Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-08-20

ihefe WAS CrOWu upou tio otepo VI uho
United States Hotel eagerly discussing the
probable fate of the town. Homes-property
everything at stake, and they wished
by some means to avert the impending blow. =
Did they wish TO resist, it was too late to do so
now.
Upon one end of the verandah two men, lily
dressed, were standing, gazing in the direction
of Mt. Dread, to which all eyes were turned.
Their hats were closely drawn down upon their
features, and it was evident that they wished
to avoid observation.
Curses upon such spirit as actuates some
of the men in Lawrence, to-day exclaimed
the elder, suddenly turning TO his companion.
I" hardly know whether to censure them or
not, replied the younger. "Were they well
provided with arms, should most certainly
blame them for not taking some decided steps
to defend the town"
never learned the policy Of submitting to
outrage because it was committed under the
I'sancton of laws which, by every principle of
right and equity, are binding upon not a single
soul in Kansas have permitted myself, it is
true-lor the sake Of the cause af Freedom-
to be arrestedsby these minions, but will do
so no longer, for it does no good | tell you,
Walton, there is a struggle to be gone through
with, and now is as fitting time as it ever will
be to try two systems of government
| 81 acknowledge, Waldo, that right and JUS
tice would warrant us in defending the town
but were few to arm themselves, when the
ma .jority have determined to offer no resistance
to the force on yonder hill it would not only
bring trouble upon ourselves, but prove detri-
mental to the cause of Free Speech and the in
teresls of the Free State Settlers
1t is an act of arrant cowardice in permit
ting them to surprise us as they have, ald the
Committee OF Safety, who signed this paper
deserve the contempt of every man who has II
soul within him, beating with emotions of pity
for the oppressed in the Territory. Read it,
; Walton, and see the spirit of cringng servity
which is revealed in every sentence -
Waldo dlew folded paper from his bosom,
and handed it to Walton. The latter read it
through, while upon his countenance was ex-
pressed the contempt which the document ex-
cited in his mind. The concluding portion ran
as follows:
"For the private property taken by your posse ask
iDdPmnif what tn md
wethrow upon you for protection, trusting that under
the Flag of Union, and within the folds of the Con-
stitution, we may obtain safety"
- had deemed the Committee of Safety men
of more mind than that document shows them
to be, said Walton, as he returned the paper.
$50 did |. " The folds of the Consttu-
tion,' forsooth The blood boils in my veins
to think that free men will prate of the Con-
stitution to tools of clique who respect it not
and openly break its every provision. But il
is cheering to know that some Of the men
whose names are recorded there, never signed
it. | am filled with indignation that Donald
son should be permitted to receive such mes
! sage. With Atchson, Stringfellow and Blu.
, ford to lead, and the Kcapoo Rangers, togeth-
er with the vilest that Missouri and North Car
olina can afford, to back them up in any de-
:, signs they may have upon US, such a documen,
= is only calculated to show them how weak we
are"
1t was indeed a mistake in the Committee tC
IL :, H. r.,
Jones was shot here, and you may rest assured
that he is not here for nothing"
:, The day wore on without any demonstration
of hostile nature being made. Three O'Clock
came, and body of men were seen descending
= Mt. Dread. and directing their course towards
= the Free State Hotel.
" Are your weapons in order, Walton
. asked Waldo, as he noticed this movement"
Yes; but why "
Nothing. perhaps still, it is best 10 b.
prepared for any emergency"
81 am prepared, and if my arrest isattempt
ed, shall escape, if possible"
~ think neither of Ms need have any fear
of an arrest, for Jones has more mportan
matters on his mind just now. Let us stan'
in the shade Of this column and see what th
result of his visit will be-"
Is Gen, Pomeroy in the Hotel demanded
= " Jones as he rode up.
y An affirmative answer was given.
=" One of you inform him then, tina, wis
10 to see him
70 A man left the crowd and entered the Hotel
Il A few moments Ella, sed, and Gen. Pomcro,
y appeared.
% =" Gen. Pomcroy," said Jones, as the forme
: came out and shook hands with the Sheriff,
y recognize you as leading citizen Of Lawrence
. and as such have demand to make of you
Either give up all the arms in the place, or W
v shall burn the town. | will give you FIVE min
% rtes to decide, and half an hour to stack tn
y arms in the street."
- Five minutes sir, is too short time for u
" to consider upon matter Of so much import
ance.
:, :" 1t makes no difference whether it is an i'm
:, porlant matter or not have given you tb
terms upou which your town will remain ur
molested, and they are the only ones you wi
: receive from me. You can accept or dcclin
them. as you choose"
:" will communicate with the COMMITTEES
and give you an answer in few moments,
and recntering the Hotel, be entered the roo
in which the Committee were sitting. A hu
On ricd consultation was held, and ere the lapse
tie many minutes Gen. Pomeroy again stood in Il
to doorway.
IN +" Well, cir, what decision have you arrive
n ut in regard to the proposition ! made you
vn asked Jones.