The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-06-27
have suffered has not vet been written.


Of those who have passed through the flery
ordeal Of a two years residence, and learn,
from personal observation, the truth of what
has occurred, loud and deep would be the
indignation against the pro-slavery party i
Nor were the invading Missourlans ana
Sou,herners the only opponents with which
the frce-sta.e men of Kansas were compelled
10 contend. Ir defiance of protests. and
petitions, and memorials, ofthe Congressional
committees report, and detailed statements
substantiatcd beyond the shadow OF doubt
q democratic ma ority in Congress has not
only refused to grant the frec-statc men re-
dress. but even gone so far in party zeal, as
to ridicule their prayers, to admit Withheld
the bogus delegate, anu to refuse to ADOPT
the Topeka constitution, which had been tn-
,lorsed by fully threc-fonrths of the residents
of Kansas.
On the iOtl, of March. frec-state conHcn-
ton assembled at Topeka. and adopted a
platform which will he found appended to
this address. In that platform it Will be seen
that the free state men refuse 20 vote for
delegates to constitutional convention, an
der register act i,icl. passed tic last bogus
legislature. Late developments have proved
the wisdom of this policy, fer BY the lists of
qualified electors retained by the shcrltss OF
the different counties, thousands OF trec-state
voters have been ignored, while the names
Of numerous unknown and mythical indl-
,idua!s arc entered as "quali!icd electors.
All the machinery of the election is to be
controlled by pro-slavery partizans. and it
would be suicidal for the frec-statc party to
20 into an election i'll the face OF such odds,
and with their past experience.
Although the present federal admlnstra-
ton owes is success to the impression that
prevailed at the North that the chief cxccu-
tive would use his influence and authority
towards securing the freedom of Kansas. Ii
such should be the will Of the people, we can
see as vet no indication of any such policy on
the part OF Mr.. Buchanan. ard with mode,a-
lion, vet tirrlncss, we alphabetically protest
against the federal appointments that have
been from the most guilty and obnoxious OF
cur pro-slaycry opponents.
Both President Buchanan, in his inaugural
and Governor Walker. in his letter of accept
alice. have pledged themselves to obtain IAN
open. honest, and independent expression of
opinion from the bona tide residents of kan-
sas' We look to see the pledge redeemed.
and feel satisfied that if it is, the next lcgis-
laturc of Kansas viii he precautionary free
state. and that. with Il free Constitution. Kan
sas will come into the Union.
1T the ,lunici pal election in Lcaycnworth
City. held Monday. April 18th, a frcc->tatc
Mayer was elected i'y nlaiorit: q Isl, over
all other opponents. This is the first time III
the history of The city that far vote has
been obtained. and the result may be regard
Ell as Significant Of the pcrvading opinion in
Kansas or the question ottrcctom or slavery.
Having thus delincated the course OF events
that have transp;red in Kan>as-haying
shown how the trce-statc party, though en-
bracing more than two-,hirds of the actual
settlers, have been deprived, through fraud
and violence. OF any representation in lcgis-
lativc assemblies. and of any voice in the
enactment of laws of the selection of terri
torial officials, and being threatened with the
enforcement and the adoption of slave con-
stitution. by Congress, for kans,,s-we ap-
peal with the deepest sincerity ana earnest
ness to the northern people. without dis
tinction Of party or creed. to aid IN averting
such a national calamity. We ask but that
Congress may adopt the Topeka constitution
which has already passed tn" House. or that
both it and the one that will be adopted by
the pro-slavery convention il September, he
returned to the people Of the territory with
IN enabling act providing tor fair and hon
est vote of the bona f,!e residents. We ask
no more than this-wo can ask 10 less.
None are more devoted to our Union aid
Constitution than the trec-state citizens of
Kansas For The institutions of cur country
none can have deeper or more loyal attach
ment But we believe the purity Of our
government, and the integrity of our institu-
tons, can only be preserved by the admission
of Kansas as free state. And such. we are
convinced, are the convictions Of large
majority of our population. Though the
past is voicctul with the wrongs and Oppres-
sions to which we have been forced to submit
though the marks of tyrannous hand with
which we have been scourged. have not We,
been ctEaced, We can forget it all and forgive
ii simple Justice is granted us il the future.
We wish that the slavery or freedom Of
Kansas may he settled, once for all. by a!
honest and legal vote of the actual residents
ill accordance with the principles of thu
organic act.
From our new made homes in the distan
west. far from the comforts and convenience:
of settled society. vet struggling amid the
harlships and difficulties coincident with ;
border life, and suffering from the trials ant
sorrows to which We have been particular,
subjected, we again appeal to Northern free
men to stand by us in the dark cmergenc,
that threatens our future progress and pros
perity. Let Northern Representatives be
instructed to support our righteous prayer:
and claims, and let the people, in their soyer
eign capacity, rising i'll dignity and might
cheer us with their active sympathy ant
earnest corporation.
Thus will the schemes and plots ofpolitica
demagogues be foiled, aid the freedom of
of OH new state be attained. To the cause
and for the principles which have become
eade,r"d and sanctiiicd through our sutfcrings
We acknowledge an unwaverins devotion
Strong IN lie confidence of truth, reliant in
the sincerity g, our purpose, we cheerful.
unfuri Our standard, on which is inscribed
bear wate',word and olr motto-"Frec Kan
SNYDER free labor" 10 realize which We pledge
-dboA sour likes, our fortunes, and our sacred
11N0E" JAMES Dasls, Chairman.
saoib
s9is, Attempt on Napoleon's Life.