Squatter sovereign. [volume] (Atchison, Kan. Terr.) 1855-1858, 1857-09-12
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had been ruled by the highest authority to
be invalid and of no effect. Il was also
said that, although the people had been
prevented from electing their Legislature.
as the Organic Act of the Territogy re-
anired. yet while the Territorial Govern
rnent remained technically intact. STATE
government would be a rival. revolutionary
movement, putting the authority Of the
United States Government, in dispute.
And the people knew that the Constitu-
lion of the United States contained no pro-
vision whatever for a Territorial Govern
ment anywhere; that the trainers of that
instrument did not contemplate the acquisi-
ton of new Territory to the Upion; that
the Territorial Government was therefore
the creature Of temporary necessity-of
extra Constitutional legislation-a mere
" prosectornte"-a thing inciden. 10 tram
sient sovereignty; and that when the State
governmenf-tiie natural and recog-
nlzed Status of the community -come into
existence. the Territorial government ex-
PRED with the necessity which created il.
The people Of Kansas knew that the Gov
ernment Of the United States itself had
proceeded upon those principles in the ad-
mission Of States into the Union. and had
thus given them its legal sanction. and rend-
cred them authoritative. They, therefore.
assumed the ground. after duly weighing
The objections urged TO it, withthe most per-
frct assurance OF its correctness, as matter
o. law and esta biishcd governmental policy.
The oppsition made by the Adn.inistra-
ton at Washington, and its party through
out the country, to this course OF the peo-
pie OF Kansas, has not, in the slightest de-
gree, weakened their confidence in it, or
iessoned their Determination to adhear to-
II to the end. They are satisfied that its
propriety would never have been called in
question, as q matter Of serious moment,
had not the Federal Administration sought,
oy go doing. to serve special purpose in
behalf OF slavery. So confident are our
people IN the stand they have thus take n,
that they would be perfectly willing to per-
mt their State Government to proceed to
the regular performance of its functions,
without any regard to the Territorial Gov
eminent, were it not for settled wish on
their part TO do nothing which may subject
tnemto to the charge Of ultra views. or a
desire to incur violence, even in the asser-
ton OF their rights. They have perferred
70 turn aside, for the time being. from their
state organization, and to make an effort
70 secure, through the Territorial ballot
boxes. peaceful possession of the Terrific
RAJ Government; and, 10 this end, they
ntve determined to try their chances in the
October election.
bu; we frankly avow ourselves not sa n
gaine OF success. 1t is true that Mr.
Walker, our Federal Governor, has de-
ciarsd that he will afford US, to the best of
his ability, a full and fair election, before
impartial judges; but, with our past expe-
rlence, we find it difficult to indulge in any
hope OF justice from the agents of the Fed
eraI Administration. By the law of the
election, all but those who have resided
SIX months or more in the Territory, are
rxciuded from the polls. The system Of
districting and aPportionnent for members
CT The Legislature. shows an unquestiona.
Die determination to introduce voters from
abroad. Sixteen counties, strongly Free
State, containing nearly ene-half of the
ennre population of the Territory. are not
allowed single representative in either
branch OF the thirteen members of the
Council. all but three and of the thirty
nine members of the House of Represent
atYes, all bat ten, are to be elected in dis
tricts bordering on the Missouri line. To-
peka - connected with Fort Scot and
Lawrence is attached to the Shawnee Mis-.
sion, adjoining Westport. The Lawrence
district is also made TO embrace an indefl-
Mite extent ct country, having no geograph-
zeal connection whatever with it, away off
In the regisn Of the Rocky Mountains. oc-
cupiel only by an Indian trading post, here
and there, at which fictitious precincts may
be made, and from which fictitious returns
may be sent ia, at any time after the eiee-
tion, TO overcome the Free State vote. Be.
sides these things, our enemies have COM
plete possession of all the machinery OF
. the election. Establishing the places for
voting, appointing the judges. canvassing
the returns. declaring the result of the cleo
ton, and all other matters of detail, are
In the hands of the County Commissions
ers, who were themselves elected by fraud
: and violence from Missouri. Mr.. Abeli
partner of Stringfellow, says that .Kansas
will not be given ups" and General Atchi.
son sounds The note OF renewed prepare
tlon to South Carolina, and declares that
.'with one more effort the work is done .
With the Administration against US with
one-half the six months voters virtually
disfranchised; with an election law fran.
!, ed expressly to keep the newly Immigrants
from the polls, with the hellish system Of
dislric,ing and apportionment staring US il
the face; with most Of the officers of cleo.
ton Border Ruffians Of the deepest dye
with the slave party in Missouri boldly
avowing, through General A,chison, theil
determination To invade us with only the
3 already half-violated pledge Of Governor
Walker to rely on we do not feel at lib
cry 80 cherish any very lively expectation:
. Of fair election. We wish justice and
freedom but we will do our bestto secure
them without importing the public peace
!. We have fearful difficulties to contenl
: with; we must try 10 overcome them
But should we again be overwhelmed b.
invasion from abroad or by fraud at home
{ will the Federal government stiii regar,
~ r