Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-03-26


ously insulted because he was member Of
the Governors household. Jones, perceiv-
ing his danger, drew pistol in self defense
a number of shots were then fred at the
same time, and Sherrard fell. The Gov
ernor lays that the account of the affair
published in the Republican as furnished
by some Mr.. Jones, is tissue Of falsehoods
from beginning to end.
Among other things. the Governor com
plains most bitterly of the annoyances which
he suffered in the obstruction and mutila-
ton of his correspondence. The mail bags
he says, were constantly opened and all
communications to and from him systemat
ically overhauled, and if Objectionable, alb
stracted. Mr. McClain, Chief Clerk in the
Surveyor Generals office, boasted of the
fact, and stated that he, himself, had de-
stroyed and suppressed two bushels Of
mail matter.
The above is merely an abstract of the
Governors statements. There are q null
titude of interesting details which we are
compelled to omit. His private Secretary,
Mr.. Gihon, has promised us full and COM
plete recital of the entire history of the ad-
lninistration, which We shall in due season
present to our readers.
In view of these things, and under the
operation of the act of the Rufian Legisla-
ture, which provides for the election of del
ega:es to the Constitutional Convention,
administered as it will be by the dominant
faction who hold all the offices, he thinks
it inevitable that slavery Constitution will
be established in Kansas.
The Governor is, probably, correct; but
nevertheless, it is one thing to frame Pro
Slavery instrument, and another to estab-
lish tue institution de tacto, in the Terrific
ry. The friends of free labor in the North
must redouble their efforts.
GEARY'S FAREWELL ADDRESS.
To the People of Kansas Territory.
Having determined to resign the Execu-
tive office, and retire again to the quiet
scenes of private life and the enjoyment Of
those domestic comforts of which | have SO
long been deprived, deem it proper to ad-
dress you on the occasion of my departure.
The office from which l now voluntarily
withdraw, was unsought for by me, and at
the time of its acceptante, was by no means
desirable. This was quite evident, from
the deplorable moral, civil, and political
condition of the Territory-the discord,
contention, and deadly strife, which then
and there prevailed-and the painful ankle
ty with which it was regarded by patriotic
citizens in every portion of the American
Union. To attempt to govern Kansas as
such period and under such circumstances
was to assume no ordinary responsibilities.
F,w men could have desired to undertake
the task, and none would have been so pre-
sumptuous, without serious forebodings as
to the result. That l should have hesita-
ted, is no matter of astonishment to those
acquainted with the facts; but that ac-
cepted the appointment, was wellground-
ed source of regret to many of my we'll
tried friends, who looked upon the enter
prise as one that could terminate in moth
ing but disaster to myself. Itwas not sup
posed possible that order could be brought,
in any reasonable space of time, and with
the means at my command, from the then
existing chaos.
Without descanting upon the feelings,
principles and motives which prompted me,
suffice it to say, that accepted the Presi-
dents tender of the office of Governor
In doing so, sacrificed the comforts of a
home, endeared by the strongest earthly
lies and most sacred associations, to en-
bark in an undertaking. which presented at
the best but dark and unsatisfactory pros
pect. l reached Kansas and entered upon
the discharge of my official duties in the
most gloomy hour Of her history. Desola-
ton and ruin reigned On every hand ;
homes and firesides were deserted; the
smoke of burning dwellings, darkened the
atmosphere; women and children, driven
from their habitations, wandered over the
prairies and among the woodlands, or
sought refuge and protection even among
the Indian tribes. The highways were in
tested with numerous predatory bands, and
the towns were fortified and garrisoned by
armies Of conflicting partisans, each excited
almost to frenzy, and determined upon mu-
tual determination. Such was, without ex-
aggeration, the condition of the Territory,
at the period of my arrival. Her Treasury
was bankrupt. There were no pecuniary
resources within herself to meet the exigen-
cies of the time. The Congressional ap-
preparations, intended to defray the expenses
of year, were insufficient to meet the de-
mands of fortnight. The laws were null,
the courts virtually suspended, and the civ
il arm of the Government almost entirely
powerless. Action-prompt, decisive, en-
ergetic action-was necessary. l at once
saw what was needed, and without hesita-
tion gave myself up to the work. For six
months have labored with unceasing in
dustry. The accustomed and needed hours
for sleep have been employed in the public
service. Night and day have official duties
demanding unremitting attention. l have
had no proper leisure moments for rest or
recreation. My health has failed under
the pressure. Nor is this all; TO my own
private purse, without assurance of re-im-
bursement, have resorted, in every emer-
gency, for the required funds. Whether
these arduous services and willing sacrifices
have been beneficial to Kansas and my
country, you are abundantly qualified to
determine.
That have met with opposition, and
even bitter vituperation, and vindictive
malice, is no matter for astonishmeat. No
man has ever yet held an important or re-
sponsible post in our own or any other
country, and escaped censure. l should