The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-12-31
KANsAs-THE LEGISLATURE.

The following resume of the work accom-.
complished by the Kansas Legislature, previ-
Gus to its adjournment, is given by the cores
pendent of the Tribune:
"They repealed the law authorizing the Con-
vention that framed the Lecompton Constitu.
ton vetoed by Stanton-passed over his veto.
They passed the militia law; vetoed by Stan.
ton-passed over his veto. They elected off.
GERS under it. They provided for submitting
the Lecompton Constitution to a fair vote of
the people on the 4th of January; approved by
Stanton. They passed law to punish election
frauds; approved by Stanton. They passed a
joint resolution protesting against the Lecomp-
ton Constitution, setting forth the facts in con-
nection with it, and, as the representatives and
Governor of the Territory, demanded that Con.
gress shall not admit Kansas as State under
it; signed by Stanton. They proposed con-
current resolution, reaf6rming the Topeka Con-
stitution, declaring it to be the organic law for
the future State, chosen as such by majority
of the people, and demanding admission under
it as State of the Union. This was placed
in the shape of concurrent resolution, to re-
lieve Stanton from the necessity of signing it.
Both of these sets of resolutions are to be sent
by the Speaker of the House and the President
of the Council to the President, and each pre-.
siding officer of Congress.
"The Legislature rejected the bill for elect
ing delegates to a Constitutional Convention.
They neglected or refused to take any steps for
submitting the Topeka Constitution together
with the Lecompton Constitution. They re.
jected the bill providing for electing officers
under the Lecompton Constitution in January
to be the officers in case of the acceptance OF
said Constitution by Congress"
The Legislature of Kansas, at its special ses
sion, acted with prudence and energy.
The Militia Bill was necessary to save the
Territory from being exposed through the re
missness or sinister policy of the Governor
who, holding his appointment from Washing
ton, might entertain views inconsistent with the
interests of the People.
Their provision for submitting the Lecomp
ton Constitution to a vote of the People on the
4th of January, will test the sense of the whole
People in regard to that instrument, and when
ts ,n."sna shf be sent to Congress the Pres
The Legislature was undisturbed during its
session. General Cass, in the Letter of Instruc
tons to Mr.. Denver, now Acting Governor
says:
"The Territorial Legislature doubtless con.
vened on the 7th inst, and while it remains in
session, its members are entitled to be secure
and free in their deliberations. Its rightful &C.
ton must also be respected. Should it author.
ize an election by the people for any purpose,
this election SHOULD be held without interruption.
no less than those authorized by the Conyen.
ton. While the peace of the Territory is pre-.
served and the freedom of election is secur ed.
there need be no fear of disastrous conseouen.
ces. \ From whatever quarter it is
attempted to interfere by violence with the cleo.
ton authorized by the Constitutional Conven-
ton, or which may be authorized by the Legis-
lature, the attempt must be resisted, and the
security of the elections maintained. The peace.
able progress of these elections can obviously
occasion no injury to any citizen of any party,
because their results can have only their due
weight under the Constitution and laws"
Mr.. Denver is now exercising the functions
of Governor. The disturbances at Fort Scott
did not grow out Of the elections, but out Of
feuds between the Free State and Pro-Slavery
men. Judge Williams, through the Union,
charges the blame upon the former, the cores.
pendent of the st. Louis Democrat, upon the
latter. Several lives were lost, on both sides,
and United States troops were called out The
particulars have not yet reached u.s. but the &C.
counts seem to be exaggerated