The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1857-02-11
MESSAGE
GOVERNOR JOHN w. GEARY,
TO THE L.
Legislative Assembly of Kansas
..-.- .-.., Territory. ,..... .....

rese,hatiUeS: ''- '-
The all-wise and behefceht Being, who con-
trolls alike the destines Of individuals and of ma
tons has permitted you to convene tins day,
charged with grave responsibilities. .,
The eyes, nDtoniy efthe peopIeef Kansas but
OF the entire Union, are uponyou, watching with
anxiety the result of your deliberations, and of
our Joint action in the execution of the delicate
and important duties degelyins upon US. ..,-,.
Selected at aoritieal period in the history of
the country to idischarsethe executive functions
of this Territory, the obligations was required
to assume were of the nost weighty importance.
And when came seriouslyto contemplate their
magnitude, would have shrunl1 from the re-
sponsibility were it not for an implicit reliance
upon Divine aid, and a full confidence in the vir-
tue, zeal and patriotism of the citizens, without
which the wisest executive suggestions must be
futile and imperative. ~ a.'s ss. -a. 5s. s.-
| To you, legislators, invested with sovereign
authority, look for that hearty cooperation
which will enable us successfully to guide the
ship of State through the troubled waters, into
the haven of safety. ofrt..-
1t iswith feelings ofproound gratitude to AL
mighty God, the bounteous giver Of all good, l
have the pleasure Of announcing that after the
recently passed; and which has unfortunately led
to fratricidal strife, that peace which have ev-
cry reason to believe will be permanent, now
regns throughout this Territory and gladdens
with its genial Influences homes and hearts
which but lately were sad aud desolate; that the
robber and the murderer have been driven from
our soil; that burned cabins have been replaced
by substantial dwellings; that a feeling fconf-
dence andkinancss has taken the place ofdistrust
and hate; that all good citizens are disposed to
deplore the errors and excesses Of the past, and
unite with fraternal zeal in repairing its injuries,
and that this Territory unsurpassed by any
portion of the continent for the salubrity of its
climate the fertility OF its soil, its mineral and
agricultural wealth, its timber-fringed streams,
and fine quarres of building stone-has entered
Upon a career of unparalled prosperity. -. 90.
4 To maintain the advance we have made, and
realize the bright anticipatons of the future; to
build up amodel commonwealth, enriched with
all the treasures Of learning Of virtue and reli
gioh, and make it o choice heritage for Our chill
dren generations yet unborn, let me, not onl,
as your Executive, but al Kansan, devoted to
the interests of Kansas, and animated solely by
/ Ill
you with one heart and soul to pursue so high
and lofty course in your deliberations, as, BY
/ its moderation and justice, will commend itsel
to the appreciation Of the country and command
the respect ofthe people. =. .,.s ...4 .....s.
This being the first occasion afforded me tc
speak to the Legislative assembly, it is but prop
er, and in accordance with general usage, that
should declare the principles which shall give
shape and tone to my administration. These
1 principles without elaboration will condense
into the narrowest compass. FL d. q. 20. tt,. ~.
"Elual and exact justce" toall men, of what
ever political or religious porSuasion; peace, CO.
nifty and friendship with peighborng States and
Territories, with sacred regard for State rights
and acknowledgement for the integrity and
perpetuity of the Union; a reverence for the Fe.
dcral Constitution as the concentrated wisdom
of the fathers of the Republic, and the very ark of
our poHticalsaety; the cultivation Of pure and
energetic nationality, and the development of an
exalted and intensely vital patriotism; jealous
regard for the elective franchise and the entire
security and sanctty Of the ballot-box; a firm
dissemination to adhere to the doctrines Of self
government anil popular sovereignty as guaran-
antied by the Organic Act; unquakfied submis-
sion to the will of the majority; the election Of
all officers by the people themselves; the supre
macy Of the civil over the military authority;
strict economy in public expenditures with ari.
gid accountability ofal public officers; the pre-
servation ofthe public faith and currency based
upon and equal to gold and silver; free and safe
immigration from every quarter of the country;
the cultivation of proper Territorial pride, with
a firm determination to submit to no evasion of
our sovereignty the fostering care ofagriculture,
manufactures, mechanic arts, and all works OF
internal Improvement; the liberal and free edu-
cation of all the children Of the Territory; entire
religious freedom: a free press free speech, and
the peaceable right to assemble and discuss all
Questions Of pubic interest; trial by juries i'm
partially selected; the sanctity ofthe habeas cor
pus; the repeal Of all laws inconsistent with the
Constitution Of the United States and the 0rga-
mic Act and the steady administration Of the go
vernment SO as to best secure the general wei
fare.s ] = a.N7 F" 'r4.''.
These sterling maxins sanctioned by thewis
dom and e&perience'o of the past, and the observ-
ance Of which has brought our country to SO ex-
alted q position among the nations OF the earth
will be The steady fights BY which my admins
tration shall be guided.
A summary view ofthc state ofthel Territory
upon my advent With an Illusion to. some Of my
official acts, may not be Inappropriate to this oc-
cason, and may serve to inspire your counsels
with that wisdom and prudence, by a contennpla-
ton of the frightfdI excesses of the past 50 es
sential in the adoption Of measures to prevent
their recurrence, and enable you wisely to lay
the broad and solid foundations Of future COM
monwealth which may give protection and hap+
piness to millions offfcemen. ts sd} :
1taccqrds not with ilnly policy or intention to
do the least injustice to any citizen or party Of
men IN this Territory or elsewhere Pledged to
do "cqusl and exact justice,n in my executive
capacity am inclined to tllrow'the veil Of OBJ
livfon oyer the errors and outrages of theiperiod
antecedcnt to my arrival except so far as sefer-