The true Democrat., 1857-04-07
Farewell Address of Gov. Geary to
 the People of Kansas Territory.

Having determined to resign the executive office. and retire again to the private scenes oi private life and the enjoyment of those do' nestle comforts of which have so long been deprived, deem it proper to address you on the occasion of my departure.
 The office from which now voluntary with draw, was unSought by me, and at the time of It's acceptance, was by no means desirable. This was quite evident, from the deplorabe moral, civil and political condition of the territory the discord, contention, and deadly strife, which then and there prevailed - and the painful anxiety with which it was regarded by patriotic citizens in every portion of the Amer ican Union. To attempt to govern Kansas at such period and under such circumstances, was to assume no ordinary responsibilities Few men could have desired to undertake the task, and none would have been so presumtu- ous, without serious forebodings, as to the re- suit. That should have hesitated, Is no mat ter of astonishment to those acquaited with the facts; but that accepted the appointment was well grounded source of regret to many of my we'll tried friends who looked upon the enter prise as one that could terminate in nothing but disaster to myself. It was not supposed pos sble that order could be brought, in any req sonable space of time, and with the means at my command, from the then existing chaos.
 Without descanting upon the feelings, prn- ciples and motives which prompted me, suffice it to say that 1 accepted the Presidents ten der of the office of Governor. In doing so sacrificed the comforts of home, endeared by the strongest earthly ties and most sacred as- socatons, to embark in an undertaking which presented at the best but dark and unsatis- factory prospect 1 reached Kansas and enter ed upon the discharge of my official duties in the most gloomy hour of her history. Deso- laton and ruin regned on every hand. Homes and fresides were deserted. The smoke of burning dwellings darkened the atmosphere = Women and children driven from their habita- tons, wandered over the prairieS and among the woodlands, or sought refuge and protection even among the Indian tribes. The highways were infested with numerous predatory bands, and the towns were fortified and garrisoned by armies of conflicting partizans, each excited to phrenzy, and determined upon mutual exter- imitation. Such was without eXaggeratlon, the condition of the territory, at the period ot my arrival. Her treasury was bankrupt There were no pecuniary resources within herself to meet the exeghcies of the time The Con gresssional appropriations, intended to defray the expenses of year, were insufficient to meet the demands of fortnight. The laws were null the courts virtually suspended and the civil arm of the government almost en- tirely powerless. Action prompt, decisive, energetic action-Was necessary. l at once saw what was needed, and without hesitation gave myself to the work. For six months l have labored with unceasing industry. The accustomed and needed hours sor sleep have been employed in the public service. Night and day have official duties demanded unre- hitting attention. 1 have 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- imbur5ementl have resorted, in every emergen- cy, for the required funds. Whether these ar duous 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 vituperatiom, and viudictive malice, is no matter of astouishment. No man has ever yet held an important or responsible post in our own Or any other country and escaped cen sue. should have been weak and foolish indeed, had expected to pass through the fiery ordeal entirely unSclthed, especially as was required if not to come iu conflict with, at least to thwart evil mAchiuatons, and hold III restraint wicked passions, or rid the territory of many awess, reckless and desperate men. Beside, it were impossible to come in con- tact with the conflicting interests which go- verned the conduct of many well disposed persons, without becoming au object of mistrust and abuse. While from others, whose sole ob- ject was notoriously personal advancement at any sacrifice of the general good and at every haZ ari, it would have been ridiculous to anticipate the need of praise for disinterestel action; and b.,. II H.,
 patriotrsm however just my official conduct or however beneficial is results, do not marvel that my motives have been impugned and my integrity maligned. l. is, however, so we'll known, that need scarcely record the fact, that those who have attributed my labors to adesre for gubuatorial or senatorial honors, were and are themselves the asprants for those high trusts aud powers and loolishly imagined that stood between them aud the cousumma- ton of their ambitious designs and high tow ering hopes.
 But whatever may be thought or said of my motives or desires l have the proud conscious ness of leaving this scene of my severe and anxious tnil with clean hands, and the satisfac- tory conviction that He who can penetrate the inmost recesscs of the heart and read its secret thoughts, wlll approve my purposes and acts In the discharge Ut my executive functions have invariably sought to do equal and exact lustlce to All men, however humble or exalted have eschrwcd all sectional dsputation, kept aloot from all party affiliations and have alike scOrHed numerous threats of personal injury and violence, and the most hattering promises of advancement and reward. And I ask and claim nothing more for the part have acted than the simple merit of having eudeavored to pretorm my duty. This have doue at all times. and upon every occasion, regardless of the opinions of men, and utterly fearless of couse luences. Occasionally have been fore | ed to assume great responsibilities and depend solely upon my own resources to accomplish | important euds but in all such instances, have earthly examined surrounding circumstances
 weighed well the probable results, and acted upon my own deliberate iud dgment; and in now reviewing them. l am so well satisfied with the policy uniformly pursued, that were it to
 be done over again, it should not be changed in the slightest particular
 In parting with you 1 can do no less than give you few words of kindly advice, and even of friendly warning. You are well aware that most of the troubles which lately agitatod the Territory were occasioned by men who had no especial interest in its welfare Many of l them were not even residents; " hilst 1t is quite evident that others were influenced altogether in the part they took in the disturbances by mercenary or other personal considerations
 The great body of the actual citizens are con- servative, law-abiding and peace loving men, disposed rather to make sacrifices for conclia- ton and consequent peace, than to insist for their entire rights, should the general good thereby be caused to sutfer. Some of them, under the influence of the prevailing excite 1 an p,is ial T.
 commission of grievous mistakes, but not with the deliberate intention of doing wrong.
 very few men, resolved upon mischief, may keep in a state of unhealthy excitement and involve in fearful strife an entire commu- nlty. This was demonstrated during the civil commotonS with which the Territory was con- vuISed While the people generally were anx- Ious to pursue their peaceful callings small con- oInations of crafty, scheming, and designing men succeeded from purely selfish motives. in bringing upon them series of most lomenta