The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1857-12-26
rha, Michigan Fund Again.


ject of Gov. Bingham's Kansas appropri-
alton. 1t would seem that men speaking
so confidently as they do should knOr
'chereof they affirm.
The article suggesting these remarks is
found in the Detroit Free Press of Nov.
21st. 1t is another philippe against Gov
Bingham for his act of humanity in send
ing seeds to Kansas for distribution among
the needy sons of Michigan.
1t takes for its text a lettes of Gov
Geary, written in January, 1857. Oul
readers will remember that we disposed
of that letter at the time of its appearance
by shelving the testimony to be merely
negative upon the specific point of enquiry
urged by Gov. Fletcher of VT, and that
Gov. Geary, to thecontrary notwithstand-
ing, there did exist much severe suffering
and destitution in the rural districts espe.
cially, and that too as the result of the
disturbed condition of affairs.
After quoting this old letter of Gov
Geary at length, the Free Press goes Oh
to expose the folly and inhumanity Of
Gov. Bingham in making the appropria.
ton of $1,000 from the Michigan fund
for the imaginary benefit of Kansas when
so much real suffering existed in Michigan
What the particular condition of the
people of Michigan was we are unable tc
say, for we do not know; but we do know
that there had been much real suffering in
Kansas for want of suitable food and
clothing; that there a0as at the time, and
unless some means could be furnished to
enable the settlers to raise their own food,
there would still continue to be much. In
the hope of preventing future suffering
and another appeal to the benevolence Of
the humane in the States, the National
Kansas Committee, at Chicago, and Gov.
Bingham, of Michigan, wisely stepped
forward to meet the exigency. The
assertion that the money sent by Gov. B.
not only relieved no suffering, but that it
was designed to do no such thing, and
was pocketed by Gov. BIS agents for
political purposes, would deserve to be
treated with silent contempt, were it not
so persistently reiterated by the partizan
press of Michigan with view to injure
Gov. Bingham.
Now. we have taken some pains to
ascertain the actual state of the case, and
as friends we would advise a little more
caution in the assertions that are so boldly
put forth in relation to this matter
While we are penn;ng this article, Gov
Bingham has, no doubt, in his possession
the reports and vouchers covering the dis
bursment of this fund, of so perfect and
minute character as to enable him to
overwhelm his enemies with shame, and
compel them, if there remains spark of
honorable feeling in their breasts, to make
the ''amend honorable"
Mr.. Whitman who was entrusted with
the disbursement of this fund by the Ma
tional Committee at Chicago, to whom it
was committed by Gov. Bingham, has so
far closed up his labors as to be able to
make partial report which has been for
warded, together with the vouchers, to
Gov. Bingham. The task assigned to
Mr.. W. was most difficult and in many
respects an unpleasant one, without TAX
ing into account the cavilling eyes that
looked at him through Democratic spec
tacles. But most satisfactorily we Judge
he has acquitted himself; at any rate the
report and accompanying documents, if
published, will enable any skeptic to
verify the statements made-an affidavit
from the recipient-an endorsement by a
responsible person-and minute receipt
for the aid furnished. If Mr.. W. has
been imposed upon, the fault lies with
those who have made false afidavits and
their friends here and in Michigan will
hold them to strict account. If, on the
contrary, the truth has been stated, the
number of the recipients are so numerous,
and from so many localities in Michigan,
it will be in the power of the people in
all parts of the State to confirm the same.
For the sake. of the cause of suffering
humanity in the future we rejoice that so
much care has been exercised in this
affair. MI. Whitman has been singularly
fortunate in the exercise of what would
have seemed unnecessary care and exact
ness. He could not of course have antiei-
pated the gross and unfounded attacks
that have been made both upon Gov. B.
and himself, and we seem to see in his
course that guiding hand which, knowing
the end from the beginning, directs all
things to conform thereto.
We hope the full report, with all the
vouchers. or at least such as viii enable
the honest people of Michigan to satisfy
themselves, not only that Gov. Bingham
wisely listened to the promptings of hu-
manity, but that he fortunately made
selection of such agencies in the good
work as viii enable him triumphantly to
vindieate his course.
We forbear to say more in proof that
the appropriation was needed and did its
work; for all viii appear in the re-
port alluded to.
In the mean time we advise our cap.
tious friends to make truce of this insane
warfare. They have wasted ammuni-
ton enough. and had best employ the
remainderof the interval IN preparing fol
a precipitate retreat.