Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-08-08
The Crime Agaisnt Kansas.

When the glorious era Of ''squstier sover-
eighty" was introduced upon the ruins of the
missouri Compromise" the sham democracy
of the Northern States coatenSed that Kansas
would come into the Union as a free State
In their ignorance, or with an intention to de-
ceive, they declared that theiS Southern allies,
with the exception Of Stringfeliow and his as
socia,es, we're content in anticipation of that
result. How truthfuHy OF uuders,andingly
they spoke fer the pro-elavety democracy may
be inferred from the recent declaration Of Sena-
;or Mason of Virginia. He assures the world
that he voted for the repeal Of the "Mssonri
Cnmpromise' that Slavery might be introduced
into, aud made one of the institutions Of, Kan
sas For time we were incliaed TO believe
that the Northern democracy we're sincere in
their declarations, but all The subsequent pro-
ceedings of the party in relation 90 the subject
leave not a peg upon which to hang even hope.
The bloody history of Kansas during the
Pierre administration is we'll known to our
readers. When Buchanan assumed the reins
of government change was announced. His
organs declared, seemingly in an authoritative
manner, that the affairs of that Territory would
undergo revision: and that man Of tried
Craftsmanship and inflexible honesty would be
appointed its governor. Il was further an
bounced that this officer would administer the
government Of Kansas according TO the prnci-
pies of the Nehraska-k ansas bii,-a predc-
ton that, we will aJsnit bids fair to be fulfill
ed to she letter, but in manner radically diff
ering from the construction heretofore pot upon
that act by the shan-democrscy Of the North
ern States.
To make all fair in appearance, and to lull
the frcemen of the North into Insecurity. Gov.
Walker, the 'eminent statesman" selected To
succeed Geary, iesued windy procIamations and
made verbose speeches setting forth his inlen-
ton Of letting the people of Kansas decide for
themselves the question Of Slavery or Freedom
But no sooner do the people of Lawrence or.
ganize themselves under city government
right conceded by the bogus legislature, and
in accordance with the principles Of "squatteI
sovereignty than this great STATESMAN is
sues his proclamation against them, charge:
them with treason, aud marches the Unilec
States troops against the city.
In this deed of Governor Walker we behold
one Of the most fragrant acts Of tyranny on rec
ord-une that would do credit 10 the emperor
of France or the King Of Sardinia. BY ih
act he has made Kansas, in substance and il
fact, military despGism; as truly so as an.
country in the world. Heretofore the most fla
grant acts of abe usurpiug government hav
been committed under some form Of law. Ev
en- horse-steahng, honse-burning, murder, pill
lage, and the destruction OF printing presse
were carried on under the guise Of legisla;iv
authority, and we're sanctioned by courts Of jus
tiee Sheriff Jenes shielded himself behind a
order of the federal ecurt, when he sacke
Lawrence, On the 2lsi of May, 1856; and Shar
non and Donaldson, when ravaging the cour
trv, had certain legal forms and warrants whic
they presented as authority for their murderin
and plundering.
But Robert j. Walker does not pretend
have even such authority. Without any wa
rant or legal process of any kind whatever, /
has marched the United States troops into Law
renee, and in his arbitrary proclamation threa
ened death to the citizens, unless they suba
to his arbitrary dietation. Even Shannon
all his imhecikty, AID when gOaded on in h
drunkenness by the mos. reckless demagogue
never attempted to commit so despotic an ac
1t was reserved to the Statesman appoint,
by the present sham-democraiic administrator
TO complete what had been but commenced
his notorious predecessors.
Ii the citizens of Lawrence were guilty
treason in making municipal regulations
their owu, the legal course would have been
obtain warrants from the federal court for {,
oft ho IaadarS rT tho tn
have never denied the paramount authority
that court, moi even when administered by L
compe. With these warrants in his hands I
Marshal could, had he deemed it necessar
have made reqaisition upon the Governor
sufficient troops TO protect him in making I
arrests. The Governor would even then h
no authority for making arrests unless ne h
been sworn in as deputy Marshal. But Wal
er has constituted himself The complaina
court and Marshal.
In the time Of the Colonial period Of q
history the assumption Of such arbitrary a
despolic power would have been deemed 81
dcient cause for hostility, and resistance
less aggravated opposition is now ranked amo
the cardinal virtues Of our ancestors.
Since this Invasion Of the Governor anotl
high-handed outrage has been committed,
bare recital Of which will answer the questiC
satisfactorily to all candid, honest inquirers
Why have the Free State men Of Kansas
frained from voting at the elections present.
by the bogus legislaturel
An appointment for the October Territor
election has been made. By this allo,m
nineteen counties have but three representa-,
while the other fourteen counties, principi
ihase contiguous to Missouri, have thirty
The euIgrGtioN Of this year is not to pOte. !
superintendent was made at the instance OF
Governor, by the President and Speaker OF
first Legislature.
Here is the matter in a nutshell.
4border- rufiians" elected the first Legislat
Tbsi LeGislsiure prescribed the qnalihca,