pro-slavcry party. L is
understood that the most important business
has been transacted in secret session, and it is
reported and believed that the plan of opera
tions has been agreed on which shall govern
the election relating to a State Constitution.
1t has been determined not to war on
Gcary, as long as anything is to be made out
of him He is not liked.
The resolutions adopted by the convention
were framed 10y a committee of one delegate
from each county rcpresen tation. There was
neither rule nor fairness in receiving these del
legations at the first. Many persons from Mis-
souri, represented counties in the Territory.
1t is determined that there shall be no mate
rial change in the Territorial laws. 1t is also
determined that all necessary enactments to
carry out these laws, and their spirit, shall be
made. After the resolutions were passed and
the ostensbic business through with, the
speakers commenced abusing Gov. Gcary.
The Governor never came near them, nor did
hi clerks, after they became violent. He
had not the slightest influence with them