The Washington union., 1857-05-09
KANSAS AFFAIRS.

hANSAo AfFAlfNc.
In briefly noticing this morning the approaching
departure of Gov Walker for Kansas we took occa-
sion to speak of the gratifying change which had
taken place in public feeling in that Territory, and of
a disposition manifested by the people generally to
"let bygones be bygones." In the New York Times
of yesterday morning we find carefully lyprepared ar
tice in relation to Kansas affairs which strengthens
us in the belief that no considerable number of the
citizens of Kansas can be forced by outside pressure
to continue agitation destructive to the peace and
prosperity of the Territory. The Times says:
q In the Times of May il stated in letter from
Washington correspondent that the freeS State men in
Kansas under the leadership of Gov Robinson, had de-
clared their willingness to waive their objections to the
validity of the territorial Legislature and its enactments
and to take part In the approaching election for delegates
TO the constitutional convention This statement which
naturally excited general attention. vchementy de-
MED in some quarters and doubted in many others. In
the Times of the 5th however evidence of its truth
afforded In letter from Kansas correspondent who
added brief statement of the terms upon which the
State had proposed thus to take part in the
coming election. And to-day, in letter from the
correspondent have the text of the document in which
the leading representatives of the fee-Stae party, with
Governor Robinson at their head Governor Stan
ton Of their Willingness to overlook the past waive
their objections to the character of the legislature and
their attachment to the Topeka constitution and to go
into the election of delegates to constitutional
tion provided the laws for conducting 1t be SO mod
fed as to guard them against fraud We take it that
this evidence will convince neghbors of the
Tribune that original statement on this subject
not made without due warrant and authority.
The Times then proceeds to discuss the free-State
propositions which it considers "emnently just and
fair" But, in order that readers may judge for
themselves we give below the letter of the freeState
leaders covering the propositions alluded to- and the
reply of Acting Governor Stanton in which he cour-
teously states his inability to accede to them:
LAWRENCE, (K. IT, April rs.
Hon. f. p Stanton Acting Governor, Kansas Territory.
DEAR SIR In your address to the people of Lawrence
last evening understood you to say in substance that
you would enforce the laws enacted Legislature elected
by the people Of adjoining State until they should be
repealed also, if the laws unjust or dstasetu our
remedy is the balot-box.
We invited to participate in election of del
egates to constitutional convention to meet in Sepem
Der next to frame constitution and State government
We told that the election law is good that the
voice of the actual settlers be heard at the polls and
that Justice will be meted out to all parties.
We regret that the past conduct Of the officers to super
intend this election has not been such to permit to
believe that they will fair vote of the people and
the fact that many weknown citizens in Kansas are
omitted from the registry list, and that we'll known
citizens and residents Of Missouri registered is conclu
sive proof to that fair election is not intended and
Will De permitteu Dy oIiccS iaVc tlub hT
had the matter in charge,
But if fair election is intended, notwithstanding the
body calling it not elected by the people of
Kansas, and notwithstanding the people have already
formed constitution of which large majority approve
we, the undersigned, willing to overlook the past
and go into the election of delegates to constitutional
convention should convention of the people Of Kansas
concur if the following course will be adopted by the
officers of the election, to wit:
First. Two persons shall be selected in each township
district to correct the registry lstone by the pro-
slavery and by the reeState partywho shall pro-
ceed in to take the and register all legal
voters and the probate judges shall correct the first lists
and appointment Of delegates shall be made according
to the returns thus made.
Second -Four judges of election shall be selected for
each voting precncttwo by the prosavcry and two by
the party and the of three of said judges
shall be required to certificate of election to entitle
person to a seat in the convention.
q
Very respectfully your obedient servants,
c. Robninson, G. w. Smith,
VIM. Hutchinson, George r. Earle,
Edward Clark Joseph Cracklin,
Ephraim Note, jr., G. Jenkins,
John Hutchinson, S. s Emory,
G. c. Brackett John H. Wakefield,
t. ID. Ladd, J.. A. Finley,
C. w. Babcock.